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The Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States was developed in 2013 by the President’s Interagency Task Force to amplify the federal response to human trafficking. The plan contains a strategy to assist victims of human trafficking in the United States in gaining access to the tools and services they need to escape exploitation and rebuild their lives.
Human trafficking is a criminal issue and a public health challenge. It can happen to any person of any race, age, gender, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or nationality. However, some populations are more vulnerable to human trafficking than others. The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) funded projects serve children, youth, individuals, and families nationwide that have been impacted by extreme trauma and adverse experiences. Certainly, intimate partner violence, homelessness, lack of youth supporting systems, socio-economic challenges, and structural racism and inequities increase the risks for multiple victimizations, including human trafficking.
Human trafficking transcends demographic categories. Its survivors span the spectrum of race, class, and geography. However, some populations are at greater risk for trafficking than others, and runaway and homeless youth (RHY) are among the most vulnerable.