9 Best Charities That Fight to End Sex Trafficking (Complete 2024 List)

9 Best Charities That Fight to End Sex Trafficking (Complete 2024 List)

By
Diana Stancu

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Sexual exploitation makes up 80% of all human trafficking cases, and around 92% of its victims enter the industry through coercion and manipulation. Consequently, many charities are now fighting to capture the traffickers and end the vicious cycle of struggle and risk that exposes vulnerable communities to abuse. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight to end sex trafficking?

The best charities that fight to end sex trafficking are Shared Hope International, Polaris, and Agape International Missions. Charities like Crisis Aid, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, and Plan International protect women’s sexual rights worldwide.

Whether you want to support the rights of trafficking victims, empower communities to prevent exploitation, or advocate for policies that break the cycle of abuse, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that fight to end sex trafficking are all about, how they work, and what would be your best way to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Fight to End Sex Trafficking Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their impact, transparency ratings, achievements, and accreditations.

They operate all over the world, from North America to East Asia, and they all share the same goal of preventing and eliminating sex trafficking.

They also educate vulnerable communities through prevention campaigns and by advocating with governments for effective policies that protect survivors.

Furthermore, some charities operate international programs that educate populations on women and children’s rights to abolish broken systems and stop sexual exploitation for good.

Yet, all of the charities below focus on rescuing and rehabilitating sex trafficking victims in temporary homes by providing critical aftercare services like therapy or vocational training.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Fight to End Sex Trafficking in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that fight to end sex trafficking (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

1

Shared Hope International: Eradicating Sex Trafficking

Logo for Shared Hope International
Waiting For You To Notice

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Their transparency & ratings:

Shared Hope International has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, with a 100% score for accountability and transparency. They also hold the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We exist to eradicate sex trafficking worldwide.”

Shared Hope International

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What they do:

Shared Hope International works to prevent sex trafficking exploitations through public trainings, partnerships, and awareness campaigns that educate communities and assist trafficking victims. They also help the survivors to restore their lives through aftercare counseling, shelters, and educational support, while empowering them to share their stories. In addition, they focus on bringing justice to the victims and changing the social environment by advocating for effective state legislation and making sure policies are rooted in and supported by their research to better protect sex trafficking victims. 

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, Shared Hope International has remained committed to combating sex trafficking worldwide. For example, in 2016, they reached nearly 780,000 people through their prevention campaigns and trained over 3,600 community members. In the same year, they rescued 431 survivors and sheltered 191 women and girls. They also gave 600 AIDS-related medical check-ups to sex trafficking victims and supported 250 women with vocational training. In addition, their “Stop the Injustice” campaign decriminalized sex trafficking victims in 31 states. And in 2019, they assigned 9,000 US legislators to develop state laws against sex trafficking.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate to Shared Hope International through their website. You can also participate in their advocacy campaigns or sign their support petitions for survivors. In addition, you can join them by volunteering or applying for a job.

2

Polaris: For a World Without Slavery

Logo for Polaris 
Now We Know

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Their transparency & ratings:

Charity Navigator gives Polaris a 3-star rating, with a 100% score for accountability and transparency. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We want to fundamentally reduce the amount of trafficking by reforming and, in some cases, entirely upending the failed systems that allow it to thrive.”

Polaris

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What they do:

Polaris combats sex trafficking by changing the social environment nationwide. They work to reduce sex slavery in 25 US cities by empowering vulnerable communities with the knowledge they need to protect themselves, including residential housing and social protection. They also fight to shift the legal accountability for sexual exploitation to sex buyers and traffickers and decriminalize the victims. Furthermore, they run a Human Trafficking Hotline for victims and witnesses to report cases of sex trafficking and find support. The charity also works with the financial system to make trafficking riskier and less lucrative for the buyers.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, Polaris’s Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 54,853 cases of sex trafficking. For example, in 2020 alone, they found over 7,600 instances of sexual exploitation, making up 72% of all trafficking cases that year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they conducted national research and found that sex trafficking cases increased by more than 40% and the requests for emergency shelter doubled. As a result, they launched a 10-year program to tackle the underlying patterns of exploitation and prevent a further increase.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate to Polaris directly on their website. You can also participate in their trafficking training or sign their petitions to support survivors.

3

Agape International Missions: Stop Human Trafficking

Logo for Agape International Missions
How Human Trafficking Ends

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Their transparency & ratings:

Agape International Missions has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, with a 100% score for accountability and transparency. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We work to rescue, heal and empower survivors of sex trafficking to be free.”

