Human-trafficking facts

The city of Houston leads the nation in human-trafficking cases, and Texas ranks second in the nation, with 20 percent of cases occurring in our state. Crime Stoppers of Houston has partnered with The Buzz to provide statistics and education on this problem and how, we, as Houstonians, can bring an end to this modern-day slavery.

Victims come from all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, lured by false promises of lucrative jobs, stability, education or a relationship. 

• Half of all trafficked victims in the United States are children. Of these cases, 74 percent involve sex trafficking.
• Human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the world and the fastest growing. 
• While sex trafficking receives most of the media attention, there are actually more cases of labor trafficking worldwide.
• All child prostitution, even when there is no force, fraud or coercion, is human trafficking. Minors cannot give consent.
• Traffickers are increasingly active on social media; children are extremely vulnerable due to their increased time online. 
• Through the Crime Stoppers Safe School Program, Crime Stoppers is educating students and parents how to stay safe online and in the real world. 

Everyone has the potential to discover a human-trafficking situation. Indicators of trafficking include: 

• Living with their employer.
• Poor living conditions.
• Inability to speak to individuals alone.
• Employer holding identity documents.
• Unpaid or paid very little.
• Submissive or fearful.
• Avoids eye contact.

Questions to ask if you have the opportunity: 

• Can you leave your job if you want to? 
• Have you or your family been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?
• Do you live with your employer? 
• Where do you sleep and eat? 
• Are you in debt to your employer? 
• Do you have your passport/identification? If not, who has it?

If you are suspicious of human trafficking or witness a crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Editor’s note: The Buzz is partnering with Crime Stoppers of Houston. See our City Corner blog for more safety tips from Rania, plus news from your corner of the city. If you are suspicious of human trafficking or witness a crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Rania Mankarious is the executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston.