An estimated 40.3 million victims are trapped in modern-day slavery, 4.8 million of which are estimated to be in forced sexual exploitation. For every 10 victims of human trafficking detected globally, roughly five were adult women and two were girls. 

Victims of sex trafficking are recruited through organised criminal groups, online activities, intimate partners and relatives, recruiting agents, legal businesses and ordinary people. Victims are targeted due to personal risk factors such as a difficult upbringing, lack of education and/or economic opportunity.

As a result, perceived rich earnings, security, status, glamour, travel and demand are used to entice victims because they face a reality of lack of income opportunity, education and familial support.

The use of digital platforms to recruit vulnerable people is increasing. Dating sites, usually free to females, and social media expose potential victims to exploitation and coercion. While, encrypted messaging apps make it virtually impossible to monitor, let alone legislate, against recruitment and coercion.