Many people hear “human trafficking” and assume it happens somewhere else, far removed from their own community. But for millions of victims, trafficking is a lived reality that causes deep physical and emotional harm. Understanding the full impact helps us see survivors as people who deserve care, compassion, and long-term support.
The Numbers Expose the Reality of Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is heinous, degrading, and more widespread than many realize.
According to estimates by the United Nations’ International Labour Organization, 78% of those victimized by sex trafficking are women and girls, and 22% are men and boys. While 92% are adults, 8% are children.
The Physical Impact
Sex trafficking exposes victims to severe and often prolonged physical harm. Many survivors experience health issues such as:
- Sexual and reproductive health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and AIDs, pelvic injuries, and urinary difficulties
- Pregnancy and related complications
- Infertility or long-term reproductive damage
- Infections or injuries from unsafe medical procedures
- Chronic pain, hearing issues, and cardiovascular or respiratory problems
- Vision difficulties
- Malnourishment and severe dental issues
- Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis
- Undiagnosed chronic illness, including diabetes or cancer
- Bruises, scars, burns, or other signs of abuse
- Substance abuse or addiction, whether forced or used to cope
Even after escaping, survivors continue to deal with these health effects for years. Healing requires medical care, time, and compassionate community support.
Psychological Trauma
The psychological consequences of sexual trafficking can be just as devastating. Survivors may experience:
- Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders, PTSD, C-PTSD, nightmares, flashbacks, and chronic insomnia In one study of 131 survivors, 71 percent reported depression, and 61 percent had PTSD.
- Cognitive and emotional difficulties, including disorientation, memory problems, trouble concentrating, emotional numbness, dissociation, persistent fear, or mistrust
- Deep feelings of shame, guilt, helplessness, disbelief, or hopelessness
- Substance use or addiction as a coping response
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Cultural shock or isolation, especially for those trafficked across borders
These psychological wounds may be invisible, but they affect every part of a survivor’s life and often require long-term, trauma-informed support.
What You Can Do to Help
Sex trafficking is a major human rights violation with heartbreaking effects and devastating consequences for victims. We must work together to prevent it, report it when we see it, and bring traffickers to justice.
Here are a few ways you can help.
- Pray for the victims and survivors. Don’t forget them. There are millions of victims in trafficking situations that need to be set free, and survivors who are on long roads to mental and physical healing.
- Raise awareness by sharing content from survivors and survivor-led groups.
- Support youth programs and school curricula that teach online safety, healthy relationships, and how to set boundaries.
- Encourage training in workplaces, churches, and local organizations. Everyone needs to be aware of sex trafficking’s widespread harm and work to prevent it through age- and setting-appropriate content.
- Offer practical support for survivors through trusted groups that provide transportation, childcare, job resources, or donated services.
If you suspect someone may be trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
The hotline can help you determine whether someone may be a trafficking victim, connect you with local resources, and coordinate with social service organizations so survivors can receive the support they need to begin rebuilding their lives.
Your decision to speak up could save someone’s life and protect their future.