Sex trafficking accounts for 79% of all human trafficking and affects 4.8 million victims (Brooks and Heaslip 1105).
Being sexually exploited inflicts considerable damage on victims in terms of mental and physical health, self-worth, and the ability to return to normal life.
Whos at Risk?
Immigrants and individuals living in poverty, especially women, are the most frequent victims of sex trafficking (Brooks and Heaslip 1109).
Sex trafficking occurs in developed countries as well (Brooks and Heaslip 1106).
Children Trafficking
Estimates show that children, mostly aged 14-17 years, account for 21% of sex trafficking victims, which is about one million worldwide (Brooks and Heaslip 1106).
The number of sexually exploited children may rise because criminals now can search for their victims on the Internet (Leary 310).
Health Impact of Trafficking
The longer victims are sexually exploited, the more damage is done to their health (Oram et al. 10).
Common health problems include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, headache, chronic pain, stomach pain, back pain, memory problems, and sexually-transmitted diseases (Oram et al. 6).
Drug Abuse
Victims of sex trafficking are often subject to drug abuse (Brooks and Heaslip 1109).
Victims have limited access to healthcare because of language barriers, illiteracy, illegal immigrant status, and dependence on traffickers (Brooks and Heaslip 1109).
Trafficking: To Report or Not to Report
Numerous victims do not report being sexually exploited. The reasons for this are fear of retaliation, hopelessness, shame, and humiliation (Greenbaum 242).
Sometimes, sexually exploited individuals do not see themselves as victims; instead, they regard traffickers as their protectors or paramours (Greenbaum 242).
Current Measures = Insufficient?
In Thailand, sex trafficking is part of the countrys sex tourist industry, which directly relates to the countrys economy (Brooks and Heaslip 1110).
In Germany, after the legalization of prostitution in 2002, the number of legal cases related to sex trafficking decreased (Weitzer 86).
Brooks and Heaslip argue that until people begin to discuss the issue of sex trafficking, there will be little progress in resolving the problem (1111).
Conclusion
Sex trafficking has severe adverse effects on the well-being of its victims;
Victims are unwilling to reveal their victimized status;
We should openly discuss this problem;
Individuals should be aware of the resources they can use in case they become victims of sex trafficking.
References
Brooks, Ann, and Vanessa Heaslip. Sex Trafficking and Sex Tourism in a Globalised World. Tourism Review, vol. 74, no. 5, 2019, pp. 1104-1115.ProQuest.
Greenbaum, Jordan. Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking in the Emergency Department. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine, vol. 17, no. 4, 2016, pp. 241-248. ProQuest.
Leary, Mary Graw. Fighting Fire with Fire: Technology in Child Sex Trafficking. Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy, vol. 21, no. 2, 2014, p. 289-323. Gale OneFile: LegalTrac.
Oram, Sian, et al. Prevalence and Risk of Violence and the Physical, Mental, and Sexual Health Problems Associated with Human Trafficking: Systematic Review. PLoS Medicine, vol. 9, no. 5, 2012, pp. 1-13. Gale Academic OneFile.
Weitzer, Ronald. Researching Prostitution and Sex Trafficking Comparatively. Sexuality Research & Social Policy, vol. 12, no. 2, 2015, pp. 81-91. ProQuest.
Human trafficking has been on the rise, with its effects being experienced globally. Admittedly, the impacts range from economic and social, and at the same time to a personal level (victims). The issue erodes global unity and threatens human rights, and fuels negative regimes such as terrorism. Various factors contribute to human trafficking, and to mitigate this pandemic, and society needs to participate. However, society remains reluctant without adequate knowledge of what human trafficking is, its impacts, and how it can be stopped. Some factors that affect societys engagement include poverty, culture, human trafficking, ignorance, illiteracy, family dysfunctions, and border insecurity, among others. This paper explains two factors: the potential obstacle to the populations engagement and strategies to apply the critical analysis to achieve personal and professional goals.
