The perception that human trafficking is only a global problem is a myth. Each year, millions of people of all ages are trafficked worldwide by traffickers who utilize force, fraud, or coercion to lure individuals from all races, genders, and nationalities into performing labor or commercial sex acts.
You deserve safety and support. Albion’s services are accessible to those experiencing sex trafficking by calling our sexual assault hotline at 812-424-7273.
Understanding Human Trafficking
Sex trafficking occurs when a person is forced to do sexual acts that they otherwise do not want to perform. This may result in individuals being forced to work as a prostitute, in a strip club, giving massages, or other roles. The trafficker making individuals perform these acts are sometimes called “pimp” or “daddy.”
Labor trafficking occurs when an individual is forced to work somewhere that they do not want to work, or when they work for very little to no money. The trafficker may be the individual who helped you find a job, your boss, a supervisor, or more.
Trafficking Tactics & Indicators
Another common myth is that those experiencing human trafficking will seek help when out in public. Traffickers are very skilled in the art of manipulation, however, and maintain over individuals in a variety of ways.
Force occurs when traffickers utilize harm. This can include being kicked, punched, shoved, beaten, strangled, sexually abused or raped, tied down, chained, or forced to take drugs or drink alcohol.
Fraud occurs when traffickers make promises that they do not keep. This can include assuming a job that pays $3 an hour but promised $15 an hour or promises of care and love that turn into forcing you to take part in acts you do not want to perform.
Coercion occurs when traffickers utilize scare tactics or intimidation. This can include threats of violence against you or a loved one, threats to turn you into the cops, threats to have you deported, or even threats to have your children taken away.
Understanding the complexities of human trafficking can allow you to identify and recognize its indicators more easily. The red flags listed below may not be present in all trafficking cases and are not cumulative.