Estimating the worldwide number of victims of trafficking is extremely difficult because the crime is  well  hidden, but experts at the ILO have estimated there are 40 million victims of human trafficking in the world, and the numbers are on the rise. In West Bengal, the vulnerabilities of the poorest have recently worsened due to COVID-19 which has created huge economic strife. This has left many more people vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.

​

Financial deprivation leads to an increase in child marriage and child trafficking. Families in the poorest villages are tricked or forced into choosing exploitative options. Girls are more likely to be trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and are often moved into India's cities. Children who are trafficked usually miss out on much of their education and many are unable to return to their families to due to the stigma. At Destiny we identify the most vulnerable girls and support them during their time at shelter homes and as they become young adults.