In the scenario described, what legal or social issue best fits Maria’s situation?

The situation described indicates that Maria is suffering from exploitation that involves manipulation, coercion, or control, which aligns best with human trafficking. This issue typically involves the transportation or recruitment of individuals through force or fraud for the purpose of exploitation, often in forced labor or sexual exploitation scenarios.

In Maria's case, if her circumstances are reflective of being exploited in such a manner, it means she is likely facing severe violations of her rights and personal autonomy, making human trafficking the most fitting legal or social issue. Unlike neglect or child abuse, which focus on failure to provide necessary care or act of harm by a caregiver, human trafficking specifically addresses the systematic exploitation of an individual, placing it in a different legal context that necessitates unique intervention and resources. Substance abuse could be a contributing factor in some instances but does not encapsulate the broader issue of exploitation and control inherent in human trafficking.