Sex Trafficking

What is Sex Trafficking?

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which individuals perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.

Who is targeted for sex trafficking?

Sex traffickers often target vulnerable persons, adults and minors under the age of 18. Sex traffickers maintain control over their victims’ using lies, false promises, and debt bondage. They may trick victims with promises of love, work, or a better life, then trap them in situations where they feel they owe money or can’t leave. Fear, manipulation, and threats are also used to keep control. These forms of control and manipulation too often keep victims involved in the sex industry for the sex trafficker’s own profit. When a minor is engaged in commercial sex acts, they are considered victims of human trafficking, regardless of the use of force, fraud, or coercion.

Where does sex trafficking occur?

Our community is not immune to the realities of sex trafficking which exists within a variety and unique venues and businesses including fake massage businesses, escort services, residential brothels, in public on city streets and in truck stops, strip clubs, hostess clubs, hotels and motels, and elsewhere.

Sex trafficking often occurs in plain sight, and it is common that victims do not self-identify as victims due to the complex nature and dynamics of these types of relationships.

What does the data and research say about sex trafficking?

In 2024, NCMEC received more than 27,800 reports of possible child sex trafficking. From these reports, the research, data, and lived experience shows that any child can become a target for sex traffickers. This same research shows that children who don’t have strong support systems, have experienced past violence, experienced homelessness, and come from a marginalized community may become more vulnerable to unsafe situations. Traffickers are master manipulators that prey upon any or all vulnerabilities of a child by using:

• Psychological pressure,
• False promises,
• Actions of perceived love/support, and
• Intimidation to control and sexually exploit the child for their benefit

The issue of child sex trafficking is complex. Understanding the various forms of child sex trafficking and indicators can create opportunities for prevention, identification, and response. Learn more about child sex trafficking indicators at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which embraces and encourages all efforts on this issue to be survivor-informed, child-centered, and trauma-informed.

Human trafficking for sexual servitude–human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude (C.R.S. 18-3-504)

1(a) A person commits human trafficking for sexual servitude if the person knowingly sells, recruits, harbors, transports, transfers, isolates, entices, provides, receives, or obtains by any means another person for the purpose of coercing the person to engage in commercial sexual activity.

(b)Human trafficking for sexual servitude is a class 3 felony.

2 (a) A person commits human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude if the person:

(I) Knowingly sells, recruits, harbors, transports, transfers, isolates, entices, provides, receives, obtains by any means, maintains, or makes available a minor for the purpose of commercial sexual activity; or

(II) Knowingly advertises, offers to sell, or sells travel services that facilitate an activity prohibited pursuant to subsection (2)(a)(I) of this section.

(b) Human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude is a class 2 felony.

How do I report sex trafficking?

If you or someone you know is being human trafficked AND in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you suspect a minor is being human trafficked, make a report to your local law enforcement.

For parents and legal guardians, report ALL missing children, especially children who have run away, to NCMEC by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

If you are concerned about suspected child sex trafficking activity or see situations that may be indicators for sex trafficking, please make a report to NCMEC’s CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

For resources and support, you can contact the Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline (add link and phone number)

How can I learn more about how to prevent sex trafficking?

Prevention, education and early intervention are key to keeping our community safer. To learn more, visit the following organization websites:

Polaris Project – An initiative aimed at combating human trafficking by providing resources, support, and coordinated responses to assist victims and prosecute traffickers.

This Is Human Trafficking – A comprehensive initiative aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking, providing resources and support to victims, and promoting coordinated efforts to combat this severe form of exploitation.

Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking – A leader in Colorado’s anti-trafficking movement, providing training, conducting research, operating a statewide hotline, and developing future human rights leaders.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – A non-profit organization dedicated to finding missing children, preventing child sexual exploitation, and aiding victims and their families.

Blue Sky Bridge – A center dedicated to creating lasting, positive change in the lives of children affected by abuse in Boulder County.

How the District Attorney’s Office can help.

Our office can help coordinate with other local agencies to help community members file reports, assist with the investigation, and help provide resources. Contact the Boulder County DA’s Office at 303-441-3700.

Law Enforcement Contacts

• Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (Unincorporated Boulder County and Nederland): 303-441-4444
• University of Colorado Police Department: 303-492-6666
• Boulder Police Department: 303-441-3333
• Longmont Police Department: 303-651-8501
• Lafayette Police Department: 303-665-5571
• Louisville Police Department: 303-441-4444
• Erie Police Department: 303-441-4444