Familial trafficking involves the exploitation of a minor within their own family for goods, substances, services, or money. While parents are often the perpetrators, any legal guardian or family member, including aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, or siblings, can be involved.


Trafficking perpetrated by family members is one of the most common forms of trafficking, making up around 40% of all trafficking cases (both sex and labour). In familial child sex trafficking cases children might be coerced, groomed or manipulated into sexual acts, either online or in person, usually with the goal of financial gain. In many cases, this type of exploitation also involves the creation, distribution and trade of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The Complexities of Familial Trafficking

Child sexual trafficking by family members frequently goes unreported due to the complexities of familial power dynamics. Trust and loyalty between parents and children can make it easier for traffickers to rationalise and downplay the exploitation. Children subjected to abuse from a young age may struggle to identify coercive tactics used by those they trust. Lack of exposure to healthy relationships further compounds the issue, as many children have no other trusted adults to guide them. The psychological impact of growing up in an environment lacking love, trust, and safety can be severe and long-lasting.

How Misconceptions Impact Protection Efforts

Misconceptions surrounding child sex trafficking contribute to challenges in addressing the issue. Many people still believe that most trafficking cases are perpetrated by strangers abducting children to remote foreign locations. While these cases can happen, they are incredibly rare, compared to other forms of trafficking. Common misconceptions about the nature of familial trafficking, such as the belief that it only occurs within communities or countries of low socioeconomic status further complicate investigation, prevention and protection efforts.

Dismantle Harmful Misconceptions

Learning about trafficking, and raising awareness of these misconceptions is how we generate societal change. Expand your knowledge here:

• Recognise signs of trafficking
• What are the different types of trafficking?
• The most common misconceptions about trafficking
• Navigating the Unique Complexities in Familial Trafficking
• Standing united against trafficking and exploitation