Posted by Sarah Kraybill
on October 12, 2026
Human Trafficking is a scary and huge problem. It can seem overwhelming to try to help. This is a big part of why at Starfish Project, we created our mission to focus on one survivor at a time.
By helping one survivor at a time to the very best of our ability, we can help each individual experience lasting freedom and deep transformation. Through your purchases and donations, you make it possible for this to happen. Thank you!
If you would like to understand more about the complexity of human trafficking, here are some FAQs that help you grasp the context of Starfish Project’s work.
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is essentially modern slavery: forcing people to carry out actions or labor that is against their will and for which they receive no compensation. It can originate through a coercive relationship, threats, or through fake promises of a good job. It includes forced scamming (carrying out online or phone scams,) fishing, sewing clothing, agricultural work, domestic labor such as cleaning or cooking, among others.
Why is it called human trafficking?
Human trafficking means moving, recruiting, or keeping people to exploit them. It is similar in certain ways to the illegal trade and transport of goods, which is also called trafficking.
Where does human trafficking happen?
Human trafficking happens all over the world. Starfish Project works with survivors of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking in Asia. Asia is the location of the largest population of trafficked people in the world. People can be trafficked between countries or even within one country. Trafficking people doesn’t mean they have to cross borders, only that they are being sold against their will.
Why do human traffickers exploit people?
Globally, human trafficking yields hundreds of billions to criminal traffickers. It is a high reward/ low risk crime. Very few traffickers end up paying any legal or criminal penalty.
What is sex trafficking?
People are being trafficked for sex if they are carrying out commercial sexual acts or creating sexually explicit commercial content against their will. The trafficker coerces, tricks and/or physically intimidates people in order to force them to comply.
Why are people trafficked for sex?
Sex trafficking yields nearly 75% of the annual worldwide illegal income to traffickers. Sex trafficking victims make up roughly 25% of the people being trafficked. (The highest number of people being trafficked worldwide are actually being trafficked for forced labor such as in agriculture or on fishing boats, scam centers, domestic labor, or garment work.)
What happens after people survive human trafficking?
Worldwide, only about 1 out of 100 survivors of trafficking find freedom. Unfortunately, most anti-trafficking organizations report that 80% of their service recipients experience re-trafficking. Over Starfish Project’s 20 year history, less than 8% of the survivors we have employed have returned to exploitation.
How can I help survivors of human trafficking?
You can help through advocacy: share about the problem with your friends or on social media. You can share links to organizations like Starfish Project and encourage your followers to make a positive impact by making thoughtful purchases of products that support survivors. You can help survivors find freedom by supporting Starfish Project’s outreach and holistic care programs that are funded through donations.
How does Starfish Project help survivors of trafficking?
Starfish Project brings hope to survivors and invites them to transform their lives. Starfish Project does this by helping survivors find freedom, experience independence and develop careers. In addition to receiving a salary on day one at Starfish Project, each survivor receives the holistic care she needs to thrive: safe shelter, trauma counseling, health insurance, healthcare, education, vocational training, daycare and more.
You can help us bring lasting freedom and deep transformation to even more survivors’ lives! Make a gift today.
For more information, read the great research happening at other organizations fighting human trafficking:
Author: Sarah Kraybill
Sarah was born on the East Coast in the USA and now lives in Indiana, where the Starfish Project US distribution center is located. After beginning her career in language teaching and educational administration, she moved into fundraising for nonprofits. She has worked with Starfish Project for 3 years, where she enjoys building relationships with supporters and customers. She loves to travel and never misses a chance to look at native plants or locally made textiles.
