Signals
The Human Trafficking Hotline has received 11,231 signals since its inception.
Cases
Since its inception, the Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 3,514 cases of human trafficking. 6,833 victims were identified in these cases.
Illinois
Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that occurs in every state, including Illinois. The NHTH works closely with service providers, law enforcement, and other professionals in Illinois to serve victims and survivors of trafficking, respond to human trafficking cases, and share information and resources.
Learn more about human trafficking in Illinois by browsing the hotline statistics below.
View Stats by State
All Time Statistics (Since 2007)
Statistics by Year
2025
Signals Received in 2025
773
signals were received by the Hotline in 2025.
227
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
8
Other
647
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
385
Online Report
200
SMS Report
111
Web Chat
59
Email Received
18
Cases Identified in 2025
385
cases were identified in 2025.
573
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
221
Sex and Labor
58
Labor
53
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
27
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
25
Hotel/Motel-Based
20
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
6
Pornography
6
Street-Based
6
Escort/Delivery Service
4
Bar/Club
4
Other
133
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
13
Retail/Other Small Business
6
Restaurant/Food Service
4
Other
30
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
238
Access Service Referrals
114
Request Crisis Assistance
26
Request General Information
7
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
254
Minors
61
Sex
Females
281
Males
67
2024
Signals Received in 2024
792
signals were received by the Hotline in 2024.
219
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
33
Other
759
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
456
Online Report
144
SMS Report
101
Web Chat
51
Email Received
40
Cases Identified in 2024
385
cases were identified in 2024.
627
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
235
Labor
58
Sex and Labor
47
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
29
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
27
Hotel/Motel-Based
24
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
7
Escort/Delivery Service
7
Street-Based
6
Hostess/Strip Club-Based
4
Pornography
4
Bar/Club
3
Other
143
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
13
Restaurant/Food Service
11
Housekeeping/Cleaning Service
4
Illicit Activity
3
Transportation
3
Construction
3
Hospitality
3
Other
25
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
230
Access Service Referrals
135
Request Crisis Assistance
18
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
289
Minors
83
Sex
Females
285
Males
61
2023
Signals Received in 2023
696
signals were received by the Hotline in 2023.
209
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
42
Other
654
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
427
SMS Report
135
Online Report
87
Web Chat
34
Email Received
13
Cases Identified in 2023
269
cases were identified in 2023.
430
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
163
Labor
45
Sex and Labor
37
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
31
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
16
Hotel/Motel-Based
15
Pornography
14
Street-Based
7
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
3
Truck Stop-Based
3
Other
90
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
6
Hospitality
5
Begging Ring
4
Restaurant/Food Service
4
Factory
4
Other
25
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
177
Access Service Referrals
83
Request Crisis Assistance
8
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
192
Minors
72
Sex
Females
203
Males
37
2022
Signals Received in 2022
698
signals were received by the Hotline in 2022.
230
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
35
Training/Conference
3
Other
660
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
466
SMS Report
113
Online Report
75
Email Received
34
Web Chat
10
Cases Identified in 2022
235
cases were identified in 2022.
387
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
174
Labor
35
Sex and Labor
9
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
21
Hotel/Motel-Based
20
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
15
Pornography
12
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
9
Escort/Delivery Service
6
Truck Stop-Based
3
Street-Based
3
Other
86
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
12
Construction
3
Other
24
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
148
Access Service Referrals
70
Request Crisis Assistance
17
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
171
Minors
52
Sex
Females
181
Males
41
2021
Signals Received in 2021
893
signals were received by the Hotline in 2021.
304
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
36
Internet
5
Training/Conference
3
Other
849
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
599
SMS Report
181
Online Report
50
Email Received
44
Web Chat
19
Cases Identified in 2021
246
cases were identified in 2021.
358
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
179
Labor
27
Sex and Labor
16
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
25
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
21
Pornography
18
Hotel/Motel-Based
14
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
12
Escort/Delivery Service
4
Street-Based
4
Other
84
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
8
Restaurant/Food Service
3
Traveling Sales Crew
3
Other
19
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
161
Access Service Referrals
69
Request Crisis Assistance
16
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
174
Minors
50
Sex
Females
197
Males
28
2020
Signals Received in 2020
919
signals were received by the Hotline in 2020.
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
58
Internet
19
Training/Conference
8
Other
834
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
674
SMS Report
125
Online Report
48
Email Received
43
Web Chat
29
Cases Identified in 2020
252
cases were identified in 2020.
394
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
193
Labor
32
Sex and Labor
5
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Hotel/Motel-Based
21
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
18
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
17
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
15
Pornography
14
Street-Based
6
Escort/Delivery Service
4
Truck Stop-Based
3
Other
95
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
10
Construction
4
Other
21
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
172
Access Service Referrals
69
Request Crisis Assistance
11
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
174
Minors
52
Sex
Females
217
Males
20
2019
Signals Received in 2019
862
signals were received by the Hotline in 2019.
249
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
104
Internet
70
Training/Conference
13
Truckers Against Trafficking Outreach
6
Other
669
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
662
Online Report
80
SMS Report
67
Email Received
27
Web Chat
26
Cases Identified in 2019
267
cases were identified in 2019.
