The exploitation of the vulnerable via sex and labour trafficking is an unfortunate yet persistent characteristic of human society. In the introductory chapter, a brief history of human trafficking is provided, definitional and measurement issues are explored, and crucial questions are raised about narrative truth in criminology, and the power of redemption stories for human trafficking participants as they navigate their desistance journeys.

In the seven book chapters that follow, researchers have conducted both qualitative and quantitative analyses of human trafficking, focusing primarily on sex trafficking.

Authors delve into the complex world of human trafficking through the lens of personal narratives of participants, including sex traffickers, sex workers, social workers, and law enforcement. Drawing from firsthand accounts, the book illuminates the intricate pathways that lead individuals into human trafficking and the challenges faced by those who attempt to leave.

From the initial causes of trafficking involvement to the violent realities faced by sex workers, the book provides an unflinching look at this global crisis. It uniquely combines survivor stories with perspectives from frontline professionals—including hotline operators, law enforcement officers, and social workers—offering a multi-faceted view of the challenges in combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.

This essential reading provides valuable insights for criminologists, social workers, law enforcement professionals, human rights advocates, trauma counselors, policy makers, and scholars in sociology, criminal justice, and gender studies seeking to understand the complex dynamics of human trafficking and its impact on human lives.