Protecting our children. Strengthening justice. Preserving community safety.
Human trafficking is a direct assault on North Carolina’s most fundamental values—individual liberty, human dignity, and the rule of law. Whether through sexual exploitation or forced labor, trafficking degrades our communities, devastates families, and feeds the broader networks of crime that strain our justice system.
North Carolina consistently ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for human trafficking cases. This is not a ranking we can afford to ignore.
By the Numbers: The Reality in North Carolina
The scale of trafficking in our state reveals a system under strain and a population in need of protection: [From NC Human Trafficking Commission Factsheet]
- From July 2020 to June 2021, 368 victims of human trafficking were served by state-funded sexual assault agencies.
- In 2020, 100% of federal sex trafficking defendants in North Carolina were convicted and sentenced to prison, reflecting strong federal enforcement. (Human Trafficking Institute)
- Charges related to human trafficking, involuntary servitude, and sexual servitude have trended upward over the last five years, with the exception of 2020, due to pandemic closures.
- In 2022, the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received 18,873 CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children—a 48% increase over 2021, and a staggering 383% increase since 2019.
- In Mecklenburg County, data on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) found that 64% of identified minors were 15 years old or younger—a chilling statistic that highlights the vulnerability of our youth.
These numbers demand action—not just from law enforcement, but from policymakers, families, faith leaders, and every North Carolinian committed to justice.
The Crime Behind the Crimes
Human trafficking rarely exists in isolation. It is often linked to:
- Drug trafficking and addiction
- Gang violence
- Illegal immigration networks
- Fraud and identity theft
Traffickers frequently manipulate victims into criminal activity, creating a tragic cycle where victims become defendants, further clogging our courts and prisons with cases that justice alone cannot resolve. Combatting trafficking is therefore a strategic priority for broader criminal justice reform.
A Conservative Blueprint for Ending Human Trafficking
We believe in a principled approach rooted in law, order, and individual dignity:
- Effective enforcement: Traffickers must face swift and certain consequences. We support increased funding, training, and coordination for local and federal law enforcement.
- Prevent with precision: Empowering families, schools, and communities with knowledge and resources is key to early intervention. Public awareness campaigns and school-based education must be prioritized.
- Protect the vulnerable: Victims should be treated as survivors—not criminals. We support trauma-informed care, criminal record relief for trafficking victims, and community reintegration programs.
- Engage communities: Faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and grassroots coalitions are on the front lines of prevention and restoration. Government should empower—not replace—them.
- Inform with evidence: Continued data collection, such as the research underway in Mecklenburg County, is vital to crafting policy that works. Ongoing research will enhance prevention, shape intervention, and strengthen legislation.
Fighting human trafficking is about more than justice—it’s about defending the very foundation of our society: the belief that every person is created free and equal, with the right to live in safety and dignity.
