Identifying and Protecting Young Victims of Human Trafficking in Pediatric Surgical Specialties

In the United States, the average entry age into the commercial sex industry is 12–14 years. Human trafficking victims, often lured with fraudulent, false promises of lucrative jobs or relationships, coercion by emotional manipulation tactics, may be subjected to various forms of force, including physical and sexual violence, which may be wielded by traffickers to maintain control. Individuals younger than 18 years involved in prostitution or commercial sexual exploitation with or without forced, fraud, or coercion are considered victims of human trafficking by US federal law [1].