Sex Trafficking of Minors

If you need help with a minor who is missing and may be in a trafficking situation, please call our professional caseworkers immediately at 800-587-4357. We help many families search for and recover their children.

Did You Know?

  • Anyone involved in selling sexual services under the age of 18 is a victim of sex trafficking under U.S. law.
  • Most sex trafficking of minors occurs after they are groomed and recruited online.
    • Online recruitment happens through website forums, social media, and gaming chat.
  • Children are far more likely to be trafficked by people they already know – including family members.
  • Kidnapping a minor for sex trafficking is very rare – most traffickers build trust with victims based on their vulnerabilities and manipulate them into the sexual exploitation. 
  • One in six runaways are likely to become victims.

Who is at Risk?

  • Homeless by way of being a runaway or throwaway.
  • Victims of abuse or maltreatment.
  • Have low self-esteem.
  • Sexual minority status (LGBTQ)
  • In conflict with their parents or caregivers.
  • Substance abuse, criminality, or poverty in family.
  • Gang affiliation. 
  • Contact with child protection authorities or are in foster care.
  • Difficulties in school or with peers.
  • Searching for love and acceptance.

Essentially – children who have vulnerabilities that are either expressed, spotted, or correctly guessed by exploiters.

How to Protect Your Child(ren)

  • Help your child build self-esteem from an early age.
  • Teach your child skills to be resilient.
  • Be that “trusted adult” that your child feels comfortable talking to about anything.
  • Know where your child is and who they are hanging out with – even if they are home and on the computer.
  • Know what apps, games, and social media sites they are on and who they are talking with. 
  • Talk with your child about healthy relationships.

Additional Information on the Issue of Sex Trafficking of Minors

PKF is proud to announce that we are official members of the Sonoma County Human Trafficking Task Force as of May of 2014. This multidisciplinary team is comprised of members from law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and other community-based organizations.