HTV: The Truth About Human Trafficking | Houston Police

Human trafficking isn’t a far-off issue. It’s happening in our own backyards. Houston City Councilmember Twila Carter recently hosted "Common Grounds: Human Trafficking," an eye-opening panel discussion on awareness, prevention, and support for those impacted by human trafficking. Some of the important topics discussed: 5:33 Signs your child is being groomed 6:43 The importance of acknowledging boys can be trafficking victims 8:13 How homelessness, the foster care system and family instability increase vulnerability to trafficking 11:15 More than 60% of trafficking victims come from foster care 14:09 How traffickers reach out to your kids in your home 18:27 How access to pornography on their phones is poisoning boys' expectations in relationships 19:31 The average U.S. child starts watching pornography at 8 years old 21:27 How "sextortion" is being perpetrated on children 22:39 33% of boys are "purchased" to be tortured 23:56 How traffickers psychologically manipulate children 27:37 50% of abused children never talk about it until they are adults 29:02 The importance of teaching kids about personal boundaries 33:34 How important it is to talk to your kids about trafficking 36:45 How large sporting events and conferences can bring more trafficking to the city 38:16 Human trafficking is a $526 billion business and how we can disrupt & dismantle it Chief Noe Diaz was on the panel with Jacquelyn Aluotto (No Trafficking Zone CEO ), Lisa Bourgoyne (The Landing CEO), Kerry McCracken (The Children's Assessment Center Executive Director), Bob Williams (Ranch Hands Rescue CEO), and Assistant Chief John Nanny (Harris County Sheriff's Office). The public discussion took place May 19, 2026 at Houston City Hall. Thanks to our city partners at HTV Houston Television for recording this important discussion and allowing us to share it. Produced by: HTV Houston Television Houston Police Department Video Production Unit www.houstonpolice.org Subscribe to our channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=houstonpolicedept