The Overlap of Human Trafficking and Runaway and Homeless Youth

This issue brief from the National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youth and Families discusses the overlap between youth homelessness and runaway incidents with human trafficking. Youth who run away are at considerable risk of homelessness and victimization, including through sex and labor trafficking. The Polaris Project, one of the largest organizations serving trafficking victims, includes RHY among those at high-risk, with “a higher susceptibility to victimization and human trafficking.” Researchers are finding that running away significantly increases young people’s risk of commercial sexual exploitation as well as labor trafficking. Therefore, reducing runaway incidents is crucial to prevent young people from becoming homeless and falling into trafficking situations.

Read the full issue brief.