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.

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.

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.

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.

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
🌐 www.goldlaw.com

You are not alone. You are not to blame. And we will fight for your justice.