January 30, 2026

Empower Yourself: Fight Trafficking All Year Long
 

As Human Trafficking Prevention Month comes to a close, the reality remains: trafficking doesn’t end in January. Digital platforms are often the entry point where children are groomed and exploited, making awareness and prevention an ongoing responsibility. Enough Is Enough® is here to help, sharing resources below to educate, equip, and empower you to recognize trafficking and protect the vulnerable all year long.

By the Numbers:

 

  • In 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 113,500 reports of possible child sex trafficking – a 323% increase from 2024 

     
  •  Since 2000, traffickers have recruited 55% of sex trafficking victims online, usually through social media platforms, web-based messaging apps, online chat rooms, dating apps, classified advertisements, or job boards (Federal Human Trafficking Report, 2020)

Op-ed Just Released

Photo Credit: Screenshot from The Washington Times 1/28/2026

Trafficking Profitability Stymieing Child Protection Efforts

See Donna's Op-ed that ran in The Washington Times (1/28/2026)

 

"Globally, human trafficking generates hundreds of billions of dollars each year, with commercial sexual exploitation accounting for most profits.

 Unlike those involved with drugs or weapons, human traffickers can exploit the same victim repeatedly, turning children into renewable commodities for criminal enterprises." 

- Donna Rice Hughes

Read the Article

Podcast Interviews:

Sex Trafficking: The Invisible Population -- Male Victims

Jerome shares his personal story as a survivor of child abuse, sex trafficking, and child pornography. The episode touches on the role the internet plays in trafficking, trafficking tactics, and the importance of recognizing signs of trafficking in various settings such as schools and public spaces.

Listen to Podcast

"These are monsters hiding in plain sight. I mean, we're talking about doctors, lawyers, people who are forced to sit next to you in church. These are people that you would see every day."

-- Jerome Elam

Child Sex Trafficking Survivor, CEO of Trafficking in America Taskforce

A Mother's Story: Her Daughter's Human Trafficking Nightmare

Susan shares how her eldest daughter was lured and recruited as a teenager, how her trafficking took place while still attending school and living at home, how the trauma impacted every member of her family, and what parents need to know.

 Listen to Podcast

"Courtney was this vibrant, bubbly, happy personality. I call her the typical girl next door. And that changed she just became quiet, withdrawn. She wouldn't talk, she wouldn't laugh. And that's when my husband and I really knew that something was wrong with her but she would never open up for fear of retaliation to the gang."

-- Susan Young

Mother of Courtney, a subject matter expert and surviving parent

Human Trafficking Resources 

Sex Trafficking 101- InternetSafety101.org Website

This section offers a comprehensive overview of how sex trafficking—especially involving children—intersects with online safety, explaining what sex trafficking is, how traffickers exploit digital platforms to find and groom victims, and common myths that obscure the reality of the crime. 

It breaks down who is at risk and the various types of traffickers, describes the stages of victimization, provides warning signs, shares how to report suspected trafficking, and offers guidance on prevention.

Sex Trafficking 101 Link

Sex Trafficking 101 Quick Guide

This resource for parents and educators is designed to increase awareness of how sex traffickers operate and how children can be targeted and groomed through digital platforms. 

 

The guide addresses prevalence, the ways traffickers manipulate vulnerable youth, and specific warning signs parents should watch for. 

Strategies for protecting children are provided, such as monitoring online activity, maintaining open communication, and teaching safe internet habits, along with conversation starters to help adults discuss risks with young people. 

Quick Guide Link

Myths and Misconceptions about Human Trafficking

Myth #1: Sex trafficking only happens in foreign countries.

 

  • Reality: Sex trafficking is a significant problem globally, but it also occurs within the United States, affecting American citizens and foreign nationals alike.

Myth #2: Victims of sex trafficking are always kidnapped or physically forced.

  • Reality: While abduction and physical force can occur, traffickers often employ psychological manipulation, coercion, threats, or fraud to control victims and keep them trapped in exploitative situations.

Myth #3: Only women and girls are victims of sex trafficking.

  • Reality: Although females are disproportionately affected, males and transgender individuals are also at risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation.

To view additional myths about human trafficking, visit our website here.