Human Trafficking: See Where It's Most Prevalent In PA

PENNSYLVANIA — Nearly 1,500 human trafficking cases were filed in the state between 2020 and 2024, according to a new report by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

Human trafficking is an abuse in which people profit from the exploitation of others - mainly through the use of force, fraud and coercion to manipulate victims into engaging in sex acts or other activities in exchange for something of value. Those under the age of 18 who exchange sex for something of value are human trafficking victims regardless of the circumstances.

Victims of human trafficking might not have access to their own travel identification documents; might not have control of their financial records or bank accounts; have very few personal possessions; work excessively long or unusual hours either with little or no pay and are unable to clarify their address or living situation.

Here are the number of offenses filed statewide between 2020 and 2024:

• 2020: 144

• 2021: 308

• 2022: 190

• 2023: 472

• 2024: 318

According to the courts office, the high number of offenses in 2023 is attributable to one case in Franklin County with 200 human rights trafficking offenses and a case in Dauphin County with 39 human rights trafficking offenses.

The Pennsylvania counties with the most reported offenses between 2020 through 2024:

• Franklin: 15 percent

• Berks: 12 percent

• Dauphin: 11 percent

• Delaware: 10 percent

• Chester: 7 percent

• Lycoming: 5 percent

• Blair: 5 percent

• Lancaster 4 percent

• York: 3 percent

• Cumberland: 2 percent