Human trafficking is a serious problem all across the country, but a recent study has revealed the widespread problem of child human trafficking in Hawaii, far more severe than many may have assumed about the state.

Child and Family Service, a Hawaii non-profit, conducted the study on human trafficking, issuing a survey to 363 people who are participants in CFS programs.

The study found that more than a quarter of the participants reported sex trafficking. While a majority of those who reported sex trafficking were female (83 percent), there were also responses from male, trans, and gender non-conforming participants.

Twenty-three percent of the participants who had been sex trafficked reported that they were first sex trafficked as minors, before the age of 18. These respondents say they were an average age of 11.3 when they were first sex trafficked.

We often think of sexual abuse and human trafficking as something that strangers commit in dark alleys, but the truth is that in many cases, those who engage in human trafficking, especially child human trafficking, are family members. Indeed, according to the CFS stud, the most common sex trafficker identified by victims who were minors when they were trafficked was a member of their family. Close seconds to this were trafficking by friends or significant others.

“The data confirms what our community providers have instinctively known—this is a very real problem,” said Karen Tan, president and chief executive officer of CFS.

“We are engaging with all the necessary agencies and organizations to collectively address this problem,” said Tran. “This study identifies the volume of sex trafficking in our most vulnerable populations and demonstrates the need to respond to this issue immediately and provide much-needed support to survivors.”

Human trafficking doesn’t necessitate movement across borders, but can occur in a single location, neighborhood, or island. Human trafficking simply defined is “the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act,” according to the Department of Homeland Security. It affects millions of people each year, both children and adults, and defies categorization by gender, race, and nationality.

A growing number of victims of human trafficking are now turning to litigation, filing lawsuits against organizations or companies that allegedly facilitated their trafficking, such as truck stops, hotels, and more.

If you were a victim of child human trafficking and were forced to work at a truck stop, or another venue like a hotel or motel, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit and pursue compensation. Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by human trafficking, but it can at least offer some kind of compensation, as well as hold those responsible accountable for their actions and inactions.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

If you were a victim of sex trafficking and forced to work at a truck stop, hotel or motel, night club or other hotel venue, you may be eligible to move forward with a civil investigation against these businesses. This investigation involves a civil case, and is not a criminal case against you or your loved ones.

Top Class Actions is working with experienced human trafficking attorneys who will be informed and sensitive to your situation. Join the fight by filling out the short form on this page. 

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