Author: Hera, Content writer Headline Diplomat eMagazine

The primary factor determining whether one is a victim of human trafficking is the presence of fraud, force, or coercion in the labor.

Unfortunately, most people are apathetic to news of human trafficking except if it connects to them personally, leading to many misconceptions about the subject. However, a proper understanding of human trafficking is necessary to eradicate this plague as The U.S Department of State estimates 27.6 million victims worldwide are involuntarily Exploited for profit at any given time.

For this reason, this article will outline some common myths and misconceptions about human trafficking, helping the public understand the issue better.

Myth #1: Human Trafficking Always Involves Sex

Sex trafficking is a type of human trafficking but not the only one since Human Trafficking is an umbrella term covering different types of exploitative labor like forced labor and debt bondage.

This misconception is often due to sex trafficking getting more press coverage and evoking an emotional response from viewers unlike people enslaved in mined, factored, and domestic work worldwide.

Myth #2: Victims are Always Kidnapped and Isolated

Modern movies contribute to this human trafficking myth depicting victims being Kidnapped and Isolated. This misconception is partially true as some are abducted but many involve familial trafficking where survivors can be trafficked in their homes or jobs.

Note, the primary factor determining whether one is a victim of human trafficking is the presence of fraud, force, or coercion in the labor.

Myth #3: Trafficking Involves a Violent Crime

While violent crimes do occur in human trafficking, many traffickers use psychological tactics to defraud, trick, threaten, and manipulate their victims into providing forced labor. Cases of extreme violence exist but aren’t as common as compelling the victim to comply.

Myth #4: Sex Trafficking only Involves Girls and Women

Women are often the target of sex traffickers since there’s more demand for them on the Black Market; nevertheless, men and boys can also be victims of sex trafficking. Statistics show that 20% of men are victims of sex trafficking, while additional studies show that LGBTQ boys are more vulnerable to this form of exploitation.

Myth #5: Victim’s Consent doesn’t Make it Human Trafficking Anymore

Human Trafficking cases involving a minor will have their consent questioned or ignored as they aren’t known to make such decisions. Also, predators use psychological methods to keep their victims working in the situation.

Irrespective of labor setting, consent status, or payment, it is considered human trafficking and illegal if the victim works under fraud, force, or coercion.

Myth #6: Human Traffickers are Always Men

Many human trafficking cases often involve men; nevertheless, women take up a sizable percentage of convicted traffickers. According to statistics, 72 percent of convicted traffickers are male, and 28 percent are female. This misconception may be born from Hollywood influence alongside most news featuring a man as the culprit.

Myth #7: Traffickers Only Exploit Strangers

While many traffickers may convince or kidnap strangers to exploit them for profit, it’s not uncommon for the victim and culprit to be connected. Essentially, lovers, family members, close friends, and more can exploit the individual for profit. In fact, statistics show that 60% of victims are familiar with their traffickers.

It’s easier to convince someone into forced labor or sex if both parties already share a connection.

You can Help!

Human Trafficking is a complicated topic that may overwhelm you; however, there are things you can do to help victims and return their basic human rights. First, understand human trafficking so you can easily spot unethical practices and prevent modern-day slavery.

Next, you can support organizations dedicated to finding and relieving victims of human trafficking. Any effort towards ending this plague is better than none. Join forces with LUDCI.eu to support our work.

Featured photo: Mikhail Nilov, Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/8654461/