Who Is At The Highest Risk?

Labor exploitation and trafficking can affect anyone, but some individuals face greater risk due to social, economic, and legal vulnerabilities.

Traffickers and exploitative employers often target people who are less likely to be able to seek help or assert their rights. Victims can be of any age, gender, race, nationality, or religious background. However, certain factors can increase someone’s risk of being exploited.

Common Risk Factors Include:
• Lack of lawful immigration status or work authorization
• Language barriers that limit access to services or information
• Poverty and unmet basic needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare
• Past or ongoing trauma, including abuse, conflict, or displacement
• Lack of a support network, including separation from family or community
• Physical or developmental disabilities
• Debt or financial dependency on an employer or recruiter