Agape International Missions

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What they do:

Agape International Missions fights sex trafficking through survivor-centered programs. Their social workers and SWAT teams rescue victims from abuse and provide them with legal representation. They also offer vocational training, therapy, and educational support in temporary or Restoration Homes to help the survivors rebuild their lives and find safe employment. Moreover, they prevent further trafficking of women and girls through transformative programs for both potential victims and former traffickers.

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, Agape International Missions has rescued over 1,550 survivors from more than 150 at-risk areas in South East Asia. They have also assisted in the arrest of over 500 traffickers that collectively received over 1,700 years in prison. For example, in 2021, they invested over $7 million in their programs and rescued 23 victims and arrested six offenders in just one month.

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Ways to contribute:

You can support Agape International Missions by donating on their website. You can also join their global online community or become a corporate partner. In addition, you can buy their survivor-made apparel.

4

International Justice Mission: Rescue Is Not Only Possible. It’s Happening.

Logo for International Justice Mission
What is Cybersex Trafficking?

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Their transparency & ratings:

The International Justice Mission has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

“We’re working worldwide to free people trapped in slavery. And we don’t stop there. We protect vulnerable people from all types of brutal violence throughout the world.”

International Justice Mission

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What they do:

The International Justice Mission supports local law enforcement to rescue both children and adults forced into the commercial sex trade. The survivors receive temporary homes and individual aftercare services such as trauma-focused counseling and access to education or employment opportunities. The charity also partners with local authorities to arrest and prosecute the traffickers. In addition, they advocate for policies and legal reforms that will protect survivors’ rights.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their inception, the International Justice Mission has continued to fight sexual violence against women and children in 10 countries worldwide, especially India, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic. For example, in 2021, they arrested more than 4,500 suspected traffickers and imprisoned almost 2,000 perpetrators. They also rescued nearly 10,000 victims from sexual violence and rehabilitated 430 survivors. In the same year, their awareness campaigns reached almost 32,000 community members and their training programs equipped 16,000 legal authorities.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the International Justice Mission directly on their website. You can also contribute by volunteering or fundraising. In addition, you can join their advocacy or awareness campaigns

5

Plan International: Girls’ Rights Are Human Rights

Logo for Plan International
We are Plan International

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Their transparency & ratings:

Plan International has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, with a 100% score for accountability and transparency. GuideStar also gives them the Platinum Seal of Transparency.

“We strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.”

Plan International

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What they do:

Plan International works at local and international levels to protect children and women’s rights and prevent sex trafficking. They bring awareness to vulnerable communities, work with local governments in rescue operations, and provide aftercare counseling, shelter, and educational training to survivors. Their CEFMU Program works internationally to prevent and eliminate child or forced marriage by changing harmful societal beliefs. They also conduct a program that designs safe cities for girls and protects them from potential sexual abuse. 

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What they’ve achieved:

Plan International fights to protect the rights of women and children in 55,000 communities from over 75 countries worldwide across five continents. For example, in 2020, they invested over $100 million in 23 projects for female sexual protection that served nearly 6 million girls worldwide. In the same year, they educated over 1,5 million communities in gender equality and 500,000 partner organizations in child protection services. They also improved the sexual and reproductive health of over 5,5 million girls across 20 cities worldwide.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate to Plan International through their website. You can also donate Gifts of Hope to directly support sex trafficking victims. In addition, you can become an advocate or start a fundraiser

6

Crisis Aid: Saving Lives, Saving Souls and Changing Futures

Logo for Crisis Aid International
Global Safe Campaign 2018

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Their transparency & ratings:

Crisis Aid has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, with a 100% score for the financial, leadership, and transparency metrics. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We are one of few organizations in the world to have a physical, full-time presence in a police department to support victims of sex trafficking.”

Crisis Aid

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What they do:

Crisis Aid’s national US Safe project fights sex trafficking in America through community education and public awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable communities. They also rehabilitate female survivors of sex trafficking in their US Refuge Home and offer holistic aftercare services like counseling and access to medical and community resources. Their Children’s Anti-Exploitation Partnership protects children that are engaged in high-risk sexual activities online from sex traffickers by providing prevention tools, such as their Internet Safety Education program.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, Crisis Aid has served over 3,200 people affected by, or vulnerable to, sex trafficking. They have also alleviated more than 190 girls in their U.S. Refuge home. For example, in 2021, they sheltered 13 girls and rescued nearly 600 trafficked women and children. Their Girls’ Village project in East Africa sheltered hundreds of at-risk women and their children to prevent potential exploitation. For example, in 2020, they housed 32 mothers and provided education and counseling to 170 women.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate to Crisis Aid on their website. You can also start a fundraiser or participate in their awareness training. In addition, you can buy their OH! COFFEE, and they will use the full amount to support the vulnerable.

