Human Trafficking
Virginia Code Mandate
Human Trafficking Services Needs Assessment Survey Report
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a criminal activity in which people profit from the control and exploitation of others. Two forms of human trafficking are sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Human trafficking can occur anywhere, within and across U.S. borders, victimizing both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, both children and adults, and across all gender identities.
Human Trafficking Facts and Recognizing the Signs
Many victims of human trafficking are U.S. citizens and are trafficked within our communities.
Who are the victims of human trafficking?
- Foreign nationals
- Runaway or homeless youth
- LGBTQIA youth
- Victims of abuse or domestic violence
- Those living in poverty or debt
- Oppressed and marginalized groups
- Those desperate for education, jobs, and better opportunities
- Displaced people (as a result of natural disasters or civil unrest)
Victims are often targeted based on their perceived vulnerability, and they are recruited using various methods. Traffickers might promise a legitimate job to the victim, promise love and marriage, or be a trusted family member or friend. Other methods include debt bondage, abduction/kidnapping, blackmail/extortion, and smuggling.
Who are the traffickers?
- Single or multiple traffickers (multiple traffickers often exist in networks)
- Organized crime and gangs
- So-called "pimp" traffickers
- Family members, which can be parents, intimate partners, or others
Trafficking networks have various roles for each trafficker, including recruiters, transporters, forgers, groomers, security, handlers, and enforcers.
For more specific information, visit: https://polarisproject.org/resources/resources-by-topic/sex-trafficking
The Polaris Project also lists common signs indicating a human trafficking victim and has statistics on human trafficking: https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognize-signs
Information Sources/Disclaimers
DCJS Contact
For questions, contact: Angella Alvernaz, State Trafficking Response Coordinator, 804-517-8695