Written by Donn Kirkland and Ted Bunch
Human trafficking isn’t a distant issue or a niche concern; it’s a crisis rooted in systems we encounter every day. While society often frames trafficking as a women’s issue, this narrow view leaves male survivors invisible, ignored, and unsupported. While many victims are women, girls and LGBTQIA+ individuals, if we’re serious about addressing trafficking, we must change our perspectives and confront the harmful norms that fuel it—starting with how we define masculinity.
Shining a Light on Male Survivors
Boys and men are just as vulnerable to exploitation as women and girls, yet their stories rarely make headlines. The UNODC’s 2022 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, released in January 2023, paints a sobering picture: boys have become the fastest-growing group of identified human trafficking victims. Between 2004 and 2020, the percentage of boys impacted skyrocketed, outpacing the increases seen among men, women, and girls.
Until 2017, the U.S. had no shelter dedicated exclusively to male survivors of trafficking. That’s decades of silence, systemic neglect, and missed intervention opportunities. If we’re going to end trafficking, we have to make room for every survivor’s story.
Masculinity as a Solution, Not a Weapon
Let’s be honest: because of the “Man Box,” we’ve been taught to view masculinity as part of the problem. Men and boys are significantly less likely than women and girls to self-identify as victims of human trafficking—a consequence of deeply ingrained gender stereotypes that equate masculinity with strength and invulnerability, according to the U.S. Department of State’s report Overlooked for Too Long: Boys and Human Trafficking (2023).
Societal expectations that men should be strong, invulnerable, and self-reliant often silence male survivors. Many hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment or disbelief. This stigma isn’t just harmful—it’s deadly.
But masculinity doesn’t have to be the villain. Healthy masculinity shifts the focus to accountability and respect. It teaches men to value empathy over dominance and to view others as equals. When we reimagine what it means to “be a man,” we disrupt the systems that allow trafficking to thrive.
Bridging the Gaps in Resources
Here’s the reality: most trafficking resources are designed with women and children in mind. While these services are critical, they’re not enough. Male survivors face unique challenges and often have nowhere to turn. The few organizations that do support men are underfunded and overstretched.
Addressing this gap is essential. We need more shelters, hotlines, and community programs tailored to the needs of male survivors. This isn’t just about providing services; it’s about affirming that their stories matter.
Engaging Men and Boys in Prevention
If we’re going to end trafficking, men and boys must be part of the solution. That starts with education. We need to teach young men how their choices — from the media they consume to the products they buy — can perpetuate and support an industry built on exploitation. It’s about helping them connect the dots: the person you see in that video, or the laborer behind that product, might be a victim of trafficking.
Prevention also means empowering men to take action. Recognizing the signs of trafficking, intervening when safe, and supporting organizations doing the work are all critical steps.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Expand support for male survivors. Advocate for shelters, hotlines, and resources that address the unique needs of boys and men.
- Educate youth on Healthy Masculinity. Implement school and community programs that teach boys to value empathy, respect, and accountability.
- Raise awareness about trafficking. Launch campaigns that highlight the realities of trafficking and the role societal norms play in enabling it.
- Challenge harmful media consumption. Encourage men to critically examine how their choices—from pornography to fast fashion—may contribute to exploitation.
- Support organizations fighting trafficking. Donate to or volunteer with groups providing direct support to survivors.
- Educate boys on the tactics traffickers use. Boys can also be victims. It’s crucial to teach boys to recognize warning signs, such as false job offers, manipulation through social media, and coercion by trusted individuals while empowering them to seek help and support when something feels unsafe.