7

Coalition Against Trafficking in Women: Ending Human Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation

Logo for Coalition Against Trafficking in Women
Join Us!

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“We want to create a world where no woman or girl is bought or sold. We stand up for the rights of all women and girls. Everywhere.”

The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women

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What they do:

The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women works through various partnerships to eliminate sex trafficking worldwide. They advocate for laws and policies to change social norms and protect women’s rights. They also raise public awareness of how sex trafficking can harm their communities and mobilize them to campaign and advocate for their rights. They are a survivor-led movement that empowers victims to use their experience and knowledge of the industry to develop policies that will prevent potential abuse and protect vulnerable women. 

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women has expanded their network to nearly 30 partner organizations worldwide. They have continued to engage governments and businesses with petitions and policies to end international sex trafficking. For example, in 2017, they launched the 5.2 Global Partnership alongside the UN, to increase investments and legal actions that help combat sexual violence against women in all member states. They also co-created the 1999 Equality Model, which protects victims’ rights and prosecutes the exploiters and sex buyers in 10 countries.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women through their website. You can also donate through an Employer Matching Program or contribute by starting a fundraiser.

8

The Exodus Road: Rescue is Coming 

Logo for The Exodus Road logo
Fight Human Trafficking with The Exodus Road

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Their transparency & ratings:

Charity Navigator gives The Exodus Road a 100% encompass score across all metrics. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Our mission is to disrupt the darkness of modern-day slavery. We envision a world in which humans are never bought, sold, or exploited.”

The Exodus Road

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What they do:

The Exodus Road operates programs that help both current and potential victims of sex trafficking. Their investigators conduct rescue missions with local police, and their social workers provide immediate care to survivors during the operations. They then bring the victims to their Freedom Homes where they provide trauma-informed therapy, medical care, and vocational training. In addition, their TraffickWatch Academy program educates and equips local communities and law enforcement to prevent or respond effectively to sex trafficking cases.

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What they’ve achieved:

The Exodus Road works in six locations worldwide and across three continents. To date, they have rescued over 1,700 survivors and provided aftercare services to 1,400 of them. They have also trained over 1,200 police officers and citizens who arrested nearly 1,000 traffickers. For example, in 2020, they aided 76 sexual abuse victims and arrested 92 perpetrators that collectively received over 400 years in prison.

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Ways to contribute:

You can donate to The Exodus Road directly on their website. You can also join their team or volunteer in a rescue mission. In addition, you can fundraise or become a corporate partner.

9

FAIR Girls: Ending Human Trafficking, One Life at a Time

Logo for FAIR Girls
What does human trafficking look like in the U.S.?

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Their transparency & ratings:

FAIR Girls has a 100% score for finance and accountability from Charity Navigator.

“We are ending human trafficking through survivor-centered and trauma-informed services, prevention, and advocacy.”

FAIR Girls

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What they do:

FAIR Girls supports law enforcement and other frontline responders to rescue victims of sex trafficking and apprehend the offenders. They then shelter the women in temporary homes and provide holistic aftercare through counseling, education support, and career guidance. They also work to aid potential victims by educating youth in public schools on the dangers of trafficking. Their Policy Advocacy Program supports the legal protection and rights of survivors and works to shift the accountability for sexual exploitation to sex buyers and traffickers.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, FAIR Girls has rehabilitated more than 1,200 sex trafficked girls and young women. For example, in 2020, they provided 1,167 aftercare services to 70 survivors. They also sheltered 30 women in their temporary homes and provided 16 victims with legal support against their perpetrators. In the same year, their trainings and awareness campaigns collectively reached over 2,200 community members.

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Ways to contribute:

You can support FAIR Girls by donating on their website. You can also donate via their Amazon Wish Lists, enroll as a volunteer, or collaborate on a fundraising campaign

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that fight to end sex trafficking. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

  • Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarise yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
  • Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
  • Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
  • Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
  • Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
  • Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

  • Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
  • Buy their official merchandise. The charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
  • Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
  • Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
  • Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to fighting to end sex trafficking – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

Illustration of a signature for Diana

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

The way we think about charity is dead wrong | Dan Pallotta

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