National Statistics

The National Human Trafficking Hotline maintains one of the most extensive data sets on the issue of human trafficking in the United States. The statistics contained on this website are based on aggregated information learned through signals -- phone calls, texts, online chats, emails, and online tip reports -- received by the Trafficking Hotline. The data do not define the totality of human trafficking or of a trafficking network in any given area. The Trafficking Hotline uses this data to help human trafficking victims and survivors and to provide the anti-trafficking field with information to help combat all forms of human trafficking.

In order to ensure a high quality of data, Polaris reviews cases of potential trafficking and records the information included below. Recently, the increasing volume of information that needs review has delayed our ability to release fully validated data for the years 2022 and 2023. To meet this challenge, Polaris is transitioning from a manual data validation process to an AI and machine-learning assisted processes. During this transition, in recognition of the need for data by many stakeholders across government, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations, the Trafficking Hotline has released partially validated data for 2022 and 2023. Partially validated data is data that has not undergone a complete review by data quality analysts. Based on analysis of previous hotline data, partially validated data for 2022 and 2023 has an estimated false positive rate of 13.70% and a false negative rate of 11.04%. We will update both 2022 and 2023 with fully validated data as soon the new data validation processes are in place. In addition, data is dynamic and subject to change as the hotline continues to respond to victims of trafficking. Therefore, even fully validated data reported is likely to have minor fluctuations based on when the data for the report was retrieved. The current report is based on data retrieved on April 22, 2024.
 

Total National Statistics

The National Human Trafficking Hotline uses the word "case" to represent distinct situations of trafficking reported to the hotline. A case can involve one or more potential victims of trafficking and can be reported to the hotline through one or more conversations via call, text, email, online report, or webchat. The use of the word case is not an indication of law enforcement involvement in the situation.

Polaris has changed the way we present certain data to include contacts initiated by text and chat. As a result, data obtained before this change may not match what is currently available on this site.

View Stats by State

All Time Statistics (Since 2007)

Signals

The Human Trafficking Hotline has received 432,902 signals since its inception.

Hotline Call: 306,220
SMS Report: 61,387
Online Report: 31,868
Email Received: 25,197
Web Chat: 8,230

Cases

Since its inception, the Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 100,891 cases of human trafficking. 197,000 victims were identified in these cases.

Statistics by Year

Select a Year:
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2007-2014
2023

Signals Received in 2023

30,162
signals were received by the Hotline in 2023 from National.
7,380
signals received were from victims or survivors of human trafficking

How do contacts hear about the hotline?

It is helpful for us to learn how people hear about the Hotline so that we can strategically advertise to reach more victims and survivors. However, we are not always able to collect this information during every conversation. 

Ways the Hotline was Found

Referral
200

Internet
127

Training/Conference
102

Print Media
13

Billboard
11

Television
8

DOS Know Your Rights Pamphlet
6

Truckers Against Trafficking Outreach
5

Other
29,690

How do contacts reach the hotline?

People can contact the Hotline by phone, text, online chat, online form, and email. Most people contact us by phone or text.

Signal Types

Hotline Call
16,439

SMS Report
7,015

Online Report
3,354

Email Received
2,107

Web Chat
1,247

Cases Identified in 2023

9,619
cases were identified in 2023.
16,999
victims were involved in these cases. Cases can involve multiple victims.

What types of trafficking cases were reported?

The Hotline receives tips about situations involving sex trafficking, labor trafficking, sex & labor trafficking, as well as situations where the type of trafficking may be unknown or not specified. 

Types of Trafficking

Sex
5,572

Labor
1,558

Sex and Labor
1,021
Venues for Sex Trafficking

Residence-Based Commercial Sex
618

Online Ad, Venue Unknown
185

Illicit Massage/Spa Business
182

Escort/Delivery Service
143

Hostess/Strip Club-Based
43

Truck Stop-Based
36

Tourism
5

Other
3,233
Venues for Labor Trafficking

Domestic Work
248

Restaurant/Food Service
122

Illicit Activity
35

Begging Ring
33

Landscaping Service
30

Health Care
22

Housekeeping/Cleaning Service
22

Health & Beauty Services
18

Traveling Sales Crew
17

Arts & Entertainment
16

Professional/Scientific/Tech Services
14

Peddling Ring
13

Hostess/Strip Club
6

Mining, Quarrying, Oil/Gas Extraction
4

Other
617

What was the primary request in each case?

People contact the hotline to report a tip, request a referral, or reach out for crisis-related services such as immediate shelter or crisis response.

Requests on Human Trafficking Cases

Report a Trafficking Tip
6,101

Access Service Referrals
3,058

Request Crisis Assistance
388

Request General Information
69

Request T&TA
3

Case Demographics

The Hotline only collects demographic information for victims and survivors in a trafficking situation when appropriate. These numbers are not cumulative as one case could involve multiple victims and survivors.

Ages

Adults
6,676

Minors
2,535
Genders

Females
6,863

Males
1,480
Citizenships

Foreign Nationals
1,152

US Citizen LPR
934

Signals and cases by State in 2023

Human Trafficking Hotline Statistics

50,123

signals were received by the Hotline in 2021. Includes calls, texts, and online chats and tips.

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