IntroductionHuman trafficking is a term used to describe the various ways in which a person “obtains or detains another person in forced service” (United States Department of State, 2011, p. There are several categories of human trafficking, such as forced labor, sex trafficking, and bonded or debt labor. Human trafficking can affect adults and children, with child sex trafficking being particularly egregious (pp. 9-11). Human trafficking often goes unnoticed and victims often blame themselves for their problems and are therefore unlikely to self-report (Office for Victims of Crime, n.d.). Although many may think it is a third world problem, human trafficking exists in every country. worldwide, including the United States. It is estimated that approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims of human trafficking cross borders each year, and approximately 15,000 of them are brought to the United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004) . Countries are ranked in a tiered system by the Department of State, with Tier 1 countries being the most proactive in recognizing, preventing and prosecuting these crimes, and are required to report the number of incidents every year. In 2010, Tier 1 countries reported a total of 6,017 human trafficking prosecutions, of which 3,619 resulted in convictions. But more importantly, Tier 1 countries identified a staggering 33,113 victims of human trafficking in the same year (U.S. Department of State, 2011, p. 38). may hinder discovery. Many people think that only foreigners can be victims of this crime, but in reality, anyone, regardless of their nationality... middle of paper ......Victims of the crime. (nd). Electronic Guide to Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Strategy and Operations. Retrieved from https://www.ovcttac.gov/TaskForceGuide/EGuide/Default.aspx.Polaris Project. (2006). Common Myths and Misconceptions About Human Trafficking in the United States Retrieved from http://ccatcoalition.site.aplus.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/common-myths-and-misconceptions.pdf.Department American Health and Human Services. (2004). Human trafficking fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/about/fact_human2004.pdf. United States Department of State. (2011, June). Trafficking in Persons Report: Introductory Manual. Retrieved from http://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2011/index.htm.Warren, V. (October 30, 2008). Nude photos, massages lead to indictments. Dayton Daily News. Retrieved from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19414528.html.