What is Human Trafficking?
There are a few different definitions of human trafficking currently used. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security employs the following definition, as based on federal law:
“Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.”
Polaris, the non-profit organization that operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline enhances that definition with the Action-Means-Purpose Model, breaking the crime down as follows:
“Human trafficking occurs when a perpetrator, often referred to as a trafficker, takes an Action (induces, recruits, harbors, transports, provides), and then employs the Means of force, fraud or coercion for the Purpose of compelling the victim to provide commercial sex acts (sex trafficking) or labor/services (labor trafficking).”
Finally, the United Nations, of which the United States is a member state, utilizes the definition below:
“Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit.”
In summary, human trafficking involves some form of manipulation of an individual in order to exploit that person. While there are varying definitions, the basic elements are the same. If these definitions describe a situation that you or someone you know is experiencing or have experienced in the past, help is available.
Signs of Human Trafficking
None of these signs, taken on their own, mean that someone is a victim of human trafficking. However, each of these signs could be considered warning signs, and if there are more than a few, then it is likely that this could, in fact, be a trafficking situation. The best thing to do in this situation is to contact law enforcement or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Do not attempt to “rescue” the person you suspect is a victim yourself, nor try to question them. This could be very dangerous for you, as well as putting that person’s life in danger, if indeed they are under the control of a trafficker.
- The person is not in possession of their own identification or documents
- The person’s movements, for example, their ability to leave and return to their home as they please, is restricted
- The person is never seen by his or herself and is always in the presence of another individual, who may speak on his or her behalf or attempt to control interactions
- The person is disoriented and does not know what city he or she is in or what the date is
- The person has signs of branding on their body, such as tattoos or even burn marks
- A person is giving a portion, or all of their wages to another person
- An employer insists on keeping a portion of his or her employees’ pay and does not comply with standard labor practices
Myths Vs. Facts
Click the arrows to see the facts!
Myth: Human trafficking is a problem in developing countries- it is not an issue in developed nations like the United States.
Fact: Although people living in developing nations are at higher risk for trafficking victimization, human trafficking is a global issue. In 2021, over 10,000 suspected cases of human trafficking in the United States were called into the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Myth: The typical human trafficking scenario is when a stranger kidnaps a victim.
Fact: Although this can happen, it is not the most common scenario. Instead, many survivors knew and had some sort of relationship with the person who trafficked them. Traffickers may be their friends, intimate partners, or even family members. These traffickers usually use manipulation and coercive tactics to recruit the person into trafficking.
Myth: Men and boys are not victimized by human trafficking.
Fact: Many men and boys are survivors of human trafficking. While they are more likely to be survivors of labor trafficking, sex trafficking does affect males, as well. In fact, boys and men who identify as LGBTQ are at a higher risk for sex trafficking victimization. Anyone can be affected by human trafficking.
Myth: Human trafficking is an international crime, involving the crossing of borders or some form of movement.
Fact: Movement is not required for trafficking to exist. Many survivors of human trafficking in the United States were US citizens and trafficked within our own country. In fact, many people are trafficked within their own city.
Myth: Victims of human trafficking are only controlled with force and are physically held captive.
Fact: In order for human trafficking to exist, only one of the following three elements must be present: force, fraud, or coercion. While force can be used, often traffickers will use fraud or coercion to recruit and keep people into their trafficking situation. If a minor is involved in a commercial sex act, it is always considered human trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is present. A minor cannot consent to commercial sexual transactions, and there is no such thing as “child prostitution”.
What are Trauma-Informed Services? :
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, trauma-informed care seeks to understand and acknowledge the widespread impact of trauma, recognize its signs and symptoms, integrate trauma awareness into policies and practices, and intentionally avoid re-traumatization (SAMHSA, 2014).
What does it mean to be Victim-Centered”?:
It is essential to ensure that services are victim-centered by:
- Putting the survivors’ needs and preferences at the forefront of support services.
- Offering nonjudgmental assistance and empowering survivors to make their own choices.
- Ensuring the survivor feels safe and secure, and avoiding actions that may cause additional trauma.
- Incorporating survivors’ perspectives into not only system-wide and community-based efforts, but also direct service programs.
(Adapted from the Office for Victims of Crime: Model Standards)
What is a “Survivor-Centered Approach”?:
