SAN ANTONIO – Two of the nation's hotlines for reporting human or sex trafficking by phone or text have data showing more victims are contacting them for help, as well as the public offering tips and information about suspected traffickers.
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline and the Polaris "BeFree" texting helpline report last year saw a 26 percent increase in contacts made with victims or the public, the majority concerning sex trafficking.
Victims or the public can remain anonymous when they call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
"Human trafficking hotlines are a lifeline for survivors so they can stay safe and get connected with help and services," said Bradley Myles, Polaris CEO.
Data showed Texas was the second highest in the nation for reported cases.
Statewide in 2014, of the 452 calls or texts, 346 were about sex trafficking situations.
Michelle Lee, FBI spokeswoman, said the problem is getting worse because of social media, but investigators are grateful the calls are coming in.
Lee said in doing so, the public is "the greatest source of valuable information that leads to rescuing some of these very desperate victims who are in horrible plights."
"This is an opportunity for the public to literally save someone's life," Lee said.
But she said they should make contact as quickly as possible.
"Statistics show that from the time the exploitation begins, that child or that woman will have an average of five to seven years before they die," Lee said.
She said it's usually due to drugs, physical abuse or the health risks associated with multiple sex partners -- as many as 10 to 15 per week.
Lee said the FBI helps other law enforcement agencies in tracking down the traffickers and their victims.
Along with young women and girls, she said more young boys are being recruited and exploited by pimps.
"We see a lot of runaway children and sadly, the term, throwaway children," Lee said. "They've been lured and recruited by pimps who are them something that they need, that they're not getting at home."
The Rape Crisis Center and the Embassy of Hope are among the numerous local resources offering help and counseling for trafficking survivors.
The San Antonio Police Department, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office , and the FBI are among local law enforcement agencies that also have detailed information on their websites.