Youth Facing Homelessness are Extremely Vulnerable to Human Trafficking

Traffickers use violence, threats, deception, and other manipulative tactics to trap millions of people worldwide. Children and youth experiencing homelessness are a prime target of this criminal industry.

Human Trafficking: Statistics, Risk Factors, and Research

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts, labor, or services against their will.

The most common form of human trafficking (79%) is sexual exploitation, and worldwide, nearly 20% of all trafficking victims are children, according to UNODC’s most recent report.

People of any age, gender, or background can become victims of human trafficking, but certain circumstances can increase vulnerability. Covenant House research reveals that young people experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable to the lure of human traffickers.

20%

Nearly one in five Covenant House residents across our U.S. and Canada sites are survivors of human trafficking.

50%

One in two Covenant House residents at our Latin America sites are trafficking survivors.

Education, Prevention, and Support for Human Trafficking

Expand your knowledge on how traffickers exploit vulnerable young people, why youth experiencing homelessness are at greater risk, and what you can do to help protect them from human trafficking.

young homeless black girl on the street | Covenant House - Donate Now

Get Informed

Learn the fundamentals of human trafficking, including definitions, who is most at-risk, common misconceptions, and factors that increase vulnerability to exploitation.

What is human trafficking?
How are youth homelessness and human trafficking linked?
What are common myths about human trafficking?

Homeless human trafficking survivor | Covenant House

Prevention: How to Join the Fight

Learn how to prevent human trafficking by recognizing warning signs, supporting survivors, and taking action to help protect vulnerable young people.

Watch for signs a youth is being trafficked.
Discover how Covenant House helps.
Learn how you can help.

Survivor Stories

Read stories from survivors of human trafficking, Covenant House staff, and allies.

Human trafficking survivors tell their stories of courage and determination.
Covenant House staff and allies reach out to survivors with unconditional love and relentless support.

Get Help Now

If you or a young person you know needs help, here’s what to do.

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 if you are in emotional distress.

Call or come into the nearest Covenant House, where you will find safety, services, and support at no cost. Covenant House has locations in 34 cities across five countries. We are here to help, not to judge.