Many people are not aware that slavery exists and because of this they become easy targets for traffickers. Individuals need to be educated on the tactics that traffickers use so that they can protect themselves. It is also important that people become aware of the issues surrounding human trafficking, so that they can play an active role in identifying and reporting instances of slavery.
Victims are usually sold for very meager amounts of money, while traffickers, pimps, and brothel owners make large profits from the services that victims are forced to provide. It is disturbing that individuals participate in the business of selling others so that they can make financial gains. Certain governments also profit from the slave trade. The U.S Department of State declared that, "government corruption is one of the driving factors behind the burgeoning trade in human beings." Furthermore, some states do not actively or effectively target those involved in with the trafficking of human beings. Some cultures actually condone slavery and accept it as a normal part of life.