Sex Trafficking in San Francisco

Human trafficking is happening around the world, but what can you do to combat it in your community?

If you believe someone is at immediate risk, report it to law enforcement by calling 911 or contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting HELP to 233733.

The Situation

Every country is affected by human trafficking. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of modern slavery worldwide with 62% exploited for labor and 38% sexually exploited.

San Francisco has been identified as a sex trafficking hotspot.

The FBI names San Francisco as one of the worst areas in the country for the commercial sexual exploitation of children.  Under state and federal law, any minor involved in a commercial sex act has been sex trafficked.

However, it is important to recognize that adults are also targeted.  In 2015, 57% of identified survivors in San Francisco county were over 18 years old.¹

Traffickers often target victims through online grooming and trick them with false promises of romance or friendship.

Anyone can be vulnerable to human trafficking, but certain factors can make people more at risk. These include, but are not limited to:

• Socio-economic or family circumstances
• Psychological or physical condition
• Age
• Legal status
• Prior victimization

Trafficked persons are controlled through:

• Physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse
• Confiscation of identity documents
• Social isolation and restricted movement
• Debt bondage and financial dependence
• Threats of violence to themselves and their family members
• Fear of being reported to authorities and enforcement

Know More

Modern day slavery rarely takes the form of people in visible chains. It is a clandestine crime – hidden in plain sight.

What questions can you ask yourself?

• Does the person providing sexual services seem anxious or withdrawn?
• Do they appear to be under the control of somebody else?
• Are they closely watched, guarded or supervised?
• Are there signs of physical abuse?
• Do they keep the money they are paid?
• Does the massage parlor have locked doors or operate after 10pm?
• Is there any strange activity in a motel or hotel?
• Are any of the people involved minors?

Learn more about how to SPOT THE SIGNS.

Do More

STOP THE TRAFFIK is working in collaboration with local organizations, law enforcement and the No Traffick Ahead workgroup to raise awareness, mobilize communities and increase community resilience to human trafficking in the Bay Area.

You can join the fight against this heinous crime.

Report any suspicions you have:

Child Protective Services hotline:         (800) 856-5553

National Human Trafficking Hotline:     888-373-7888

Photo slide three of Facebook post: Lisa Kristine/Human Thread Foundation

¹ Human Trafficking Report in San Francisco 2016 – Mayor’s Task Force on Anti-Human Trafficking