Sex Trafficking

The Importance of Criminal Record Relief for Human Trafficking Survivors

Blog Post — March 20, 2019

Survivors of human trafficking have criminal records because they were forced into commercial sex, or drug sales, or other offenses. Many, but not all states have recognized that this is fundamentally unfair and that survivors of human trafficking deserve the chance to have those records cleared. 

State Report Cards: Grading Criminal Record Relief Laws for Survivors of Human Trafficking

Published March 1, 2019
We offer detailed report cards for each state, assessing what works and what doesn't in their laws - if they have one - and providing clear steps for improvement.

From Recruitment to Resilience: Trafficking Survivors Find Support on Social Media

Blog Post — March 6, 2019

For many survivors of commercial exploitation and trafficking, social media has been an integral part of their recovery process as well as a way to network and grow professionally.

A Modern Approach to Fighting Modern Slavery

Blog Post — February 15, 2019

Human trafficking is a $150 billion global industry that robs approximately 25 million people around the world of their freedom. It isn’t simply a human rights abuse – it’s a business. 

Looking for Love Online this Valentine’s Day?

Blog Post — February 7, 2019

While social media has brought us more possibilities to meet new people and stay in touch with old friends, sex traffickers have long learned it’s benefits for tricking young people into sexual exploitation. 

Worried about Human Trafficking and the Super Bowl? Consider your Nachos

Blog Post — January 30, 2019

The myth about sex trafficking increasing exponentially in the city hosting the Super Bowl has become as common this time of year as chips, wings … and, (like it or not), the New England Patriots. 

Polaris Statement on Cyntoia Brown Clemency

January 7, 2019

Polaris issued a statement hailing the announcement by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam that he is commuting the life sentence of Cyntoia Brown.

On-Ramps, Intersections, and Exit Routes: A Roadmap for Systems and Industries to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking

Published July 1, 2018
This report highlights the way industries can make fundamental shifts to their systems to prevent, detect, and disrupt human trafficking.

Individuals with Disabilities May Face Increased Risk of Human Trafficking

Blog Post — August 15, 2018

Any vulnerable person is at risk for human trafficking, however, individuals with disabilities may face increased risk for several reasons.

New Report Provides Roadmap for Industries to Join the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Blog Post — July 26, 2018

Polaris released its newest ground-breaking report on how human trafficking business models attempt to intersect with and use legitimate businesses like financial services, social media, hotels & motels, transportation systems, health care, and housing and homelessness systems to further their operations in very specific ways to recruit and exploit victims.

Netflix’s Ozark, Money Laundering, and Massage Parlor Trafficking

Blog Post — July 11, 2018

If you’re a fan of the Netflix series Ozark, you’re probably already very familiar with the dangerous art of money laundering. 

Human Trafficking in Massage Businesses: A Deeply Manipulated Sense of “Choice”

Blog Post — June 1, 2018

When was the last time you heard someone joke about a “happy ending” to a massage? Or walked past a massage business that seemed unusually unwelcoming — with covered windows, a locked door with a buzzer on it, maybe an “entrance around back” sign?

Need help? Polaris operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline.