What is Human Trafficking?Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery and is the second largest criminal industry in the world following drug dealing. U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against his or her will. The one exception involves minors and commercial sex. Inducing a minor into commercial sex is considered human trafficking regardless of the presence of force, fraud or coercion.
|
Stats provided by the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (IDVSA) at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work from 2016.
While human trafficking is mistakenly thought of as something that does not occur in “my community”; it is happening locally. In the U.S., Texas ranks second in reported cases of human trafficking. The most current research according to a 2 year study (PDF) by the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, there are almost 79,000 minors and youth victims of sex trafficking in Texas today.
|
Who Is Vulnerable?
Human trafficking can happen to anyone but some
people are more vulnerable than others. Significant
risk factors include recent migration or relocation,
substance use, mental health concerns, involvement
with the child welfare system and being a runaway or
homeless youth. 1 in every 6 endangered runaways
reported to the National Center for Missing &
Exploited Children was likely a victim of sex
trafficking and 74% were in the care of social
services or foster care when they ran.
people are more vulnerable than others. Significant
risk factors include recent migration or relocation,
substance use, mental health concerns, involvement
with the child welfare system and being a runaway or
homeless youth. 1 in every 6 endangered runaways
reported to the National Center for Missing &
Exploited Children was likely a victim of sex
trafficking and 74% were in the care of social
services or foster care when they ran.
How Does Trafficking Happen?
Each case of human trafficking is unique. Whether the human trafficker is an individual acting alone or part of a larger organization, they reap financial gain from their victim through force, fraud, or coercion.
|
While it is true that traffickers sometimes forcibly kidnap their victims, this is not the most common way in which an individual becomes a victim of human trafficking. More frequently, traffickers manipulate and take advantage of an individual’s position of vulnerability in order to establish coercive control. For example, they may influence their victim with the false incentive of a job or better living conditions. In manipulating individuals’ vulnerabilities, traffickers will often also use physical force to establish dominance and control. Social media plays a huge role in how traffickers find and groom their victims.
|
Traffickers use a variety of tactics to intimidate and control their victims, including:
|
|
Who Are The Traffickers?
A trafficker may work alone, in a small criminal group, or in a large-scale organized crime network. Their scale of operation can range from victimizing one individual to large groups. Frequently a trafficker is someone whom the victim knows on a personal basis, such as a family member, friend, romantic partner, community member or someone they met online.
There is a common misconception that only men are traffickers, but women also play a prominent role in human trafficking. This may be because former victims become perpetrators as a means of escaping their own enslavement, or because women are more successful as recruiters and traffickers, as they are more likely to be trusted and less likely to be suspected of the crime.
Traffickers can be of any race, gender or socioeconomic status. Those who have been prosecuted for human trafficking have included people such as; business owners, diplomats, law enforcement, government authorities, military members and Church leaders.
There is a common misconception that only men are traffickers, but women also play a prominent role in human trafficking. This may be because former victims become perpetrators as a means of escaping their own enslavement, or because women are more successful as recruiters and traffickers, as they are more likely to be trusted and less likely to be suspected of the crime.
Traffickers can be of any race, gender or socioeconomic status. Those who have been prosecuted for human trafficking have included people such as; business owners, diplomats, law enforcement, government authorities, military members and Church leaders.
What can you do?
- Learn - First and foremost, learning the truth about human trafficking is critical. In order to be a strong advocate you must first learn the facts. There are a number of misconceptions and sensationalism surrounding trafficking, so do your due diligence in your research in order to be well informed. Contact us to schedule a prevention education presentation to your group or at your school, church or community organization.
- Share - Once you have learned the truth about human trafficking, share with family, friends and especially your children. Engage in conversations with your children, sharing what you have learned and have open dialogue about the dangers they could encounter. Search for anti-trafficking organizations on social media and like/follow them. Share their posts and resources which is a great way to start raising awareness in your community.
- Get Involved - Volunteer with us or another organization in your area that is dedicated to fighting human trafficking. Contact Us if you would like more information on how to get involved with Shepherd's Watch.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call us at 214-636-2139 (not law enforcement)
