Human trafficking is the business of stealing freedom for profit. In some cases, traffickers trick, defraud or physically force victims into selling sex. In others, victims are lied to, assaulted, threatened or manipulated into working under inhumane, illegal or otherwise unacceptable conditions. It is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world.
Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud or coercion to induce another individual to sell sex. Common types include escort services, pornography, illicit massage businesses, brothels, and outdoor solicitation.
RECOGNIZING SEX TRAFFICKING
Anyone selling sex who is under 18 is legally a trafficking victim. There are a number of racial myths and stereotypes associated with sex trafficking. While available evidence shows that racial minorities are more likely to be victims of sex trafficking, there is no truth behind the stereotype that certain races of men are more likely to be traffickers than men of other races.
Someone you know may be in a sex trafficking situation if:
- They want to stop participating in selling or trading sex but feel scared or unable to leave
- They disclose that they were reluctant to engage in selling sex but that someone pressured them into it
- They live where they work or are transported by guards between home and workplace
- They are children who live with or are supported by or dependent on a family member with a substance abuse problem or who is abusive in other ways
- They have a pimp or manager in the sex trade
- They work in an industry where it may be common to be pressured into performing sex acts for money, such as a strip club, illicit cantina, go-go bar, or illicit massage business
- They have an older, or simply controlling parent, guardian, romantic partner or “sponsor” who will not allow you to meet or speak with the person alone or monitors their movements, spending and/or communications
