Montana’s vast open landscapes may seem peaceful, but beneath the surface lies a chilling truth — sex trafficking is happening in our communities, often closer than we think. While commonly described as modern-day slavery, many assume it’s a distant issue, not something affecting a place built on values of community, care, and freedom. Yet, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), trafficking is only now beginning to receive the attention it deserves. The reality is that sex trafficking isn’t just a global crisis — it’s happening right here in Montana.

According to the Montana DOJ, the number of trafficking cases increased from seven in 2015 to 143 in 2023, which is a staggering increase of 1,900%. Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 275 cases in Montana, involving 546 victims, with 29 cases reported in 2023 alone. While this rise in reported cases does not necessarily mean sex trafficking itself is increasing, it might suggest greater awareness and recognition of the issue. As Montana’s population continues to grow, we may only be scratching the surface.

To understand sex trafficking, one must also understand human trafficking. This is because sex trafficking is a subsection of this broader discussion of human trafficking. The HEART Initiative, which is a human trafficking awareness and prevention student organization based at Montana State University, defines human trafficking as “the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor against their will.” While according to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, sex trafficking is defined as, “a commercial sex act that is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age.” However, this definition can be limiting, as trafficking does not end at 18; adults can also be coerced, manipulated, or forced into commercial sex through similar exploitative tactics.

Where Does Sex Trafficking Happen?

According to Polaris, a survivor-centered organization that operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, sex trafficking takes place in a variety of locations. In these areas, traffickers exploit individuals for maximum profit while simultaneously minimizing detection from others. These discrete locations include illicit massage businesses that operate under the guise of legal establishments. Survivors often are hidden behind locked doors, covered windows, and misleading signage. Hotels and motels are also popular exploitation spots, especially for escort services, which involve survivors being advertised and sold for sex through third party agencies. Traffickers move survivors between locations to avoid law enforcement . Bars, strip clubs, truck stops, private residences, online platforms, and even residential neighborhoods and more short-term rental properties including Airbnb’s serve as venues for trafficking.

Who is at Risk of Being Trafficked?

Sex trafficking affects people from all backgrounds, and it is important to note that anyone can be at risk of being trafficked. But certain populations face significantly higher risks due to various vulnerabilities. These risk factors can include:

Youth

Young people, particularly runaways and those in the foster care system, are the most vulnerable to sex trafficking. In a study by McCoy in 2017, researchers found that youth who experience family conflict, abuse, or neglect often flee unstable home environments, increasing their risk of being targeted by traffickers. Research by Hogan and Roe-Sepowitz indicated that LGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to be rejected by their families, leading them to homelessness, where they become more vulnerable to exploitation. These young people may be forced in “survival sex,” (exchanging sex for necessities like food and shelter) which places them directly in the hands of exploiters.

Indigenous Women and Girls

Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately affected by sex trafficking due to historical and systemic factors, including poverty, discrimination and the lasting effects of colonialism, such as the displacement of Indigenous communities, loss of economic opportunities and systemic marginalization. According to a literature review compiled by Pierce in 2012), traffickers specifically target American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. AI/AN women account for approximately 24% of all prostitution-related arrests in some regions, despite representing only 2% of the U.S. population. They are also seven times more likely to be murdered than non-Indigenous women, highlighting the extreme vulnerabilities they face. As a result, AI/AN women are overrepresented in prostitution-re- lated arrests and are frequently trafficked across state lines . In Montana, the state has established the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Task Force to investigate cases of missing and exploited Indigenous people. The Montana Native Women’s Coalition also provides resources and advocacy for Indigenous survivors of trafficking and violence.

LGBTQIA+ Individuals

LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness, are at a significantly higher risk of being trafficked. A study conducted by Hogan and Roe-Sepowitz in 2020 found that LGBTQIA+ homeless young adults are twice as likely to be trafficked as to their heterosexual counterparts. Many LGBTQIA+ trafficking survivors also report higher rates of substance use, sexual violence, and suicidal ideation.

Individuals with a History of Abuse and Trauma

A history of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, or other forms of trauma is a common risk factor among trafficking victims. According to a study done by Crawford & Kaufman in (2008,) it found that individuals with early experiences of abuse are more susceptible to coercion and manipulation by traffickers, who often pose as romantic partners or provide false promises of stability. Many trafficking survivors report experiencing repeated cycles of exploitation due to psychological manipulation and dependency on their traffickers. In Montana, Haven and the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence provide confidential support, legal advocacy, and counseling to survivors of abuse and trafficking. They also work with local law enforcement to help break cycles of exploitation and support long-term recovery.

Economic and Educational Disadvantages

Walk Free, an international human rights group from Australia, states that poverty and lack of education are significant drivers of sex trafficking. Individuals with fewer economic opportunities may be lured into trafficking situations with the false promise of employment, financial security, or a better life. Research by McCoy has also shown that lower levels of education correlate with increased vulnerability to trafficking, as individuals with limited resources struggle to secure stable jobs and housing. Economic instability is a growing concern in Montana, where increasing housing costs and limited job opportunities have made some populations more vulnerable. Organizations like Family Promise of Gallatin Valley provide housing assistance, job training, and other resources to help reduce the economic vulnerabilities that traffickers often exploit.

Sex Trafficking and Gender

Sex trafficking is a deeply gendered crime, predominantly affecting women and girls. In 2023, according to the Montana DOJ. Montana authorities recorded 23 female victims compared to eight male victims, reflecting the broader global trend of gender-based vulnerability to trafficking. According to The National Human Trafficking Hotline, some reasons for this difference can be, social and economic disadvantages — including lack of access to education, lower earning potential, and legal discrimination — increase their risk of being trafficked. While women and girls make up the vast majority of sex trafficking victims, it is important to recognize that men and boys can also be trafficked, often in ways that go underreported. According to the Polaris Project, traffickers exploit men and boys through coercion, fraud, or force, often targeting those experiencing poverty, homelessness, or unstable family situations. Some are lured by false job offers, particularly in industries like agriculture, construction, and illicit massage businesses, only to be forced into commercial sex. Social stigma and gender norms discourage male survivors from seeking help, leading to an underrepresentation of their experiences in official statistics.

Outcomes of Sex Trafficking

The effects of sex trafficking extend far beyond the initial exploitation. Often leaving survivors with detrimental social, physical, and mental consequences. Many survivors experience severe health disparities, including chronic illnesses, untreated injuries, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to coerced, unprotected sex. Survivors often suffer from malnutrition, chronic pain, and reproductive health complications stemming from prolonged exploitation and inadequate medical care.

Research done by Muftić and Finn in 2013) indicates that survivors exhibit significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dissociative disorders than non-trafficked individuals. A recent study conducted by Hayes and Lease in 2024 also revealed a strong correlation between trafficking and disordered eating behaviors. Beyond health concerns, survivors face immense social and economic challenges. Many struggle with reintegration into society due to the stigma surrounding their exploitation, making it difficult to secure employment, housing, or stable relationships. According to research done by Crawford & Kaufman in 2008, the stigma surrounding trafficking survivors often extends to their families, further limiting their opportunities for a fresh start.