Human trafficking is one of the most misunderstood social justice issues of our time. It is highly complex and often difficult to measure or identify. Additionally, human trafficking is often misrepresented in movies, book, and other media – further adding to public confusion. It’s with this widespread misunderstanding in mind that we present 13 common (and not-so-common) myths about human trafficking.<\/i><\/p>\n1. Slavery doesn\u2019t exist anymore.<\/h2>\n
Human trafficking is synonymous with slavery. In fact, many refer to human trafficking as modern-day slavery<\/a> and vice versa. By definition, a slave is a person who is treated as property, bought, and sold to be held in servitude.1 With an estimated 40.3 million modern-day slaves<\/a> in the world, slavery is an even more widespread issue today than it has been at any other point in recorded history.<\/p>\n Human trafficking happens in nearly every single country<\/a> around the world, and it\u2019s most likely happening where you live. While many cases are concentrated on coastal areas in the U.S., human trafficking was reported in every single state<\/a> in 2017.<\/p>\n The 2018 report from KnowTheChain<\/a> shows that some of the companies most likely to use slave labor are brands we use in our everyday lives. From clothing, to technology, to food, this report highlights the ethics of big name companies so you can make an informed choice. Take some time to read the full report and see how major brands stack up.<\/p>\n While the majority of traffickers are men, women also play a prominent role in trafficking. According to the UNODC, an estimated 72% of convicted traffickers are male, and 28% are female. Some female offenders were once victims themselves and turned to trafficking to escape their own victimization.<\/p>\n It is true that the majority of human trafficking victims are women (75% according to Polaris<\/a>); however, men and boys are widely affected<\/a> by sex and labor trafficking<\/a>, as well. The misconception that males are rarely or never affected can be dangerous, leading to fewer preventative and aftercare programs specifically targeted towards those who identify as male.<\/p>\n While those living in poverty are disproportionately affected by human trafficking, there is no single face that fits this crime. People of every race, gender identity, age, and economic situation can be susceptible to labor and sex trafficking. Vulnerability can stem from a variety of reasons, and poverty is only one such circumstance.<\/p>\n Human trafficking doesn\u2019t require the victim to be taken from their home at all. As long as force, fraud, or coercion is present (or the victim is underage) the victim doesn\u2019t need to be transported. In instances of cybersex trafficking<\/a>, for example, a victim may be forced, coerced, or threatened to livestream or record themselves performing sexual acts from a home computer or cell phone. In cases of familial trafficking, it\u2019s common for traffickers to pick up their victims from their homes and drive them to and from clients or a job site only to return them home afterwards.<\/p>\n Human smuggling involves illegally moving people across a country\u2019s borders. Human trafficking, on the other hand, is when “traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against his\/her will.”2\u00a0In some cases, human trafficking includes smuggling, but not in every human smuggling case is there human trafficking.<\/p>\n Sadly, in over 60% of cases<\/a>, victims are familiar with their traffickers. A trafficker could be a family friend, a significant other, or a close relative. Familial trafficking<\/a> is a horrific reality where a victim\u2019s trafficker is either a direct family member or known\u2014and often trusted\u2014by the victim\u2019s family. When the trafficker already has a connection to the victim, it can be easier to coerce the victim into forced sex or labor.<\/p>\n For survivors, the process of police rescue is often traumatic. Many have a deep fear of law enforcement and have extreme panic and confusion during an operation. Survivors then are asked to give testimony to police regarding their abuse, which is further traumatizing. It is not uncommon for victims to try and hide or escape from police during a rescue operation. Rescue is not the final step to freedom for each survivor, but, rather, it is the beginning of a lifelong process of healing.<\/p>\n While it may seem like removing victims from their situation is the best way to help them, that action could be highly dangerous and even classified as kidnapping. Reporting to the proper authorities is the best action to take if you suspect trafficking. When the police are able to rescue the survivor and arrest the traffickers involved, significant impact is made. With the traffickers facing criminal charges, they are prevented from trafficking more victims, and human trafficking itself becomes a more dangerous crime for criminals.<\/p>\n Human trafficking is a complex issue deeply rooted in many systematic issues, and it\u2019s not uncommon for traffickers to participate purely to escape their own victimization. The traffickers may have been trafficked themselves and seized the opportunity to \u2018move up\u2019 and avoid being trafficked further. They may also be so desperate that illegal activity seems like the only option.<\/p>\n There are so many ways you can fight human trafficking<\/a> with what you already have. Here are a few ideas:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Human trafficking is a complex issue\u00a0that is often greatly misunderstood. However, with a little time and intention, you can educate yourself on this global injustice. To learn more about sex trafficking, specifically, download our latest ebook.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Was there anything you were surprised about? Are there questions you still have? Comment below to let us know!<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.\u00a0“Slave<\/a><\/span>.”\u00a0Merriam Webster Dictionary<\/em>.<\/p>\n2. Human trafficking is an overseas problem.<\/h2>\n
3. Major brands don\u2019t use slave labor.<\/h2>\n
4. All traffickers are men.<\/h2>\n
5. All trafficking victims are women.<\/h2>\n
6. Human trafficking only happens in impoverished communities.<\/h2>\n
7. All human trafficking victims are kidnapped and isolated.<\/h2>\n
8. Human smuggling and human trafficking are the same.<\/h2>\n
9. Victims and traffickers are usually strangers.<\/h2>\n
10. Rescue brings immediate relief for survivors.<\/h2>\n
11. The best way to fight trafficking is to take victims from the situation.<\/h2>\n
12. All traffickers are willing participants in the crime.<\/h2>\n
13. Human trafficking is such an overwhelming issue. There\u2019s nothing I can do about it.<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n