Sexual trafficking is largely seen as something that happens abroad, but the underground sex trade is very much alive in the United States – especially for minors, according to a new report from the National Colloquium on Shelter and Services for Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Victims.

Human trafficking is a $9.8 billion domestic industry, with at least 100,000 children being used as prostitutes in America each year, according to the report from Shared Hope International, an organization working to eradicate sex trading. Shared Hope presented its findings in a congressional briefing Monday attended by Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., co-chairs of the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking and Reps. Ted Poe, R-Texas, and Jim Costa, D-Calif., co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Victims’ Rights.

FULL STORY: US News – Study: At Least 100,000 Children Being Used in U.S. Sex Trade

“We believe these tragic stories will save lives all over the United States,” said SHI president Linda Smith.

FULL STORY:  KGW – Wash. woman tells her story in sex trafficking documentary

Oregon recently received a “D” in a report card from Shared Hope International, an organization dedicated to fighting sex trafficking. The report outlines several flaws in Oregon’s sex trafficking law.

FULL STORY: Human trafficking bill heads to Senate

Shared Hope International grades every U.S. state according to “41 key legislative components that must be addressed in state laws in order to effectively respond to the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking.” This is an excellent project, of course, and has driven advocacy to state legislatures and led to some strengthening of state laws.

FULL STORY: Organize to Scrutinize Your Local Sex Trafficking Laws