Human trafficking and modern slavery are terms often used interchangeably for crimes in which traffickers abuse and sexually exploit adults or children. Trafficking and sexual exploitation of a person under the age of 18 is a crime, regardless of whether it was done by force, deception or intimidation. Child trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, shelter or reception of children for exploitation. Commercial sexual abuse of children can take many forms. These include forcing a child into prostitution or other forms of child sexual or obscene activity. The International Labor Organization acknowledges that sex trafficking affects approximately 4.5 million people worldwide. Most victims find themselves in forced and abused situations that are both difficult and dangerous to escape.
