Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world. It is the recruitment of people by means of threat, force, coercion or deception for the purpose of exploitation. Trafficking for prostitution is one of the most profitable forms of trafficking. What you may not know is that this type of trafficking is not just something that takes place in 3rd world nations, but also happens to US citizens residing within U.S. borders. The Department of Justice estimates that more than 250,000 American children are at risk for trafficking into the industry annually and the average age of girls who enter into street prostitution is between 12 and 14 years old. Traffickers target vulnerable young girls, such as runaway, homeless, and foster care children. Incest and other forms of abuse often drive children to run away from home, making them vulnerable to the cunning tactics of traffickers. In fact, 1 in 3 runaways are recruited by a pimp with in 48 hours of leaving home. Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST) was founded in 2009 to build pathways of freedom, safety and hope for for victims of sex trafficking and people involved in the sex trade in Seattle and beyond. To learn more about us, please visit www.iwantrest.com
