The Top 5 Myths About Human Trafficking (and What You Should Know Instead)
Human trafficking is often misunderstood. Despite growing awareness, myths and misconceptions continue to shape the public narrative—sometimes even influencing policy and practice. As a legal expert working with survivors of human trafficking, I’ve seen how these myths can cause real harm by diverting attention from the realities of trafficking and the people it impacts most.
Below, I’m busting five of the most common myths about human trafficking in the United States, and offering the truth that survivors, advocates, and professionals need the public to understand.
Myth #1: Human trafficking only happens overseas.
Reality: Human trafficking happens every day in communities across the United States. It affects people in rural towns, suburbs, and cities. Traffickers don’t need to cross international borders to exploit someone. In fact, most victims of human trafficking in the U.S. are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents—especially youth who have experienced foster care, homelessness, or prior abuse.
Myth #2: Human trafficking always involves kidnapping and physical restraint.
Reality: While abductions do happen, most traffickers use psychological coercion, manipulation, threats, and control—not chains. Traffickers often exploit existing vulnerabilities like poverty, addiction, lack of housing, or prior trauma. Many survivors are trafficked by people they know—romantic partners, family members, or so-called “friends.”
Myth #3: All trafficking involves sex.
Reality: Labor trafficking is just as prevalent as sex trafficking—and often less recognized. In the U.S., people are trafficked for domestic work, agricultural labor, construction, restaurant work, factory jobs, and more. Many labor trafficking victims are hidden in plain sight and may fear speaking out due to threats, language barriers, or immigration status.
Myth #4: Victims will ask for help or try to escape.
Reality: Trauma, fear, shame, and manipulation often prevent survivors from identifying as victims or seeking help. Some may have been criminalized for acts they were forced to commit. Others may not trust systems that have failed or harmed them in the past. Understanding trauma responses is critical to identifying and supporting survivors.
Myth #5: You can spot a trafficker or victim just by looking.
Reality: There is no “look” to human trafficking. Stereotypes about race, gender, clothing, or behavior are misleading and harmful. Traffickers and victims come from all walks of life. Overreliance on profiling can lead to misidentifying situations—or worse, overlooking real signs of trafficking altogether.
Why These Myths Matter
These myths don’t just distort public perception—they can actively hurt survivors by promoting criminalization, misdirecting resources, and preventing people from recognizing real red flags. To create trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to trafficking, we need to challenge these myths and center the voices and lived experiences of survivors.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re a professional working in law, higher education, or social services, I offer training and consulting to help build survivor-informed, trauma-responsive practices. Let’s work together to improve the systems survivors interact with—and make real change.
