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Sexual Exploitation or Trafficking

Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Exploitation or Trafficking

Sexual exploitation or sex trafficking is when someone takes advantage of another person's body for their own benefit, often for money or power. It's a very serious form of abuse where the victim is tricked, forced, or pressured into sexual acts. The exploiter might use promises, lies, threats against the victim or their loved ones, or violence to make the victim do things they don't want to do. There is often a power dynamic that plays a role in the exploitation.

Victims May Be Feeling or Experiencing

A Wide Range of Emotions

There is no single "correct" way to feel after being sexually exploited. Victims may experience intense emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, shame, guilt, confusion, numbness, or a combination of these. They might also feel nothing at all at first, which is also a valid response.

Physical Symptoms

Exploiters often use physical violence to keep their victims in check and obedient. Even after the fact, survivors might experience sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, fatigue, headaches, stomach problems, or chronic pain.

Psychological Distress

Sexual exploitation can lead to significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is extremely common amongst survivors of sexual exploitation.

Feelings of Isolation

Victims may feel alone, misunderstood, and may withdraw from social interactions, even with close friends and family. They might struggle to trust others.

Self-Blame

It's common for victims to question themselves and even blame themselves for what happened, despite the fact that the exploiter is solely responsible.

Resources & Support

Help is available. You don’t have to face this alone.
Emergency — Call 911
County Resources

Know Your Rights

Your rights as a survivor of sexual exploitation or trafficking in California include

  • To decide if and when you want to report the trafficking or exploitation to the police. You can choose not to speak with police or immigration authorities and still get help.
  • To get services and support no matter your immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or legal resident for many victim services.
  • To be connected with a trained human trafficking advocate. You can have a victim advocate or caseworker help you during any contact with police, court, or immigration officials.
  • To receive emergency help like shelter, food, medical care, counseling, and legal support. These services are available from local and national anti-trafficking organizations.
  • To request a protective order if you feel unsafe. You can ask the court for emergency or long-term protection from your trafficker.
  • To file for financial help through the California Victim Compensation Board. This can cover medical costs, moving expenses, mental health care, or crime scene clean-up.
  • To apply for immigration relief if you are undocumented. You may qualify for a T visa, U visa, asylum, or other forms of help if you experienced trafficking.
  • To request that a person of your same gender or a trusted advocate be with you during interviews. You can have support during police, court, or immigration meetings.
  • To get updates about any criminal case involving your trafficker. You have the right to know about arrests, charges, court dates, and sentencing.
  • To have your identity and privacy protected. Most legal and service settings keep trafficking survivors’ information confidential.
  • To request restitution from your trafficker in a criminal case. If the trafficker is found guilty, you may receive compensation for your losses.
  • To access services and rights even if the trafficking happened in the past. There is no time limit for seeking help or support as a survivor.