Human trafficking rarely looks like kidnapping.
What is Human Trafficking?
Most people picture a stranger and a struggle. In practice, trafficking is built slowly online, in a relationship, or through a job offer until leaving no longer feels possible. This page explains what trafficking actually is, what it looks like in Pennsylvania, and where to find help.
What trafficking actually is
Under federal and Pennsylvania law, human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for labor or commercial sex. For any commercial sex act involving a minor, it counts as trafficking automatically, no force, fraud, or coercion has to be proven, and it doesn't matter whether the minor identifies as a victim.
Control is usually psychological rather than physical: trauma bonds, debt, confiscated ID documents, threats against family, or the simple exploitation of someone with nowhere else to go. Many victims are never physically restrained and still feel there's no way out.
Trafficking is not the same as smuggling. Smuggling is the consensual, illegal movement of a person across a border. Trafficking doesn't require a border at all — it's about ongoing exploitation, and it happens entirely within Pennsylvania towns, homes, and workplaces every day.
Quick Facts
- 4,800+ victims identified in PA since 2007
- Top 10 PA ranked among the 10 most-affected states, with Pittsburgh among the top 10 cities nationally
- No border required trafficking happens entirely within PA towns, homes, and workplaces — it isn't only a big-city issue
The scale, in the Commonwealth
Pennsylvania was ranked among the top ten states for reported trafficking as of 2019, with Pittsburgh among the ten most affected cities nationally. The nu
mbers below come from the National Human Trafficking Hotline and reflect only the contacts people chose to make the true scope is almost certainly larger, not smaller.
- 2,300+
Trafficking cases identified in PA since 2007 - 4,800+
Individual victims identified statewide since 2007 - 600+
Hotline contacts in the most recent full reporting year - 140+
Of those contacts came directly from victims themselves
Source: National Human Trafficking Hotline, Pennsylvania statistics (humantraffickinghotline.org).
How victims are targeted today
Traffickers rarely need to approach someone in person anymore. Recruitment increasingly happens through social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps, where trust can be built long before exploitation begins. Youth with histories in the child welfare system: abuse, neglect, housing instability, foster care, running away — face significantly elevated risk, and traffickers actively recruit from group homes and foster placements.
Online grooming
- Gradual trust-building on platforms kids already use, often disguised as friendship or romance.
Fake relationships
- A "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" who slowly isolates a victim from friends and family.
System vulnerability
- Foster care, homelessness, and running away sharply increase risk of targeting.
Signs someone may be being trafficked
No single sign confirms trafficking, and context matters but a cluster of these should prompt a private, non-judgmental conversation.
Behavioral
- Fearful, anxious, or submissive around a particular person
- Scripted or inconsistent answers about their situation
- Signs of coaching before speaking to staff or officials
- Unexplained absences from school or work
Physical / situational
- Someone else holds their ID, money, or phone
- Injuries inconsistent with their explanation
- Signs of malnourishment, exhaustion, or untreated illness
- Branding tattoos or references to a "manager" or "boyfriend" controlling their work
If you or someone you know needs help:
Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (or Text 233733)
If you are in Immediate danger, call 911
Our new Children’s Book!
Fox Is Not Your Friend is a gentle, empowering children’s book that helps kids, and the adults who love them, learn how to stay safe online.
Our New Anthology
33: Voices of Survival and Strength is a powerful anthology written by 33 survivors of human trafficking and sexual assault. This collection of raw, courageous stories offers a glimpse into the strength of the human spirit and the resilience it takes to overcome unimaginable hardship.
About the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Human Trafficking
Founder and CEO
Dr. Anna Elizabeth Ssentongo was born and raised in Lancaster, PA. She earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Science/ Neuroscience at Penn State University, and her Masters and Doctor of Public Health degrees at Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Ssentongo is an Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at Penn State College of M
Dr. Anna Elizabeth Ssentongo was born and raised in Lancaster, PA. She earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Science/ Neuroscience at Penn State University, and her Masters and Doctor of Public Health degrees at Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Ssentongo is an Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at Penn State College of Medicine where she serves on the Human Trafficking Task Force. Dr. Ssentongo has published over 90 high quality research studies and her research has been cited over 7000 times. Her research has guided policy at the CDC and the WHO. Dr. Ssentongo’s research has been shared on most major news networks including ABC, NBC, CNN, FOX, BBC, and more. Her research has also been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic and Wall Street Journal.
