Which group is identified as being at the highest risk for being forced into the sex trade?

The group identified as being at the highest risk for being forced into the sex trade is comprised of runaway and throwaway children ages 12-17. This vulnerability largely stems from a combination of factors affecting this age group, including unstable home environments, lack of support systems, and increased exposure to exploitative individuals or situations when they leave home.

Runaway and throwaway youth are often seeking safety, support, or autonomy, but may find themselves in precarious circumstances that expose them to predators. This demographic is particularly susceptible to trafficking because they may lack the resources to protect themselves and often face social isolation, making them more willing to engage in risky behaviors in search of basic needs such as food, shelter, and companionship.

In contrast, children ages 6-11 are generally too young to navigate the complexities of street life or be effectively targeted by traffickers. College students and single mothers, while they can face their own sets of challenges, are often in more stable living conditions or have access to support networks that can help mitigate risk factors associated with exploitation in the sex trade. Thus, the heightened risk for runaway and throwaway adolescents makes them the most vulnerable in this context.