Human trafficking is an extremely complex issue, and it does not occur within a vacuum. It can happen to anyone, systemic injustices like racism, homophobia, sexism, economic inequality, and more lead some communities to face more risk of trafficking than others. Members of groups who suffer systemic discrimination and marginalization because of their sex, gender, ethnicity, tribe, caste, religion, sexual orientation, and more are particularly vulnerable. Lack of access to essentials such as education, health care, and financial stability are root causes that limit opportunity, exacerbate systemic injustices, and create vulnerabilities to trafficking. People without access to affordable health care, legitimate credit or government services are vulnerable because they must borrow money informally during emergencies and are forced to work off the debt in conditions of forced labor.