437
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
196
Labor
28
Sex and Labor
16
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
42
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
19
Hotel/Motel-Based
14
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
13
Escort/Delivery Service
13
Pornography
7
Street-Based
6
Truck Stop-Based
3
Other
87
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
8
Illicit Activity
6
Begging Ring
4
Other
16
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
200
Access Service Referrals
57
Request Crisis Assistance
10
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
157
Minors
57
Sex
Females
229
Males
19
2018
Signals Received in 2018
892
signals were received by the Hotline in 2018.
293
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
79
Internet
61
Training/Conference
17
DOS Know Your Rights Pamphlet
8
Truckers Against Trafficking Outreach
4
Print Media
3
Other
720
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
673
Online Report
108
SMS Report
77
Web Chat
28
Email Received
6
Cases Identified in 2018
296
cases were identified in 2018.
735
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
226
Labor
30
Sex and Labor
18
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
43
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
33
Hotel/Motel-Based
24
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
17
Escort/Delivery Service
17
Pornography
6
Hostess/Strip Club-Based
4
Street-Based
4
Other
88
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
10
Construction
4
Retail/Other Small Business
3
Other
17
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
230
Access Service Referrals
46
Request Crisis Assistance
20
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
139
Minors
61
Sex
Females
200
Males
28
2017
Signals Received in 2017
769
signals were received by the Hotline in 2017.
160
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
113
Internet
58
DOS Know Your Rights Pamphlet
13
Training/Conference
7
Print Media
5
Radio
3
Truckers Against Trafficking Outreach
3
Other
567
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
648
Online Report
72
SMS Report
28
Email Received
21
Cases Identified in 2017
204
cases were identified in 2017.
583
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
159
Labor
26
Sex and Labor
12
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Hotel/Motel-Based
26
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
19
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
18
Escort/Delivery Service
17
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
15
Truck Stop-Based
5
Pornography
5
Street-Based
4
Other
52
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Traveling Sales Crew
7
Domestic Work
5
Illicit Activity
4
Agriculture/Farms
3
Other
12
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
146
Access Service Referrals
39
Request Crisis Assistance
18
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
127
Minors
60
Sex
Females
173
Males
19
2016
Signals Received in 2016
734
signals were received by the Hotline in 2016.
187
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
85
Internet
21
Truckers Against Trafficking Outreach
9
DOS Know Your Rights Pamphlet
4
Training/Conference
4
Other
611
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
636
Online Report
57
SMS Report
21
Email Received
20
Cases Identified in 2016
210
cases were identified in 2016.
586
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
163
Labor
25
Sex and Labor
12
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
27
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
16
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
15
Hotel/Motel-Based
11
Truck Stop-Based
7
Street-Based
7
Escort/Delivery Service
6
Pornography
6
Bar/Club
3
Other
67
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Domestic Work
5
Health & Beauty Services
3
Illicit Activity
3
Peddling Ring
3
Other
16
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
159
Access Service Referrals
34
Request Crisis Assistance
16
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
129
Minors
69
Sex
Females
177
Males
26
2015
Signals Received in 2015
655
signals were received by the Hotline in 2015.
153
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
79
Internet
38
Print Media
10
DOS Know Your Rights Pamphlet
9
Television
5
Training/Conference
3
Other
511
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
568
Online Report
35
Email Received
32
SMS Report
20
Cases Identified in 2015
129
cases were identified in 2015.
419
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
100
Labor
24
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
22
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
11
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
9
Escort/Delivery Service
7
Hotel/Motel-Based
6
Truck Stop-Based
4
Pornography
3
Street-Based
3
Other
35
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Traveling Sales Crew
5
Domestic Work
4
Landscaping Service
3
Factory
3
Other
9
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
88
Access Service Referrals
32
Request Crisis Assistance
7
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
99
Minors
33
Sex
Females
107
Males
17
2007-2014
Signals Received in 2007-2014
2,548
signals were received by the Hotline in 2007-2014.
82
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
Internet
297
Referral
226
Print Media
123
Television
84
DOS Know Your Rights Pamphlet
70
Training/Conference
47
Radio
32
Billboard
15
Truckers Against Trafficking Outreach
6
Film
3
Other
1,645
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
2,378
Online Report
79
Email Received
52
SMS Report
39
Cases Identified in 2007-2014
636
cases were identified in 2007-2014.
1,304
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
492
Labor
90
Sex and Labor
17
Venues for Sex Trafficking
Illicit Massage/Spa Business
96
Residence-Based Commercial Sex
37
Hotel/Motel-Based
36
Street-Based
32
Escort/Delivery Service
30
Online Ad, Venue Unknown
24
Pornography
14
Truck Stop-Based
11
Hostess/Strip Club-Based
10
Bar/Club
8
Other
196
Venues for Labor Trafficking
Traveling Sales Crew
15
Domestic Work
14
Restaurant/Food Service
13
Health & Beauty Services
11
Construction
5
Professional/Scientific/Tech Services
4
Agriculture/Farms
4
Begging Ring
3
Illicit Activity
3
Peddling Ring
3
Other
21
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
420
Access Service Referrals
144
Request Crisis Assistance
46
Request General Information
20
Request T&TA
6
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
390
Minors
193
Sex
Females
530
Males
73
National Human Trafficking Referral Directory
This online Referral Directory is made up of anti-trafficking organizations and programs that offer emergency, transitional, or long-term services to victims and survivors of human trafficking as well as those that provide resources and opportunities in the anti-trafficking field.
Human Trafficking Hotline Statistics
50,123
signals were received by the Hotline in 2021. Includes calls, texts, and online chats and tips.