Author: Hera, Content writer, Headline Diplomat eMagazine
Child trafficking is a serious issue affecting children all over the world. No country is immune from this malice including the United States. Child sex trafficking occurs in every state in the US and affects ITS citizens and foreign nationals.
The human trafficking industry is worth billions of dollars and ensnares American citizens and individuals from other countries who are lured to the country under false pretenses. Addressing myths and misconceptions about it can support efforts to combat the crime.
One of the myths is that traffickers target victims they don’t know. But, Victims are often manipulated by people they know and trust, by manipulating their weaknesses, such as financial struggles, emotional instability, mental health issues, or physical vulnerability. A common tactic used by traffickers is known as the “boyfriend effect.” The trafficker manipulates the children into believing that they would be provided for and taken care off. They are initially kind and warm, showering them with gifts. Once trust is established, the behavior changes.
Another tactic is by luring victims through false job opportunities, such as modeling, domestic work, nanny services, or waiting tables – a tactic, particularly effective for those who are struggling financially. Others prey on homeless or runaway individuals who need money, a home, and a sense of family. In exchange of such needs, they push their trafficking.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports approximately 200,000 instances of minor sexual exploitation annually, with children believed to comprise around 25% of trafficking victims. However, because trafficking is illegal, the numbers available are often underestimated. According to the former President of The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Ernie Allen, “If you don’t actively search for the issue, you won’t discover it within any community.”
Another misconception is that victims will promptly seek help and declare themselves victims of a criminal act. In reality, trafficking victims have no control over their situation. They are often trapped through intimidation, physical violence, the use of drugs or alcohol, emotional and mental abuse.
Such manipulation also creates a fear of law enforcement, which is only perpetuated when victims are mistakenly arrested or cited for prostitution. Fortunately, laws are being put in place, and law enforcement officers are being trained to identify trafficking victims better and provide them with the necessary support instead of perpetuating the cycle.
Now, it’s widely assumed that once a person is rescued from human trafficking, their problems are solved. But the reality is far from it. The road to recovery is long and challenging. After a survivor is freed, they still face numerous practical needs like finding a place to live, getting access to medical care, obtaining appropriate clothing, securing employment for financial stability, and more. If these needs are not met, the survivor may be forced to return to their trafficker to provide for their basic needs. This goes without saying that not all victims have a supportive family to turn to after their rescue.
Beyond the practical needs, significant emotional and mental health issues require attention. Many survivors of sex trafficking do not see themselves as victims, but they have all been subjected to prolonged traumatic experiences that can result in complex trauma. This trauma can lead to symptoms such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. To help survivors adjust to a normal life, they must receive care that acknowledges and addresses their trauma, helping them to restore and begin their lives.
Sometimes, reporting a case of child trafficking can do wonders. In fact, every citizen should report suspected child trafficking based on reasonable suspicion without proof. The authorities will then be able to determine if trafficking is taking place. The National Human Trafficking Hotline’s chat feature at www.humantraffickinghotline.org/chat or a call to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888 can be used to report suspected trafficking.
Combatting child trafficking requires a collective effort and a better understanding of the issue. Despite increased awareness, child trafficking is more widespread than commonly perceived. This is why it is important to stay alert; recognize and shed more light into false beliefs and myths to prevent this crime and protect children all over the world.
References
https://polarisproject.org/myths-facts-and-statistics/
https://guardiangroup.org/sex-trafficking-myths/
https://freedomnetworkusa.org/app/uploads/2019/02/NOLA-Myths-and-Misconceptions-.pdf
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-trafficking/
https://www.safe4us.org/statistics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jVVBFnXsjg
Featured photo: Pavel Danilyuk, Pexels
