Human trafficking is second only to drug dealing and tied with the illegal arms trade as the second-largest criminal industry in the world, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It's also the fastest-growing.

Victims are young children, teens, men and women. They are forced, often through violence, into sexual exploitation or labor in fields, factories and domestic servitude.

The U.S. Department of State estimates that 800,000 to 900,000 victims are trafficked across international borders worldwide; 18,000 to 20,000 are brought into the United States, usually from Asia, Central and South America and Eastern Europe.

Most don't speak English, so they remain isolated and can't seek help. They also are afraid of being captured and treated like criminals -- which wouldn't happen, thanks to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.

Under the act, trafficking victims who aren't U.S. citizens are eligible for special visas and work permits for up to three years, plus housing, food, Medicaid, welfare cash assistance and employment. In exchange they must cooperate with law enforcement efforts against traffickers. Children receive permanent residency.

The United States has a human trafficking hot line at 1-888-373-7888. It was established to help callers determine if they have come in contact with trafficking victims, and to help them find help.

More information is available at www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.