A Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury report indicates human trafficking is largely overlooked in the county, mirroring a national trend. The U.S. Department of Justice defines human trafficking as exploitation for labor or commercial sex. Despite common perceptions that trafficking only occurs abroad, many cases remain unreported, with estimates suggesting 5,000-10,000 unreported cases in California annually. In 2023, California documented about 1,130 trafficking cases involving over 2,000 victims. The California Department of Justice states human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the world, with sex trafficking being particularly prevalent.
The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury report reveals human trafficking in the county remains largely unrecognized and unreported, a reflection seen across state and federal levels.
According to the National Institute of Justice, 85% of human trafficking cases remain unreported, potentially totaling 5,000-10,000 cases per year in California.
California had approximately 1,130 reported cases of human trafficking in 2023, involving 2,045 victims, with about 60% categorized as sex trafficking.
Human trafficking is identified as the fastest-growing criminal enterprise globally, with the California Department of Justice noting increasing incidents in the state.
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