​What It Is    VS.   What It Isn’t

• It is SLAVERY often run by local gangs.
• It is drugging children and allowing them to be raped as many as 10-30 times a day.
• It is using fear and intimidation to threaten and control another human being.
• It is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world.
• It is responsible for more than $50 BILLION/Year in revenue. More than Google, Starbucks, and NIKE combined.
• It is the exploitation of the most marginalized; women, children, homeless, transgender, mentally ill, physically impaired and the elderly
• It is still growing.  In fact with estimates ranging from 30-40 MILLION victims, in 2017 The US State Dept. reported that globally there were only 14,894 prosecutions and just 9,071 convictions

• IT ISN'T PROSTITUTION. It isn't voluntary.
• It isn't about initial consent for a minor, nor is it about payment.
• It's not a problem just for poor kids.
• Victims often don't CHOOSE drugs - they are forced.
• This isn’t a career choice or a way of life.
• It doesn't only occur underground - many times the cover is a legitimate business.
• Women aren't the only victims - as many as 1/3 of victims are boys.
• It doesn't just happen in other countries.  The Urban Institute examined what they call an "underground sex economy" which included 8 U.S. Cities whose "economies" ranged from $39.9 million (Denver) to $290 million (Atlanta)