Every year, new human trafficking in the US statistics emerge, revealing the alarming extent of exploitation within American borders. Despite increased awareness and tougher laws, human trafficking in the US statistics still show thousands of victims, many of whom remain hidden in plain sight. Ongoing human trafficking research is critical in understanding how traffickers operate, how victims can be identified, and how communities can work together to prevent exploitation. Human trafficking takes many forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude. It affects children and adults alike, cutting across socioeconomic, racial, and geographic lines. While many people think of trafficking as an international issue, the reality is that countless cases begin and end entirely within the United States. This is why human trafficking research is so essential—data and evidence help policy makers, law enforcement, and advocates develop strategies that...