Does Nevada have the second highest rate of human trafficking in the country?
By Todd Butterworth
View this fact brief on The Nevada Independent
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YES
The most recent data show Nevada trails only Mississippi in the rate of human trafficking cases on a per-capita basis. In 2021, Nevada had 5.77 cases per 100,000 residents and Mississippi had 6.32.
In absolute numbers, the most populous states had the most cases: California, 1334; Texas, 917; Florida, 781; New York, 404. Nevada had 202 cases. During the 15 years from 2007-2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 3,603 victims in Nevada.
Sexual exploitation is the leading reason for human trafficking in North America, comprising 73% of cases; 21% of cases are for forced labor.
Sex trafficking is a category B felony in Nevada; if it involves a minor, it is a category A felony subject to life in prison.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
World Population Review Human Trafficking Statistics by State 2023
National Human Trafficking Hotline National Statistics
National Human Trafficking Hotline Statistics for Nevada
UN Office on Drugs and Crime Human trafficking data
Nevada Legislature Sex trafficking law
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