A Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury report reveals that human trafficking remains largely unrecognized and unreported. Most Americans assume it occurs primarily overseas, while 85% of cases go unreported. In California, there may be 5,000-10,000 unreported cases each year, with minors being particularly vulnerable. In 2023, California reported 1,130 cases involving 2,045 victims, with 60% related to sex trafficking. The Department of Justice identifies human trafficking as the fastest-growing criminal enterprise due to its profitability. The report is based on interviews with survivors and professionals in various sectors.
Human trafficking is defined by the U.S. Department of Justice as a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex.
85% of human trafficking cases go unreported, which could potentially add up to 5,000-10,000 cases per year in California, with adolescents and teenagers especially vulnerable.
The California Department of Justice determined that human trafficking, both sex and labor trafficking, is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise globally and is increasing in California.
California had approximately 1,130 reported cases of human trafficking, which involved 2,045 victims and roughly 60% of the cases involved sex trafficking.
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