Episode 4: Child exploitation

As human trafficking thrives on the vulnerabilities of its victims, it stands to reason that children and young adults -- often the most vulnerable members of society -- are frequent targets for this kind of exploitation. Factors like age, inexperience and development can leave children open to manipulation and extortion for labor or commercial sex, the latter of which has special protections under the law. Due to their status as minors, any person under the age of 18 solicited to perform sex acts for money is considered a victim of human trafficking, regardless of circumstance.