Understanding the Reality of Labor and Sex Trafficking

Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Human trafficking can often be misconstrued because it does not present in a typical manner. That is, the public imagination may entertain images of daring abductions or criminal organizations operating globally, when in fact the true nature of the issue may present in much more mundane ways.

According to global estimates, tens of millions of people are living in circumstances of trafficking and/or forced labor. In the United States alone, thousands of cases are reported each year; however, estimates are that the prevalence is much higher. Trafficking is similarly underreported: this is certainly not because it is a rare occurrence, but because in fact, recognition is difficult, proof is hard to establish, and exodus out of the exploitation may be dangerous.

The nature of human trafficking is rather broad, with labor trafficking and sex trafficking being the most common types. These modus operandi use the same underlying principles, which are force, fraud, and coercion.

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Labor Trafficking

Labor Trafficking is the more prevalent and lesser-acknowledged form of human trafficking. It exists when people are forced to work against their will using the threat of violence, fraud, debt bondage, or coercion. Trafficking victims can be denied payments for their work, forced to work long hours, or threatened with violence or deportation if they act to protect themselves.

Worldwide, labor trafficking constitutes the predominant form of trafficking. In America, it has been identified in various sectors including agriculture, construction, domestic work, manufacturing, hospitality, and food service.

One fallacy associated with labor trafficking is that it only targets undocumented immigrants. In reality, U.S. citizens or legally documented individuals also fall victim to this crime, especially when they experience economic or housing insecurities.

The other myth is that victims are physically restrained. This is not true since many of the traffickers use psychological or financial control. This is done through such means as withholding identity cards or controlling means of transport. Many of the victims never think of themselves as trafficked.

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Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is the act of forcing people into prostitution using force, fraud, or coerce. While women and girls are the leading victims, all people, irrespective of gender and age, fall prey to it.

One of the most harmful myths surrounding victims is that they voluntarily choose to lead such a life. Consent cannot exist in the face of survival imperative, manipulation, or intimidation. Victims are either groomed progressively by a trustworthy person or trafficked by a spouse or family member.

The problem of sex trafficking happens not only in hidden or remote environments but can also occur in other common settings such as hotels, short-term accommodations, transportation hubs, or other internet platforms.

Recently, there has been an uptick in the use of online recruitment. Traffickers use social media platforms, messaging apps, and gaming platforms to target and recruit their victims.

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Why Misconceptions Are Dangerous

Expecting that trafficking will manifest in a certain manner may cause it to go unrecognized if it does not manifest that way. Victims may exhibit calm behavior, obedience, or even a nurturing attitude towards their trafficker. This is often due to fear, attachment that stems from shared traumatic experience, or survival instincts. Education, therefore, is critical. Awareness does not mean alarmist; it means being able to recognize patterns, risk factors, and empathize instead of judging.

How Through Their Eyes Fits In

Through Their Eyes seeks to fill the void between awareness and understanding. Through the lens of real stories, professional insights, and industry education, the initiative helps those seeking to identify trafficking that exists within the spaces they already inhabit.

All prevention starts with knowledge, and all knowledge starts with seeing the big picture.