Factors that Influence Societys Engagement
Culture is one of the main issues that may affect societys engagement. According to Gacinya (2020), women and children are the most vulnerable victims of human trafficking. Such is prevalent since most cultures place low value on women in society and policy. Thus the biases based on culture are more pronounced in women than in their male counterparts. This biasness increases their vulnerability to human trafficking. A study done by Franchino-Olsen (2021) proves that women and young girls are perceived as sex objects; thus, they are prone to human trafficking practices. Even though the victims go through tough experiences, the beliefs in the society make it appear as a norm to them from childhood. Franchino-Olsen (2021) reiterates that the grooming and the techniques used by the exploiters make the victims feel secure and take the situation as their choice to engage in sexual exploitation. Therefore, since society and the victims perceive human trafficking as normal and nobody is raising a voice against it, it becomes a challenge for society to engage in ways focused on mitigating the problem.
Trafficking ignorance and lack of awareness is another key factor that may influence societys engagement in stopping human trafficking. Society lacks information regarding the risks of this problem and may not see the need to talk about it. As mentioned by Franchino-Olsen (2021), society is comfortable even when exploitation is happening. People hardly perceive human trafficking as a critical issue to address. Thus, they tend to ignore and normally live, while it may be hurting from within and destroying their families, and dragging the economy. Therefore, it is imperative to first enlighten society regarding how human trafficking impacts socially and economically. Once this is achieved, the population may be free to engage in programs aimed at mitigating the pandemic. Additionally, having programs that organize campaigns against human trafficking can help substantially in increasing societys participation.
Potential Obstacle to Interfere with the Populations Engagement
The lack of policy and its enforcement to punish human traffickers is the key obstacle that can hinder the vulnerable population from participating in the mitigation of the human trafficking problem. In the previous activity, the better education to the population to stop trafficking was the main opportunity for change. Therefore, according to Okech, Choi, Elkins, and Burns (2018), strict laws need to be installed to support the voice of the affected population. Moreover, communication lines ought to be provided to the public to enable them to report immediately any case of human trafficking or exploitation.
Strategies for Using the Critical Analysis
To meet personal and professional goals effectively, I would recommend learning continuously, listening and considering available opinions, and making the right choices for the majority. Other strategies include avoiding analyzing a lot of information at a time and being able to explain the conclusion. The strategies will allow me to explore all the possible sides to make decisions regarding my personal and professional goals (Widana, Parwata, & Sukendra 2018). As well, these skills are essential in addressing the globalization issue. One can learn what is happening, make an analysis based on the existing literature and opinions, interpret data, and make a decision on what are the best ways to address the topic. The competencies can also be applied to daily responsibilities for the other practitioners in my field and my operations. Widana et al. (2018) admit that critical thinking has become essential in making daily life decisions. Therefore, applying critical analysis in this research paper helped me develop specific skills useful in understanding ones goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, human trafficking is a crucial aspect that should be addressed to mitigate its effects. However, to stop it, society has to be part of the decision. Thus, it is imperative to address the main issues that influence the engagement of society in the human trafficking discussion. Among the main issues are culture and lack of awareness or trafficking ignorance. Culture puts low value on women and minor girls, making them vulnerable to human trafficking. Moreover, a lack of awareness about the impacts of exercise also affects the participation of society in the topic. The main obstacle that hinders the engagement is the lack of a standard policy that does not act to protect the victims against the exploiters. Nevertheless, the critical analysis skills learned in this paper are essential in my daily activities to achieve my personal and professional goals.
Widana, I. W., Parwata, I., & Sukendra, I. K. (2018). Higher order thinking skills assessment towards critical thinking on mathematics lesson. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(1), 24-32. Web.
Human trafficking is one of the most serious and extreme social problems, being a crime present in every country in the world. In general, human trafficking involves the illegal and forceful movement of people in an attempt to either acquire profit, or sell their labor. The process often occurs in specific and hidden circles, allowing it to continuously exist outside the reach of the government and law enforcement. Sexual trafficking, as a variation of human trafficking, is considered to be even more severe, as it involves the procurement of sexual acts from trafficked individuals, often including children. The process is extremely damaging to individuals, communities and families, as it leaves many people displaced from their homes and loved ones. Due to the intimate and violating nature of sex trafficking in particular, it most certainly leaves heavy, lasting trauma on its victims, as well as exposes them to the risk of contracting STDs ( What is human trafficking, n.d.). Trafficking also has a tight connection to rape and child molestation, as the victims of the crime cannot provide their consent to the acts performed on them. The practices leave people both physically and emotionally vulnerable, allowing the exploitative parties to further use the person for their own benefit. Some groups in society are more susceptible to sex trafficking than others, and might require much community support to properly safeguard their life ( What is human trafficking, n.d.). Such categories can include individuals that have already been subject to abuse, those experiencing either foster care or homelessness, as well as people from marginalized communities ( What is human trafficking, n.d.). Other risk factors also exist, and they need to be taken into account to properly address the possibility of sexual trafficking occurring. On both a the personal and community-scale, people need to be aware of the potential signs of trafficking occurring, to safeguard others individuals and ensure a better quality of life for everyone.
