States with the Highest Reports of Human Trafficking Cases
It is difficult to grasp how widespread human trafficking is in the United States and across the globe. Tens of thousands of people are estimated to be trafficked into the U.S. each year. However, there are few reliable statistics related to this devastating epidemic. Human trafficking touches every part of the country, from large metropolitan areas to rural farming communities.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., we are dedicated advocates for those who have fallen victim to human traffickers in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. We offer experienced, compassionate representation for human trafficking survivors.
If you or someone you love has been exploited by a sex or labor trafficker, contact our office at (410) 685-2022 for a free, confidential consultation.
Modern-Day Slavery in America
In a Report of Recommendations to then-President Barack Obama, his advisory council noted that another person becomes a victim of human trafficking every 30 seconds. According to the report, trafficking is likely one of the “top-grossing criminal industries in the world.” Traffickers make billions in profit each year.
Despite being one of the most advanced countries in the world, the United States routinely ranks as one of the worst places for human trafficking. While official numbers are difficult to track, it is estimated that 18,000 to 20,000 people are trafficked into the country each year.
Where Is Human Trafficking Most Prevalent?
The National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 51,000 contacts in 2020, including 13,594 calls from trafficking victims and survivors. Despite what many people think, human trafficking affects every area of the country, from small-town Texas to the largest cities in the world.
In 2020, the most human trafficking cases were reported in:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Georgia
Human trafficking affects men, women, and children of all ages. There are two main forms of trafficking sex and labor trafficking. In some cases, victims are subjected to both forms of atrocity.
Human Trafficking Trends
Traffickers have adapted the way they recruit and exploit their victims. Despite a global pandemic that shuttered travel and businesses, human traffickers continued to prey on the vulnerable.
As noted by the Polaris Project, online recruitment increased significantly (22%) during the pandemic as traditional recruitment sites such as strip clubs were forced into lockdown. Additionally, traffickers heavily relied on social media to recruit. Facebook recruitment increased 125%, and Instagram saw a 95% increase compared to the previous year.
Discuss Your Case with an Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been subjected to human trafficking, contact our office at (410) 685-2022 for a free, confidential case consultation. Our legal team has recovered over $200 million in verdicts and settlements and has over 40 years of experience getting the results our clients deserve.
Let us help you get justice against those responsible for this unimaginable harm. Sex and labor trafficking affect every corner of this globe; we are here to help protect and fight for the victims and survivors of this modern-day slavery.