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As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma, Dr. Anna Ssentongo has a deep passion for helping and advocating for trauma survivors, especially victims and survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Our Research
We are dedicated to conducting high level research on domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking to aid prevention and support services. Our most recent study explored spatial clustering of domestic violence in Ghana. This study and our other recent publications can be viewed by clicking “Join Our Research Team.”
We are dedicated to conducting high level research on domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking to aid prevention and support services. Our most recent study explored spatial clustering of domestic violence in Ghana. This study and our other recent publications can be viewed by clicking “Join Our Research Team.”
Spatial clustering of domestic violence attitudes toward women in Ghana
https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0003261
Gun violence incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic is higher than before the pandemic
in the United States
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-98813-z
Domestic Violence across 30 Countries in Africa
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.19.20107029v1
Gun violence in United States during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.950475/full
Discipline Gone Wrong: A Global Prospective on Non-Accidental Trauma
Publication:
https://pediatrictraumasociety.org/meeting/abstracts/2020/JTPC8.cgi
Presentation:
Global, regional and national epidemiology and prevalence of child stunting, wasting and underweight in low- and middle-income countries, 2006–2018
Penn State University research and training opportunities
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Human Trafficking (PCAHT) hosts a multidisciplinary student research group based at Penn State University, with participation from students across Penn State campuses and partner institutions.
This group provides students with the opportunity to engage meaningfully in anti-trafficking work through resear
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Human Trafficking (PCAHT) hosts a multidisciplinary student research group based at Penn State University, with participation from students across Penn State campuses and partner institutions.
This group provides students with the opportunity to engage meaningfully in anti-trafficking work through research, education, and advocacy, while developing practical skills in trauma-informed and ethical scholarship.
Our Focus
The student research group supports PCAHT’s mission by contributing to high-quality research, curriculum development, and public education efforts related to human trafficking and exploitation. Student-led and faculty-mentored projects inform prevention strategies, improve institutional responses, and strengthen survivor-centered approaches.
Research areas may include:
- Human trafficking prevention and identification
- Health, mental health, and trauma-informed care
- Online safety and digital exploitation
- Policy, systems-level interventions, and public health approaches
- Survivor-informed research and ethical storytelling
Education & Training
Students participate in educational initiatives that extend beyond traditional coursework. This includes supporting the development of evidence-based curricula for medical students, physician assistant programs, and graduate education, as well as community trainings and public awareness efforts.
Educational contributions may also include:
- Assisting with curriculum and training materials
- Supporting published works, including survivor story anthologies and children’s safety education resources
- Translating research findings into accessible, community-facing materials
Survivor-Centered & Trauma-Informed Values
All student work is grounded in trauma-informed principles, ethical research practices, and respect for survivor autonomy and dignity. Emphasis is placed on responsible engagement, confidentiality, and understanding the real-world impact of research and storytelling.
Our New Children’s Book
Fox Is Not Your Friend is a gentle, empowering children’s book that helps kids—and the adults who love them—learn how to stay safe online.
Through the story of three curious piglets Emily, Olivia, and Patrick, young readers follow along as the siblings enjoy a favorite building game and begin receiving messages from someone who seems frie
Fox Is Not Your Friend is a gentle, empowering children’s book that helps kids—and the adults who love them—learn how to stay safe online.
Through the story of three curious piglets Emily, Olivia, and Patrick, young readers follow along as the siblings enjoy a favorite building game and begin receiving messages from someone who seems friendly and encouraging. But when compliments turn into secrets, the piglets learn an important lesson:
Safe adults do not ask kids to keep secrets from their parents.
Written at a second-grade reading level and illustrated in a warm, modern style, this book introduces the concept of online grooming in a calm, age-appropriate way without fear or shame. It models healthy communication, shows kids how to speak up, and reassures them that telling a trusted adult is always the right thing to do.
