Who is at risk?

Any child is at risk. Children are inherently vulnerable. This vulnerability, coupled with this crime and the demand means that any child is at risk for trafficking and exploitation. However, certain exposures and factors increase this risk. Below are some factors that can increase their risk:

Societal Risk Factors:

• Lack of awareness of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking
• Sexualization of children
• Lack of resources

Community Risk Factors:

• Peer pressure
• Social norms
• Social isolation
• Gang involvement
• Under resourced schools, neighborhoods, and communities

Relationship Risk Factors:

• Family, conflict, disruption, or dysfunction
• Family member involved in the commercial sex industry

Individual Risk Factors:

• History of child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment
• Homelessness, Runaway, or "thrown-away"
• Identify as LGBTQ
• HIstory of being systems-involved (e.g. juvenile justice, criminal justice, foster care)
• Stigma and discrimination