January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human and labor trafficking is an evolving crisis that operates in the shadows of the major interstates and rural farmlands in North Carolina. The US Department of Justice defines human trafficking as a crime that involves exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex through force, fraud or coercion.
Human trafficking is a problem nationwide, but the data suggest North Carolina is among the top states in the country where human trafficking is prevalent.
The state’s geography creates a “perfect storm” for traffickers:
Data from 2017 to 2024 reveals that North Carolina consistently ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for reported human trafficking cases.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline tracks signals such as phone calls, text messages, online reporting/tips, emails, and web chats to track potential victims and survivors of human and labor trafficking in the United States.
Since its establishment in 2007, the hotline has received more than 11,012 signals nationwide. In 2024, 638 of these signals originated in North Carolina and 178 were identified as victims or survivors of human trafficking. This represents a huge reduction compared to 2017, when 1,062 signals originated in North Carolina and 189 of those were identified as victims or survivors of human trafficking.
Since 2017, reports to the National Human Trafficking Hotline have highlighted North Carolina as a major hub for exploitation:
When information gathered from signals is determined to be enough to merit a potential referral to law enforcement, service providers, or other agencies, cases can be identified (this does not confirm an actual crime was committed). It is not unusual for a case to be reported by multiple signals, thus resulting in the case numbers being lower. In 2024, the hotline identified 301 human trafficking cases in North Carolina involving 580 victims. This reflects a fluctuating, but persistent high volume compared to earlier years, such as 2020 and 2023, where confirmed cases typically ranged between 235 and 260 annually.
Sex trafficking remains the most frequently reported type. In 2024, there were 145 reported cases of sex trafficking compared to 73 cases of labor trafficking, with an additional 38 cases involving both.
The 2024 data shows that victims are disproportionately female (214 cases) and adult (211 cases), though the trafficking of minors remains a critical concern, with 73 child victims identified.
The NC Department of Administration and the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission have ramped up efforts to support survivors. According to the 2025 NC Proclamation, between 2023 and 2024, state programs assisted over 700 human trafficking survivors.
If you suspect human trafficking, do not approach the individuals. Instead, use these resources:
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