|
Facts about human trafficking, common misconceptions and laws protecting individuals
|
Human trafficking
The acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud, or deception, with the aim of exploiting them
This refers, but is not limited to, the illegal movement of people from their familiar surroundings and coercing them for purposes such as forced sex work or labor. Human trafficking can be compared to modern day slavery, where traffickers control victims to engage in labor services or commercial sex acts against the victim’s will.
Types of Human Trafficking
|
Sex Trafficking
Sex Trafficking occurs when someone uses force, fraud or coercion to cause a commercial sex act with an adult or causes a minor to commit a commercial sex act. Commercial sex acts include prostitution, pornography and sexual performance done in exchange for any item of value, such as money, drugs, food or shelter. As long as there is demand, there is "supply" or innocent individuals who are trafficked. These three key players make it a vicious cycle: 1. The buyer 2. The pimp/trafficker 3. The victim |
Forced Labor
Forced Labor occurs when people are coerced to work with no benefits and against their will. They are found in a myriad of industries, ranging from the restaurant to manufacturing to the hospitality industries. Victims are held against their will by:
|
Negative impact
Human trafficking adversely affects the victims of this horrible evil, due to the lack of access to necessities such as food, sleep, safety, medical access and hygiene.
Physical ramifications
Victims are often subject to inhumane treatment such as excessive work with brutal incentives such as beatings, starvation and other forms of torture such as bondage and sensory deprivation. They are thus physically weak and exhausted and usually bear injuries that include broken bones, concussion, bruising or burns which can cause lasting health problems and may require long-term treatment. They are also at a higher risk of contracting diseases such as:
Victims are often subject to inhumane treatment such as excessive work with brutal incentives such as beatings, starvation and other forms of torture such as bondage and sensory deprivation. They are thus physically weak and exhausted and usually bear injuries that include broken bones, concussion, bruising or burns which can cause lasting health problems and may require long-term treatment. They are also at a higher risk of contracting diseases such as:
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/ AIDS, rectal trauma and urinary difficulties, pelvic pain from being exploited as a sex worker
- Infertility from sexually-transmitted untreated diseases, or botched/unsafe abortions
- Unwanted pregnancies from rape or prostitution
- Chronic hearing, cardiovascular, respiratory, eye problems from excessive labor in unsanitary locations such as crowded, enclosed, dimly lit sweatshops
- Malnourishment, stunted growth and development—especially for minor workers
- Infections or mutilations by dangerous medical procedures by victim's "doctors" and through torture
- Other infectious diseases such as diarrhea and tuberculosis
- Untreated diseases such as diabetes or cancer
- Substance abuse addiction either coerced by traffickers or to help cope with their detrimental state of living
Psychological Ramifications
When victims are constantly exploited—overworked with no limits or rewards—they stay in a perpetual state of anxiety, fear, insecurity and trauma. Often, victims (especially children and women) are treated for surface problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, delinquency, teenage pregnancy, STDs and abortion.
When victims are constantly exploited—overworked with no limits or rewards—they stay in a perpetual state of anxiety, fear, insecurity and trauma. Often, victims (especially children and women) are treated for surface problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, delinquency, teenage pregnancy, STDs and abortion.