This paper focuses on child trafficking for sex exploitation, the factors that facilitate its growth and the reason why it is hard to detect and deter. Additionally, the paper focuses on the multiplicity of the issues and how this negates the gains made in efforts to combat the crime. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate child trafficking for the purpose of sex exploitation.
As such, the paper reviews existing literature. Since the paper aims at borrowing heavily from recent research, the study discriminates against studies conducted more than ten years ago. This research revels that child trafficking has grown into fully fledged trade. Child trafficking tends to transform, with time. This calls for continued research.
Introduction
Human trafficking is a complicated problem. However, to understand scope within which the problem can be defined, UNICEF through the Palermo Protocol has provided a working definition.
Regardless of this, human trafficking assumed numerous dimensions. Coupled with the fact that human trafficking keeps transforming complicates it further. Numerous efforts have been initiated to curb the vice. However, lack of coordination affects progress towards successfully curbing the vice. Additionally lack information negates any anti child trafficking initiatives.
While trafficking of children for sex exploitation has flourished as a trade, the issue is obscured by overall efforts targeting the human trafficking. This necessitates further studies focusing on child trafficking for sex exploitation. This study focuses on the various issues dealing with child trafficking for exploitation as sex slaves and also proposes numerous ingenious recommendations (UNICEF, 2005).
Literature review
Human trafficking is an age old tradition, and common in many parts of the world. This phenomenon is manifested in various ways. Additionally, human trafficking has undergone transformation over time. This makes it difficult to detect, define and deter (Norris, 2008).
While human trade has been there since time immemorial, the complexity of the matter is intensified by the fact that the term trafficking is used to refer to the various activities that involves the illegal transfer of people across borders (Dottridge, 2008). Because these activities are varied, it is thus difficult to develop a universally acceptable definition of the term human trafficking. Human trafficking is precipitated by a combination of factors, which further increases the complexity of the matter.
The major factors that precipitate human trafficking are: demand for cheap labor across national borders, the evolution of sex as an economic activity and the restrictions imposed on legal cross border migration (Norris, 2008). Additionally, globalization has facilitated human trafficking since it has opened opportunities for people to legally cross international border in such of better economic opportunities (Vadura, 2009).
Despite the fact that there are existing difficulties involved in defining and understating human trafficking (Dottridge’s 2008), the United Nations has developed a definition within which human trafficking is perceived. This definition is contained in the Palermo Protocol, which sets to harmonize the various issues involved in human trafficking.
According to UNICEF Article 3(a) of the Palermo Protocol, human trafficking is defined as “recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion … for the purpose of exploitation” (UNICEF, 2005).
Within this definition, the scope of children trafficking is alluded to, in that UNICEF refers to human trafficking as involving the transfer of people in vulnerable positions for the purposes of exploitation, which including sexual exploitation (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006). Since children are some of the most vulnerable social groups, their plight is recognized within this definition.
Children are the biggest victims of trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation as well as to supply cheap labor (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006). There seems to be two major markets for child slaves: countries within conflict zones, and rich countries mostly in Europe.
According to UNICEF, Poverty seems to be the motivating factor for traffic of children to these two markets (UNICEF, 2005). In conflict zones, children are recruited into armies and act as soldiers, chefs, messengers and other minor duties related to war. Eventually, they are introduced to sex slavery. However, children are trafficked to economically developed countries with the promise of good jobs. They are gradually forced into sex trade (Wolthuis and Blaak 2001).
Governments as well as local and International Non Governmental Organizations and other human rights organizations have with time increased surveillance activities to deter human trafficking (Dottridge (2008). This phenomenon obscures child trafficking, since the interests of children vulnerable to trafficking are largely ignored.
This phenomenon makes children trafficking especially for sexual exploitation successful. Additionally, that little data exists on the number of children trafficked throughout the world (Dottridge, 2008). With regards to the notion that there exists minimal data on the magnitude of child traficking, answer to Dottridge (2008) assertions, UNICEF confirms that by the year 2001, the number of children trafficked annually had reached 1.8 million (Staiger, 2005).
