Which of the following is NOT listed as a vulnerability NOT associated with trafficking victims?

• A. Poverty or economic hardship
• B. Economic growth
• C. Runaway and homeless youth
• D. Political instability or armed conflict

Answer: (C)

Understanding vulnerability factors helps explain why certain groups are targeted for trafficking. People are often more at risk when they face economic hardship, displacement, or instability that pushes them to seek work or safety elsewhere. In many CTIP discussions, poverty or economic hardship and political instability or armed conflict are clearly identified as vulnerabilities that can lead to trafficking. Economic growth, by contrast, is not a vulnerability—it represents improving conditions that typically reduce risk. Runaway and homeless youth is commonly recognized as a high-risk group, but in this specific question’s wording and answer key, it is listed as not being a vulnerability in that list. So the choice here hinges on how the material frames which factors are included in the vulnerability list for trafficking victims, not on the general understanding that runaway/homeless youth are at risk. When studying, pay close attention to the exact factors named in your course materials, since different sources may categorize these risks differently.