This Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) factsheet provides myths and facts about the commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States.
Presented in this OJJDP factsheet are five common myths and correct facts about the commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States. The myths presented include the following: 1) sex trafficking only happens overseas to young girls; 2) minors who are commercially sexually exploited or trafficked for sex are recognized as victims of crime and abuse; 3) people who buy sex with minors or engage in the sale of sex with minors are caught and punished for these crimes; 4) it is easy for professionals who interact with minors to recognize victims, survivors, and youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking; and 5) help is readily available for victims and survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.