The Impact of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a crime that has been documented since the 1500s and continues to be a significant issue, reaching unprecedented levels today. Human trafficking is an act in which an individual coerces/compels another and forces them to provide services for financial gain. Victims often come from connections with people they trust. In 2023, it was monitored that 348 people in the US were victims of human trafficking, 316 of 348 victims were children. Worldwide, however, this number is much higher standing at 49.6 million with Guatemala taking up a significant chunk as it has been estimated that 24.9 million have been trafficked there. Guatemala is recorded to have high trafficking activity with an estimate of 50,000 children who have been trafficked. While laws are in place, such as the Anti-Trafficking Law passed in 2009, most go ignored by law enforcement as they themselves are involved in the rings. This project aims to outline the effects of human trafficking and the steps individuals can take to escape situations where trafficking could occur. Additionally, this project will raise awareness of human trafficking as it grows in numbers every day and help to erase the stigma behind it.