Open Doors Statewide Director, Robyn Metcalf, wrote an opinion article where she talks about trafficking in Florida. She states that Florida has the third-highest rate of human trafficking reports to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
While most victims are female, men and boys are also trafficked regardless of geography, age, sexual orientation, race and socioeconomic status. One in five victims is a child, and the average age that exploitation begins is 12 to 14.
Florida has some of the strongest laws against human trafficking in the country. Survivors of trafficking now have their voices heard in policymaking, advocacy, awareness and direct services. With support and outreach, sex trafficking of children continues to increase throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no specific answers to why the increase, but agencies like Voices for Florida and More Too Life continue to find answers. Be vigilant, get educated and report any suspicious behaviors.
