# What You Need to Know About Sex Trafficking — And How GOLDLAW Fights for Survivors | GOLDLAW **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is Sex Trafficking?  2. Where It Happens  3. Signs of Possible Sex Trafficking  4. Who Can Be Held Accountable?  5. How GOLDLAW Supports Survivors  6. Justice Is Possible — Even Years Later  **Sex trafficking isn’t just happening “somewhere else.”** It’s happening in our neighborhoods, schools, hotels, and online platforms — often hidden in plain sight.  At GOLDLAW, we’ve seen the devastating impact of sex trafficking on survivors and their families. We fight for those who have been exploited, manipulated, and silenced — and we work to hold not only traffickers, but the businesses and institutions that enabled them, accountable.  ## **What Is Sex Trafficking?**  Sex trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to engage in commercial sex acts. **When the victim is a minor, no coercion is required for it to be considered trafficking.**  Victims are often:  - Children or teenagers  - Runaways or youth in foster care  - Immigrants or non-English speakers  - Individuals with unstable housing  - People manipulated through grooming, drugs, or fear  Traffickers may be strangers, acquaintances, romantic partners — or even family members. And in many cases, **others knowingly look the other way**.  For a free legal consultation, call [561-222-2222](tel:+15612222222) ## **Where It Happens**  Sex trafficking can occur in:  - Hotels and motels  - Nightclubs, massage parlors, and strip clubs  - Truck stops and rest areas  - Private homes or apartments  - Social media platforms and escort websites  - Foster homes and youth shelters  - Religious or community organizations  This is not always a “kidnapping” scenario. Many survivors are **coerced, not abducted** — which makes it harder for outsiders to recognize the signs.  [Click to contact](https://goldlaw.lawbrokr.com/goldlaw/sexual-assault/questions/160532) our personal injury lawyers today ## **Signs of Possible Sex Trafficking**  Recognizing the red flags can help save a life. Survivors may:  - Be accompanied by someone controlling their actions, documents, or money  - Avoid eye contact or social interaction  - Appear anxious, malnourished, or physically abused  - Seem coached or rehearsed in their responses  - Stay in hotels for long periods with rotating visitors  - Work long hours in inappropriate or unsafe conditions  If something feels wrong, **trust your instincts** and contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.  Call or text [561-222-2222](tel:+15612222222) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://goldlaw.lawbrokr.com/goldlaw/sexual-assault/questions/160532) ## **Who Can Be Held Accountable?**  In many cases, sex trafficking is enabled by third parties who **fail to act** or even profit from exploitation. GOLDLAW helps survivors file **civil lawsuits** against:  - **Hotels and motels** that turn a blind eye  - **Online platforms** that facilitate trafficking  - **Landlords or property owners** who knowingly allow abuse  - **Religious institutions, schools, or foster agencies** that fail to protect minors  - **Transportation companies, club owners, or businesses** that ignore clear signs  Survivors may also have claims under the **Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA)** or state civil remedies laws.  Complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://goldlaw.lawbrokr.com/goldlaw/sexual-assault/questions/160532) now ## **How GOLDLAW Supports Survivors**  We are more than legal advocates — we are trauma-informed allies. When survivors work with GOLDLAW, they can expect:  ✅ Free, confidential consultations ✅ Respectful, private, and survivor-led communication ✅ Strategic investigation of all responsible parties ✅ Access to counseling referrals and victim support services ✅ Fierce representation in and out of the courtroom  ## **Justice Is Possible — Even Years Later**  If you are a survivor of sex trafficking, or know someone who is, you may still have legal options. Florida law and federal law allow extended timelines for civil claims in cases of trafficking and abuse.  **Call GOLDLAW at [561-222-2222](tel:+15612222222)** [www.goldlaw.com](https://goldlaw.com/)  **You are not alone. You are not to blame. And we will fight for your justice.**  Sexual Assault Blog Posts: ### [Support For Sexual Assault Victims in Florida](https://goldlaw.com/blog/support-for-sexual-assault-victims-in-florida/) When someone experiences a traumatic event, they need support. This is particularly true for survivors of sexual ### [Polo icon John Gobin accused of Sexual Assault](https://goldlaw.com/blog/polo-icon-john-gobin-accused-of-sexual-assault/) John Gobin, a polo legend who runs polo schools in Wellington, FL, South Carolina, and Virginia, has been named in a ### [Combatting Sexual Assault by Men in Power Positions](https://goldlaw.com/blog/combatting-sexual-assault-by-men-in-power-positions/) When it comes to a sexual assault, the onus placed on the victim is significant. Especially when the perpetrator is a ### [Courageous Sexual Assault Victims May Have a Case Against Famous Real Estate Brothers Tal, Oren, and Alon Alexander](https://goldlaw.com/blog/courageous-sexual-assault-victims-may-have-a-case-against-famous-real-estate-brothers-tal-oren-and-alon-alexander/) Sexual Assault Sexual assault is a serious crime that can have long-lasting, devastating effects on its victims. It is --- Source: https://goldlaw.com/faqs/what-you-need-to-know-about-sex-trafficking-and-how-goldlaw-fights-for-survivors/