Human trafficking is a significant issue in the U.S. and worldwide. Human trafficking victims are often concealed by their traffickers; however, studies show that many victims interact with healthcare professionals while they are being victimized.

Today, some label human trafficking as a form of "modern day slavery," and frequently, human trafficking has been linked to sex work, although there are other forms of trafficking, such as forced labor and domestic work. Human trafficking can involve women, men, and children.