What is Familial Trafficking?

Author(s): IRC Anti-Trafficking Response
Date: 2025
Topic(s): Child Trafficking, Introduction to Human Trafficking

Explore more about this topic

References

U.S. Department of State (2025). Navigating the Unique Complexities in Familial Trafficking. 

IOM. (2023). Family members are involved in nearly half of child trafficking cases.

Sprang, G., Cole, J. Familial Sex Trafficking of Minors: Trafficking Conditions, Clinical Presentation, and System Involvement.

Sidun, N., & Dryjanska, L. (2024). Familial Trafficking: History, Consequences, and Clinical Recommendations. The Family Journal.

Allert (2022). Domestic Minor Familial Sex Trafficking A National Study of Prevalence, Characteristics, and Challenges across the Justice Process. 

Edwards, E. E., Middleton, J. S., & Cole, J. (2022). Family-Controlled Trafficking in the United States: Victim Characteristics, System Response, and Case Outcomes. Journal of Human Trafficking, 10(3), 411–429.

Gozdziak, E. (2016). Trafficked children and youth in the United States: Reimagining survivors. Rutgers University Press.

Roe-Sepowitz, D. E., Gallagher, J., Risinger, M., & Hickle, K. (2014). The Sexual Exploitation of Girls in the United States: The Role of Female Pimps.Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(16), 2814-2830. 

Henderson, M. F. (2022). Human trafficking by families. Public Management Bulletin, 24. School of Government.  

Raphael, Jody (2020) “Parents as Pimps: Survivor Accounts of Trafficking of Children in the United States,“ Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence.