Understanding Sex Trafficking | Awareness That Protects

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and we begin by addressing one of the most widely recognized yet often misunderstood forms of exploitation: sex trafficking.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, sex trafficking accounts for the majority of trafficking cases reported in the United States each year, with many victims identified through community tips rather than law enforcement alone (National Human Trafficking Hotline, U.S. National Statistics).

Sex trafficking occurs when a person is compelled, coerced, or deceived into commercial sexual activity. According to the U.S. Department of State’s most recent Trafficking in Persons Report, sex trafficking remains one of the most commonly identified forms of human trafficking globally and within the United States (U.S. Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report). The National Human Trafficking Hotline consistently reports that sex trafficking accounts for the largest percentage of cases reported each year, with women and girls disproportionately affected, though individuals of all genders are impacted.

Sex trafficking rarely begins with force. It often starts with grooming, false promises of love, employment, or stability, and exploitation of unmet needs. Vulnerabilities such as homelessness, prior abuse, immigration status, and economic insecurity increase risk.

Because trafficking often begins early, prevention must also begin early. In Maryland, House Bill 763 (HB 763), sponsored by Delegate Steve Johnson, focuses on strengthening school based awareness and prevention education related to human and sex trafficking. By equipping students with age appropriate information and awareness, this legislation addresses risk factors before exploitation occurs.

At HopeWorks Global, prevention starts with education. When communities understand how sex trafficking operates and what warning signs look like, exploitation becomes easier to identify and interrupt. Awareness equips families, educators, faith leaders, and service providers to respond early and appropriately.

Federal leaders are currently considering the National Human Trafficking Database Act (S.61 / H.R.863), bipartisan legislation that would strengthen national data collection and improve understanding of how sex trafficking manifests across states (U.S. Congress, National Human Trafficking Database Act). Accurate data is critical to prevention and policy decisions.

What This Bill Means for Communities

Together, state and federal efforts play a critical role in prevention. Maryland’s HB 763 strengthens early education and awareness, while S.61 / H.R.863 improves how trafficking data is collected and shared nationwide. Combined, these approaches help communities identify risk sooner, allocate resources more effectively, and build prevention strategies rooted in real evidence rather than assumptions.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of sex trafficking, support prevention focused policies, and invite HopeWorks Global to provide awareness training in your community. We also encourage Maryland residents to engage with their state representatives, and all readers to stay informed about national legislation that strengthens trafficking prevention.

Find Your Representative

Speaking up matters.

Use your ZIP code at www.house.gov 

to identify your U.S. Representative and reach out through their official contact channels to advocate for justice and protection for vulnerable communities.

Find Your Senators

Engaging leaders is part of creating change. Use www.senate.gov 

to select your state and access your U.S. Senators’ contact information, including email, phone, office locations, and social media.

Democracy.io : Online Tool

Advocacy does not have to be complicated. With this ONLINE TOOL, you can contact all three of your representatives at the same time by entering your address, sharing your message, and pressing send.

Find Your MD Delegates

Stand up for children and prevention. Find your Maryland Delegates and Senator at https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/ and make your voice heard.

You can also support this work directly by standing with HopeWorks Global through your financial support. Your gift fuels prevention education, equips communities with life saving knowledge, and helps stop exploitation before it begins. Give Hope