Human trafficking consists of exploitation in conjunction with force, coercion, deception, fraud, and threat. Exploitation can occur through forced labour, forced sexual service or more than one of these.

Human trafficking for sexual exploitation involves the use of:

• Force
• Coercion
• Deception
• Fraud 
• Threat 

In order to sexually exploit another (i.e. make her provide sexual services) for money or other valuables. While it can affect anyone, sexual exploitation through human trafficking is a crime that disproportionately affects women and girls.

Marginalized and exploited populations of women – for example, youth, sexual minority including trans persons, socioeconomically disadvantaged and Indigenous women and girls – are most vulnerable to being targeted.