Human trafficking is a grave global issue, generating $150 billion annually and affecting 4-6 million people worldwide. Often referred to as Modern-Day Slavery, this heinous crime disproportionately impacts women and girls, who make up 71% of victims and suffer severe and lasting harm.
In the United States, more individuals pay for sex than in any other country, as noted by the Polaris Project. This creates a demand that fuels sex trafficking, with 15% of American men admitting to seeking paid sex at some point in their lives. Victims of sex trafficking are recruited through force, fraud, or coercion, though no such conditions are required for victims under 18. Tragically, 25% of sex trafficking victims are children, and the U.S. Department of Justice reports that over 100,000 kids are trafficked for sex each day, with the average age being 12-14 years.
Compared to drug or gun trafficking, human trafficking is seen as a lower-risk, more profitable crime for traffickers. Victims can be sold repeatedly for sex with minimal financial investment from their traffickers. Though sex trafficking affects all demographics, traffickers often target vulnerable youth—those with low self-esteem, a history of family trauma or abuse, substance use issues, homelessness, or mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety.
Despite the discomfort of acknowledging this issue, it is crucial to confront the reality that human trafficking is occurring in our community. Between 2015 and 2020, an estimated 13,000 individuals in Sacramento County were trafficked for sex, according to a report by Communities Against Sexual Harm, Sacramento State, and Group RTI International. This study indicates that for every identified victim, there are approximately 11.2 additional victims who remain unseen (Fox40 News, July 2022).
Soroptimist International of Grass Valley is dedicated to safeguarding our youth and combating this critical issue. We are actively working to protect our community from the scourge of human trafficking and to raise awareness about this urgent problem.
Please join Soroptimist International of Grass Valley (SIGV) in working to eradicate this crime and protect the victims. (See SIGV Projects).