Report a child being trafficked 

Get help and services for someone who is being trafficked or  at risk.  

If you or someone you know needs help, call 800-344-6000.  Caring, trained people can talk to you 24 hours a day. 

What is child sex trafficking?

Child sex trafficking is when anyone forces, tricks, or pressures a child into sexual acts in exchange for money, shelter, gifts, or anything of value.
It is abuse, exploitation, and a serious crime. Children cannot consent.

Examples

Examples of sex trafficking include: 

  • Street walking 
  • Pornography 
  • Stripping 
  • Escort agencies 
  • Phone sex lines 
  • Video chats 
  • Private parties 
  • Internet-based exploitation 
  • Erotic/nude massage 
  • Gang-based prostitution

If a family member forces someone to do these things, it is still trafficking. 

Warning signs 

Traffickers often work to gain a victim’s trust and provide for their needs. They isolate victims from friends. Then they force victims into trafficking.

Signs a youth is being trafficked could include: 

  • Running away from home 
  • Skipping school often
  • Sudden drop in grades 
  • Change of friends or separation from longtime friends 
  • Rumors among peers about sexual activities 
  • Sudden change in behavior, attitude or clothes
  • Anger, aggression, being suicidal or fearful 
  • Claims of a new and secret partner 
  • Drug use 
  • Weight loss 
  • Bruises or other physical trauma 
  • New cellphone or multiple cellphones 
  • Use of language related to sex work such as “the life” or “the game”
  • Tattoos 
  • Secrecy with social media and phone  

Advice for parents, educators, and youth  

Parents

Discuss online safety. Speak to your child about the difference between a safe or unsafe online friend.

Look at social media together and talk about who can see and share the information your child posts online

Do:

  • Believe your child
  • Listen without judgment
  • Be loving and patient
  • Ask them how to support them. Make sure to follow through
  • Respect their confidentiality
  • Offer resources
  • Report it

Don’t:

  • Tell them it is their fault
  • Ignore the situation
  • Lecture them on why this happened
  • Make them feel ashamed
  • Share their experiences with other family members and friends unless they give you permission

Link to Parent Brochure

Educators

Is your student being targeted? Be on the lookout for the warning signs.

Do:

  • Talk about exploitation
  • Talk about protective factors
  • Use empowering language
  • Use language that resonates with youth
  • Express that you care and are concerned about their safety

Don’t:

  • Use crime-specific language
  • Talk about risk factors
  • Use victimizing language
  • Use “textbook” language
  • Express doubt about their experiences

Link to Educators Brochure

Youth

Are you, or is anyone you know, experiencing warning signs? If you or a loved one needs help, caring people are available 24/7. If you suspect human trafficking, report it at 800-344-6000.

  • Trust your instincts! Pay attention to your inner voice, especially when:
    • Talking to people you do not know in online chat and gaming rooms
    • Relationships must be kept secret
    • People hang around school who don’t attend
    • People tell you who to be friends with, how to dress and how to act
  • Protect yourself. What would you do if…
    • Someone you met online wanted to meet in person?
    • Someone offered you money for pictures of your body?
    • Someone offered you an opportunity that sounded too good to be true? 

Talk to trusted friends and adults to recognize when someone is trying to trick you. Traffickers can be anyone.

Facts about healthy relationships

  • Being obsessed with one another is not part of being in love
  • Violence is not an acceptable part of a relationship
  • It is not normal to have to ask your partner for permission to go somewhere or buy something
  • Sex is not an obligation in a relationship

Link to youth brochure

Resources

Local services for youth and families 

Resources for youth 

Resources for parents and caregivers: 

Facts about child sex trafficking  

Local and U.S. statistics 

  • The FBI consistently ranks San Diego as one of the 13 worst human trafficking regions in the U.S. with up to 8,000 victims per year. 
  • Youth are often promised something of value to them or someone else in exchange for being sexually exploited. 
  • In San Diego County, the average age of a youth being sexually exploited is 16 years old. 
  • Nationally, almost 50% of trafficked youth identify as boys, with their average ages being 11 to 13 years old. 
  • When LGBTQ+ youth are rejected by parents or peers, it can lead to increased homelessness. Homeless youth are a target to become sex trafficking victims. 

Service contact. Needs at least one method. Additional optional.   

  • Phone number: 800-344-6000 
  • Email  

  

Page last updated 11/20/2025