In human sex trafficking, what defines a victim who is over 18 years old?

In the context of human sex trafficking, a victim over 18 years old is defined by their engagement in a commercial sex act that is facilitated through means of force, fraud, or coercion. This definition aligns with the legal frameworks established to combat human trafficking, which emphasize the absence of consent for individuals involved in such acts, even if they are over the age of majority.

The key aspect here is that regardless of the age, if a person is engaging in commercial sexual activities through coercive methods, they are considered a victim. This understanding emphasizes that exploitation can occur regardless of a victim's legal age, and the means of exploitation are critical in determining the victim's status.

The other options do not accurately define the criteria for recognizing a victim of sex trafficking. For instance, having a previous criminal record is irrelevant to their victim status, and the willingness or age threshold above 25 does not align with the definitions used in trafficking cases. Reporting to law enforcement is also not a precondition for defining someone as a victim; many may not report due to fear or lack of awareness of their situation.