DATA
THE URGENT NEED FOR DATA
Los Angeles is recognized as one of the largest hubs for human trafficking in the United States. Yet, despite this reality, there is no comprehensive data that tells us the true scale or scope of the problem in our communities.
Currently, data on human trafficking in LA is limited, fragmented, and often focused narrowly on specific populations or types of trafficking. We lack the type of research that would allow us to understand how widespread human trafficking truly is—who is affected, in what industries, and what kinds of support they need. Without this knowledge, it becomes incredibly difficult to design effective prevention strategies and direct resources where they’re most needed.
That’s why the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative has made it a priority to advocate for a prevalence study in Los Angeles. We are urging local and state leaders to fund and support a comprehensive, county-wide study that captures both sex and labor trafficking across different populations, including immigrant communities, youth, and those experiencing homelessness.
Why a Prevalence Study Matters
A comprehensive prevalence study would help the City and County of Los Angeles combat human trafficking and better serve survivors by:
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Gathering data on the prevalence of human trafficking.
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Collecting demographic information on those affected, including data on gender, race, age, and the form of trafficking experienced, whether sex, labor, or both.
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Identifying specific industries that are the most impacted by trafficking, including trafficking by forced criminality.
This kind of data would give local leaders the ability to:
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Design more effective prevention strategies.
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Improve outreach and early intervention efforts.
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Expand and tailor services to meet the specific needs of survivors.
A Proposal to Fund Los Angeles’ First Prevalence StudyLearn more about why Los Angeles urgently needs a comprehensive prevalence study on human trafficking and how SJI is proposing a plan to fund and conduct this research. The fact sheet outlines current data gaps, the estimated cost and timeline for implementation, and how the study would help local leaders develop data-driven, survivor-informed strategies to prevent trafficking and strengthen services across the City and County. Fact Sheet: Human Trafficking Prevalence Study |
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