Human trafficking is the fastest-growing crime globally. In the United States alone, between 100,000 and 300,000 children are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation (being trafficked for sexual purposes) each year (Estes & Weiner, 2001). Young girls, especially girls of color and those who have been victims of sexual abuse, are disproportionately at risk of being trafficked. Child welfare systems inadvertently play a part in making girls vulnerable to exploitation—as many as 64 percent of women in prostitution were previously involved in the child welfare system.

Legal Momentum is helping vulnerable girls through public education, legislative reform, and coalition-building throughout the country.  Legal Momentum is working with collaborators and partners throughout the country on how to best serve the legal needs of exploited girls, and how to stop the commercial exploitation and trafficking of children by building coalitions to combat human trafficking across the country.