Children, women, individuals with a history of abuse, and poorer individuals are more likely to be the victims of sexual exploitation., Research has demonstrated that there are several factors that place a person at heightened risk of sex trafficking victimization. These factors range from individual experiences, to factors at the community and societal level., Particularly vulnerable groups of students tend to share histories of poverty, family instability, physical and sexual abuse, and trauma. Racial and ethnic minority students are more vulnerable to trafficking partly because they are more likely to experience poverty and its associated effects., People with disabilities can be more vulnerable to SEA and often face increased barriers when it comes to reporting or getting the support they need. Staff are encouraged to be particularly alert to suspected cases of SEA within vulnerable populations., Among the groups listed, individuals with special needs are particularly vulnerable to an increased risk of sexual exploitation. This is due to various factors, including their potentially limited understanding of social boundaries, difficulties in communication, and dependency on others for support and care., Immigrants to the United States who are held in detention facilities and refugee camps are at a higher risk of suffering from sexual abuse, assault and exploitation, including sex trafficking..