- In 2024 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline recieved 32,309 contacts, or signals, about suspected trafficking situations or from victims and survivors seeking help.
- Caregivers and community members play a vital role in identifying trafficking and its victims; they are a critical pathway to help for victims trapped in a trafficking situation.
- Child traffickers often use social media to approach and groom potential victims.
- A Providence Swedish behavioral health expert offers insight into trafficking and how you can protect your family.
Human trafficking is a pervasive human rights violation involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor, services, or commercial sex. It affects people of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds—including U.S. citizens.
Survivors frequently interact with healthcare professionals during exploitation, underscoring the vital role that caregivers and community members play in identifying red flags and offering pathways to safety. Providence Swedish is committed to fighting human trafficking and to ensuring that our caregivers have access to resources and training to help them recognize and aid victims.
“Many people in human trafficking situations may not recognize their situation or identify themselves as being exploited. Approaching them with compassion and sharing what you're seeing and what you are concerned about is better,” says John Delfeld, LICSW, clinical program manager in quality and patient safety at Providence Swedish. “Specific questions can help to identify a human trafficking situation, such as asking if they are being forced to work or perform sex acts, if someone holds their identity documents, if someone who helped them find a job lied to them about the type of work they would be doing, and if they are trading sex for basic needs or to pay off a debt.”
Human trafficking in the United States
According to the U.S. Department of State, the United States continues to meet the minimum standards for combating trafficking, with ongoing efforts in victim services, sex trafficking investigations, and labor related enforcement. Federal prosecution data reveal more than 4,589 defendants and over 12,000 victims identified in trafficking cases since 2000, with sex trafficking involving minors representing more than double the number of adult trafficking cases. When the topic of human trafficking arises, parents often think about how to protect their children.
“The most important thing you can do to protect your children is keep the lines of communication open and foster a space with your child where it's okay to talk about these difficult topics,” says Delfeld. “Much of human trafficking grooming happens online these days, so it's a good idea to be aware of your child's online exposure. Common areas of concern include social media platforms and networked games where they may be chatting with someone they don't know and you have not approved.”
“If you or someone you know is currently being exploited or if you suspect that a minor is in danger call 911. If you are concerned there may be multiple people being exploited and/or if you are uncertain what to do for yourself or another person call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
“Sometimes perpetrators pose as someone younger to obtain your child's personal information, photos of your child, and/or start to groom them for trafficking. Other times, they may blackmail your child as a way to obtain inappropriate photos or take certain actions to avoid humiliation and/or getting into trouble. Perpetrators are very good at quickly gaining trust of young people. Unfortunately, this is common, with one in nine teenagers having been sexually solicited online.”
States continue to expand antitrafficking policies, but prevention efforts fall short. Washington State, a national anti-trafficking leader, has enacted at least 20 major recommended antitrafficking policies. The state operates multiple task forces that coordinate statewide prevention, victim support and policy development.
Your actions can make a difference
While we may feel compelled to intervene if we suspect someone is being trafficked, that may not always be the best approach, cautions Delfeld. “Forcing a dramatic intervention on them may not be safe or what they want; this is especially the case if they are an immigrant to the US and are worried about involuntary deportation,” he says.
Some steps you can take:
- Get trained in ways to recognize and prevent trafficking.
- Stay informed about online grooming, a growing pathway traffickers use to target youth.
- Talk to your family and community, especially young people, about digital safety.
“Trafficking involving a minor is always a crime. If you suspect that a minor is in danger call 911. If you are concerned there may be multiple people being exploited and/or if you are uncertain what to do, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888,” advises Delfeld. “Someone who is currently being exploited can also call 888-373-7888 for help.”
By raising awareness, engaging in training, and advocating for strong prevention policies, we can work together to reduce exploitation and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
If you are looking for help managing holiday stress or learning to deal with holiday stress, support is available at Providence Providence Swedish Behavioral Health. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
Some #parentingtips to help your kids navigate social media safely
When the news feels like a wave of tragedy and violence, you can help your kids feel safe
Bridging the gaps: rethinking how we communicate can help men and boys thrive
Choosing a therapist: identifying your mental health goals and what to keep in mind
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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