10/06/2026
Trafficking is not always perpetrated by strangers. In many cases, exploitation occurs within relationships characterized by trust, dependency, family connections, or authority.
At the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI) Conference, the Policy Center presented findings from “See the Girl: Trafficked Behind Closed Doors,” drawing on internal data and global research to shed light on the realities of familial and relationship-based trafficking.
The research highlights that many girls who experience trafficking know their trafficker, and familial trafficking can begin at very young ages, sometimes between ages 5 and 11.
When exploitation is normalized within a family environment, it can be difficult for young people and the adults around them to recognize the harm occurring.
Familial trafficking also remains significantly underreported, underidentified, and frequently misclassified, creating missed opportunities for intervention.
These findings reinforce the need for earlier identification, stronger multidisciplinary responses, and prevention strategies that address risk factors before exploitation occurs.
By expanding our understanding of what trafficking can look like and the relational contexts in which it occurs, we can better identify and support young people experiencing exploitation.
