January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and you may see information that elevates awareness about labor and sex trafficking, but the reality is that trafficking does not stop when January ends. Preventing exploitation and supporting survivors requires ongoing attention, education, and action throughout the year.

Human trafficking is both a local, national, and global issue. Detailed information about human trafficking in the U.S. began being collected when a U.S. federal law, the Trafficking Victim Protection Act – TVPA (2000), created the definition of labor and sex trafficking and established the parameters for the prosecution of traffickers.

Human trafficking impacts individuals across all our communities and invokes deep feelings and reactions. Quite often the terms human trafficking and human smuggling are used interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different crimes.

Human smuggling involves a person who consents to being moved illegally across an international border. In these cases, the relationship typically ends once the individual reaches their destination and the agreed-upon fee is paid. While smuggling is illegal, it is a crime against the state because it violates immigration laws.

Human trafficking, on the other hand, is a crime against a person. Trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion or any commercial sex act involving a minor. The purpose is ongoing exploitation, including forced labor, or commercial sex. Movement is not required; trafficking can occur entirely within one city, neighborhood, or home.

“Quite often the terms human trafficking and human smuggling are used interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different crimes.”

iStock Credit: Kamionsky

Arizona is not immune from trafficking issues and offers countless attractions that draw visitors from around the world. With warm weather most of the year, an influx of seasonal visitors during the winter months, and access to stunning outdoor destinations like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Flagstaff, the state remains a major tourism hub.

Arizona also hosts large-scale sporting events and gatherings, including Spring Training, the Fiesta Bowl, the Phoenix Open, NASCAR events, and at various times large-scale events like the Super Bowl and Final Four. In addition, the state is a frequent choice for major conventions and trade shows. Combined with a strong transportation infrastructure, including multiple interstate highways and an extensive freeway system, travel in and out of the state is fast and accessible.

It is important to understand that human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking, is driven by demand. Where large numbers of visitors, events, and easy transportation exist, the demand from sex buyers increases creating greater risk for exploitation.

In both sex and labor trafficking, the trafficker’s primary goal is power and control. They exploit a person’s circumstances, insecurities, and vulnerabilities, often targeting individuals facing economic hardship, instability, or violence at home. Traffickers may present themselves as a source of safety, security, or opportunity, only to use threats, intimidation, or psychological coercion to maintain control. They isolate victims, undermine trust in law enforcement, shift blame onto the victim, and normalize exploitation, including sexual violence. Economic abuse, debt bondage, and the use of privilege or hierarchy among victims further reinforce control. While the tactics vary, the intent remains the same: to dominate, exploit, and maintain power.

Labor trafficking may involve individuals whose identification documents have been confiscated, who have little freedom of movement, or who are closely monitored. Warning signs can include excessively long work hours without breaks, unsafe or hazardous working conditions, false promises about wages or job opportunities, and misleading or deceptive contract terms. Traffickers often use threats against victims or their loved ones, manipulation through debt that can never realistically be repaid, and create conditions where escape feels impossible.

Sex trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion, or any commercial sex act involving a minor. Warning signs may include individuals who are controlled by another person, such as a pimp, manager, or romantic partner, or who are closely monitored and unable to speak freely. Many want to leave commercial sex but feel trapped due to fear, threats, debt, or lack of safe alternatives. Sex trafficking can occur in a variety of settings, including illicit massage businesses, bars, strip clubs, or online. Control over movement, communication, finances, or basic needs is often present, and exploitation may be normalized or minimized by the trafficker.

— Resources —

Help is available, and no one needs to navigate this alone. Across Arizona, there are several organizations and resources dedicated to fighting human trafficking and supporting survivor.

One key resource is the Arizona Human Trafficking Hotline, launched on February 1, 2023, which provides a safe way for victims, survivors, and community members to report tips, ask questions, or connect to services.

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-877-4AZ-TIPS (1-877-429-8477).

Additional information and support can be found on the following websites http://www.sextraffickinghelp.com and http://www.altoproject.org.

The Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network (AATN) is proud to be part of this statewide response, and collaborates with partners to provide education, training, and survivor-centered support throughout Arizona.     Visit https://aatn.org/to learn more – AATN