It is estimated that there are 20.8 million human trafficking victims throughout the world. Human trafficking is “modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act." 4.5 million men, women, and children trapped in some form of sex slavery across the globe.  

Many of these women end up in sex slavery because they were sold by family members or tricked with promises of a better future. In some cases, it seems like the only way. Parents have starving mouths to feed, so losing one child is not as bad as losing all of them. They may even believe that the child they sold is going somewhere better. The girl herself may be tricked as she too wishes to help her family and improve her current situation. 

Due to the harsh views of women who are sex slaves, it is difficult for them to find work outside of what they have been forced to do. They are looked at like they are dirty, worthless, and untouchable. This hinders their ability to reintegrate into society since no one will hire them. They become outcasts.

Some of the psychological effects of sex slavery include trauma, PTSD, STDs, brainwashing, anxiety, panic disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

Luckily there are many organizations that are trying to end human trafficking and provide rehabilitation to the victims. These include Polished Pearl, Freeset, Destiny Rescue, Rescue Foundation, and Crossroads Community Church’s Go India program. All of these programs focus on rescuing women and providing them with the physical, psychological, and emotional care that they need. Most of them also focus on teaching the women new skills so that they can provide for themselves and their families. By giving the women agency and healing, they are able to create new lives for themselves.

By providing these women skills and healing, we hope to improve their lives and eventually change the culture that they live in.