Background:

If less than 10% of survivors claim to be kidnapped by strangers, then how does someone typically end up in trafficking situations? What type of person are traffickers targeting? How can we help?

Research shows us there are certain dynamics in individuals' lives putting them more at risk, or vulnerable, to being trafficked. Our Wheel of Risk identifies 10 of these areas. While this is by no means a comprehensive and exhaustive list of vulnerabilities this wheel is meant to highlight and encompass a broad scope of what makes one individual more likely to be trafficked than another.

Action: Watch This Video

Action: Helping at risk individuals in your community

There are examples of exploitation all around us. Pick two areas of the wheel where you can identify vulnerability to exploitation in your community. Then identify two actionable steps you can take this month to help protect your communities most vulnerable.

• Is there a homeless population nearby? Donate necessary items to a shelter.

• Does your town have affordable education opportunities past high school? Find out if there are job training programs or college courses offered nearby.

• Do the kids at your school say things that contribute to rape culture? Stand up against misogyny, racism, and discrimination.

• Maybe you know someone in your life who could use a friend? Promoting and practicing healthy relationships is the best way we can fight against human trafficking.

There are several ways we can stand up against exploitation in our everyday lives, we just need to be brave enough to do it!

Action: Inspire others

• What’s better than inspiring others to make a difference through the power of our own actions! Share how you took action with us by tagging us on our social media or website! We’d love to use your stories to inspire others to join the movement!