Human trafficking is an issue of staggering proportions, and the numbers only continue to rise. Globally, it’s estimated that 27 million people are trapped in modern slavery, generating illegal profits. In the U.S. alone, human trafficking prosecutions have more than doubled in the past decade, while the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified over 100,000 cases since 2007. Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect is the vulnerability of children - 57% of human trafficking victims in the U.S. are minors, and worldwide, nearly one in three trafficking victims is a child.

This isn’t just a problem in distant lands or unfamiliar neighborhoods. Human trafficking thrives behind closed doors in hotels, motels, factories, homes, and even on farms. In fact, 80% of commercial sex transactions facilitated by traffickers involve hotels or motels, hiding exploitation in plain sight. For the average person, this means trafficking could be happening just next door - an alarming reminder that no community is immune.

This isn’t an unstoppable problem. While the statistics paint a dark picture, they also highlight an opportunity for action. Understanding the signs of trafficking can make a life-saving difference. By staying informed, vigilant, and compassionate, we can create a community of watchful neighbors who refuse to let trafficking go unnoticed.

Trafficking thrives in silence and secrecy, but together, we can shine a light on this hidden crime. Every effort counts, and every life is worth fighting for. There is hope - because change begins with us looking Through Their Eyes.