The book also includes an educational section for parents and caregivers, offering evidence-based guidance on online safety, parental controls, and how to support children if concerns arise.
Written by our founder and CEO, Dr. Anna Ssentongo, Fox Is Not Your Friend is both a heartfelt story and a practical prevention tool for families, schools, and communities.
Perfect for children ages 6–9, and for any family navigating today’s digital world.
"We don’t ban bikes, we add helmets. We don’t ban cars, we use seatbelts. Kids can have fun and stay safe at the same time. Parental controls are basic, necessary protection online. Parental controls are the seatbelts of the internet."
Book release!
Introducing our new book release: 33: Voices of Survival and Strength
I am honored to announce the release of 33: Voices of Survival and Strength—a transformative anthology featuring the voices of 33 survivors of human trafficking and sexual assault.
This extraordinary collection of raw and courageous stories unveils the resilience of the h
Introducing our new book release: 33: Voices of Survival and Strength
I am honored to announce the release of 33: Voices of Survival and Strength—a transformative anthology featuring the voices of 33 survivors of human trafficking and sexual assault.
This extraordinary collection of raw and courageous stories unveils the resilience of the human spirit and the strength it takes to overcome unimaginable hardship. Each story is a testament to survival, hope, and the power of reclaiming one’s narrative.
Published in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Human Trafficking (PCAHT), 33furthers PCAHT’s mission to empower survivors and amplify their voices. By sharing these stories, we foster understanding, compassion, and action—driving the global fight against exploitation and injustice.
Research shows that storytelling is a vital part of the healing process. For the brave contributors to 33, sharing their experiences is not only an act of courage but a step toward breaking the silence surrounding these crimes.
By reading 33, you are doing more than witnessing these stories—you are supporting a movement for awareness, prevention, and justice. Together, we can create a world where survivors are heard, believed, and supported.
33: Voices of Survival and Strength is more than a book. It’s a call to action. A beacon of resilience. A reminder of the unyielding power of hope.
Now available in Hardcover, softcover and Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DQF1VPHG/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Join us in making a difference.
Dr. Anna Ssentongo,
Founder and CEO of The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Human Trafficking (PCAHT)
Our Approach
We take a holistic approach to healing, prevention, education, and systems-level change.
Our work is grounded in high-quality, ethical research. We lead and support interdisciplinary research initiatives including a student research collaborative hosted at Penn State and involving students from multiple colleges and disciplines to advance
We take a holistic approach to healing, prevention, education, and systems-level change.
Our work is grounded in high-quality, ethical research. We lead and support interdisciplinary research initiatives including a student research collaborative hosted at Penn State and involving students from multiple colleges and disciplines to advance understanding of human trafficking, strengthen prevention strategies, and inform policy and practice. This research ensures that survivor experiences and evidence guide real-world solutions.
Education is central to our mission. We develop and deliver evidence-based curricula for medical students, physician assistant programs, and graduate-level training, equipping future professionals to recognize exploitation, respond with trauma-informed care, and protect vulnerable populations. Our educational work also extends beyond the classroom through published books, including an anthology amplifying survivor stories and a children’s book designed to help kids and parents learn how to stay safe online.
At the heart of our work is healing. We believe survivors should have the opportunity to reclaim their voice in ways that feel safe and empowering. Writing, music, art, and storytelling offer survivors a cathartic way to process trauma, release pain, and share their stories—often before they are ready to speak aloud. We support survivors not only through creative expression, but also by connecting them with their closest safe house and trusted local resources to ensure safety, dignity, and ongoing support.
By integrating research, education, creative healing, and survivor-centered support, we address human trafficking comprehensively—from prevention and awareness to recovery and long-term change.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to providing resources and supporting victims of human trafficking through a holistic, survivor-centered approach that emphasizes safety, empowerment, and healing. Our work includes connecting individuals with their closest safe house, offering access to trusted support services, and ensuring survivors are met with dignity, compassion, and informed care.
Need help?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you suspect human trafficking, please report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
