According to The International Labor Organization, there are an estimated 12.3 million people exploited annually. Historically, governments have criminalized victims caught in the web of human trafficking, yet some organizations are currently working to put the focus on helping the victims. Curbing human trafficking will depend greatly on individual governments taking a firm stand against the modern day slave trade and exploitation of victims around the globe. This research will explore the issue of human trafficking in many countries today, and will also consider some of the underlying issues contributing to the trade. Policy implications will be discussed.