Human Trafficking | Life Crisis Center

Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention

“Trafficking hides in plain sight—but so does the power to stop it.”

What Is Human Trafficking?

Definition
Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor, services, or commercial sex. When the victim is under 18, any commercial sex act qualifies as trafficking, even without force or coercion.

Types of Human Trafficking

Sex Trafficking – Exploitation through commercial sex acts, often through manipulation or coercion.

Child Sex Trafficking – Any exchange of sexual activity involving a minor for something of value.

Labor Trafficking – Forced labor under abusive, unsafe, or unpaid conditions.

Familial Trafficking – A parent or caregiver exploits their child for profit or personal gain.

Who’s at Risk? Understanding Vulnerability

We use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to identify vulnerabilities:

Basic Needs (food, shelter) – Youth may be lured by traffickers offering survival needs.
Safety – Exposure to violence, instability, or system involvement increases risk.
Belonging – Traffickers often exploit emotional needs for love or community.
Esteem – Low self-worth or trauma makes youth susceptible to manipulation.
Self-Actualization – Without the above, victims cannot reach full potential.

Source: Maslow, A. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation.

Online Exploitation: CSAM & Sextortion

The digital world is now the frontline of child trafficking.

Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) – Any explicit content involving a minor. Often produced through manipulation, threats, or coercion.
Sextortion – Offenders groom youth online, gain their trust, then threaten to release explicit material unless the child complies.

These are not isolated issues—they’re on-ramps to child sex trafficking, leading to deeper forms of abuse and control.

Sources: NCMEC, FBI

Our Response: The Regional Navigator Program

The Life Crisis Center serves as the Regional Navigator for the Lower Shore of Maryland under the Child Sex Trafficking Screening and Services Act of 2019.

Through our Human Trafficking Program, we:

Provide trauma-informed, client-centered case management

 

Offer safety planning, education, and service referrals

 

Respond to grooming, sextortion, and trafficking cases

 

Educate youth across the county on prevention and online safety

 

Refer a Youth

How You Can Help

Learn the signs of trafficking

 

Report concerns to 1-888-373-7888 or text “BEFREE” to 233733

 

Talk to youth about online safety, boundaries, and healthy relationships

 

Support our mission by donating, volunteering, or partnering

 

Need Help? We’re Here 24/7

If you or someone you know may be at risk of trafficking or exploitation, call our Crisis Line any time.

410-749-4357 (HELP)
Text: 741741
Serving Worcester, Wicomico & Somerset Counties