Resources

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According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were 6,593 reported cases of human trafficking nationally in 2023. In North Carolina specifically, 684 tips were received, leading to the confirmation of 235 cases involving sexual exploitation. 

Website- https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/statistics.

It is important to recognize that young individuals are particularly vulnerable in these situations and often don't know their being groomed or exploited. There are many cases of sexual exploitation that is not being disclosed!

If you are a young person, responsible, or care for a young person and are experiencing a situation that requires immediate assistance, please contact 911.

Familial sexual exploitation, involves the sexual abuse of children or vulnerable individual by a family member or someone close to.

Tactics used to exploit.

• Grooming: Building trust and dependence while gradually introducing inappropriate behavior to normalize the abuse.
• Isolation: Separating the survivor from others and limiting access to support.
• Coercion and threats: Using fear, intimidation, or consequences to maintain control.
• Psychological manipulation: Causing confusion, guilt, and self-blame while making the victim feel responsible.
• Secrecy and shame: Pressuring the victim to stay silent and believe they won’t be believed.
• Exploiting family dynamics: Using authority, power, and roles within the family to control and normalize abuse.
• Blaming the victim: Shifting responsibility onto the victim to reinforce confusion and silence.
• Substance use: Using drugs or alcohol to impair resistance or awareness.
• Rewards or gifts: Offering attention, gifts, or privileges to encourage compliance.
• Minimization: Downplaying the abuse, leading the survivor to question their reality.

Resources for you or someone you serve!

National Human Trafficking Hotline-(888) 373- 7888

RAINN Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network-(800) 656-HOPE

Information And Resource Hotline dial (211)