
Ending human trafficking
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is when a person is tricked or forced into a situation where they'll be exploited for profit.
People around the world are trafficked into slavery including forced labour, forced marriage, domestic servitude and sexual exploitation.
In IJM's cases, we have met people in slavery who report being beaten, gang-raped, locked in tiny rooms, starved and even forced to witness murder.
Learn more through the frequently asked questions about human trafficking.
Where does human trafficking occur?
Human trafficking occurs in almost every country in the world, including in the UK and in Europe. IJM works with global partners to protect people from human trafficking and modern slavery in Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Ghana, South Asia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and across Europe.
Human trafficking is on the rise.
Climate change, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other global conflicts are factors driving the disturbing increase.
New ILO estimates reveal that over 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, up 10 million from previous estimates. This is nearly one in every 150 people in the world.
The ILO's new estimates show the urgency of addressing human trafficking - and the factors which increase people's vulnerability to it.
Right now, over 12 million children are trapped in slavery. That’s more than the population of London. Robbed of their freedom, education and childhood, they face abuse and violence. (ILO, Walk Free, IOM 2022).
Survivor stories

Kashi* was trafficked at the age of five.
She was trapped in domestic servitude for ten years, before being trafficked again - this time for sexual exploitation. When IJM helped bring Kashi to freedom, she was able to go to school for the first time. She discovered her talents for leadership and public speaking and is now passionate about sharing her experiences to help end trafficking.
Kashi says “I will not have to be scared because of my past. I will hold my head high. Always.”

Angela* was trafficked from Romania to London for sexual exploitation.
Sexual and verbal abuse was common in Angela’s home. When a man called Robert* came along, he made her feel loved for the first time. Robert assured Angela he cared for her and could offer her an escape from her abusive home. Sadly, this is a way traffickers deceive young women into commercial sexual exploitation in the UK.
Angela and her family trusted Robert’s promises of a better life. Instead, Angela was taken to a house in the UK where she was forced to engage in sexual exploitation. She escaped from a balcony and managed to run away. Police took her into safe custody where she provided descriptions that helped them arrest the suspect.
Since returning to Romania, we’ve helped provide Angela with important practical support, including housing and therapy sessions so Angela can process the events she’s experienced and improve her relationship with her family.
*Pseudonym
You can help end trafficking. Become a Freedom Partner now.
3 facts about human trafficking

Human trafficking is one of the biggest criminal industries in the world.
It generates more than $150bn a year. Two thirds of this comes from commercial sexual exploitation [1].
[1] ILO, 2014.

War in Ukraine has sparked a refugee crisis in Europe, putting millions more people at risk of trafficking.
Here's how IJM is helping to stop trafficking of refugees in Europe.

There are an estimated 100,000 victims of trafficking in the UK alone [2].
How does IJM help stop human trafficking?
IJM is working to combat child trafficking, sex trafficking, labour trafficking, cross-border trafficking and online sexual exploitation of children.
We’re working with survivors, supporters and authorities to bring victims of trafficking to safety, provide trauma-informed care to survivors, bring traffickers to justice and we invest in systemic change to see people not abused in the first place.
Together, we're building a movement that is already seeing powerful results. With authorities, we’ve brought 76,000 people to safety from trafficking and violence, and seen child trafficking decrease by up to 86% in places where we’ve worked.
You can be part of this movement for freedom.
Freedom from trafficking means that people can pursue their dreams.
FAQs
Modern Slavery Helpline
If you suspect you, or someone you know is being exploited, call the UK Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.