This indicates that child trafficking has matured as a trade and is necessitated by a number of factors. As such, due to the ever changing nature of child trafficking, there needs to be concerted efforts aimed at curbing this vice. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the latest developments and propose workable solutions.
Research methods
The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate the extent of child trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation by reviewing existing research results. As such, archival research method seems relevant for this paper. To arrive at conclusive results, data was sought from scholarly articles as well as from standard documents from recognized bodies such as UNICEF.
Researching for this paper required that a working definition be established. As such, to arrive at this definition, various sources were consulted, all of which pointed to the UN Palermo Protocol. This was thus taken as the standard working definition for this paper. Once the standard definition was established, various recent documents were sought with the aim of establishing latest research results.
These documents were organized into those dealing with the nature of the industry, this dealing with causative factors and those highlighting suggested recommendations. To arrive at a well informed paper, ideas within these papers were compared and contrasted. This was not only intended at highlighting the differences in ideas within but also attempted to harmonize these ideas into a workable solutions. Conclusions were then drawn from these varied sources.
Findings
Human trafficking is a fledging global problem despite the concerted efforts to curb it. Despite the numerous laws developed to curtail the growth of human trade, the vice has continuously been transformed, making it difficult to deter. Human trafficking is multifaceted; it takes various forms which usually go undetected.
The scope within which child trafficking is perceived as can be termed as: any illegal transfer of persons in positions of vulnerability for the purposes of exploitation (UNICEF 2005; Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics (2006).
These include servitude, exploitation for sex, trade of human parts, slavery and any other purpose which is against the basic human rights. UNICEF in this case does not mention child trafficking (UNICEF, 2005). However, the plight of children vulnerable to trafficking is alluded to in this definition by the mere mentioned of the term vulnerable groups (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006).
Existing data indicate variation in the number of children involved in child trafficking. Different sources indicate varying figures. About 1.8 million children are trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation (UNICEF, 2005). But by 2007 the figure had risen to puts the figure at 2 million (Rafferty, 2007).
Child trafficking seems to be precipitated by economic factors and that it is estimated that the industry is worth more than US $ 5m (UNICEF, 2005). In his regard it is imperative to mention that there are two major markets for child trafficking, an idea that is loosely alluded to by (Wolthuis and Blaak, 2001; Staiger, 2005).
The biggest market is into the rich nations especially in Europe and the United States of America. Within this market children are lured from poorer countries in Africa, Europe and Asia with the promise of good jobs. Most of the risky groups for this market are women in their teens, especially those who come from poverty prone areas (Wolthuis and Blaak, 2001).
Additionally, these teen girls have low levels of education. This makes them more vulnerable to trafficking since their low level of education only qualifies them for low paying jobs. Children are coerced, or manipulated into sex slavery and prostitution. These children are recruited for production of pornographic films and movies for sale (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006; Wolthuis and Blaak, 2001).
The second biggest market for child trafficking is within the conflict regions. Within these regions, children are usually recruited as soldiered, couriers, chefs, cleaners and other jobs related to war. Those vulnerable for trafficking into conflict zones are children vulnerable to economic hardships as well as those with low levels of education (Wolthuis and Blaak 2001).
Regardless of the market into which these children are trafficked, the consequences are usually similar. These children are subject to both physical and psychological abuse. They are also exposed to abuse of drugs, infection of dangerous STDs such as HIV, as well as death. Isolation from family members, relatives and friends has negative socio-psychological impact on the victims (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics 2006).
Child trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation thrives due to a number of factors. Globalization is one of the major factor which facilities which has led to elimination of strict legal cross border restrictions (Vadura, 2009). However, this notion is not universally acceptable since economic benefits seem to trigger child trafficking (Norris, 2008).
However, international migration laws have necessitated child trafficking, as cunning child traffickers seek to exploit the gains of globalization. These children end up being sex slaves. Rise of sex an economic activity, the imposition of cross border migration laws and the demand for cheap labor in developed countries mainly contributes to child trafficking (Norris, 2008). Combined, these four factors have made it easier to develop a thriving trade of children for the purposes of sex exploitation.
Currently, efforts to deter human trafficking are minimal and less effective. However, there needs to be development of guidelines specifically targeting trafficking of children for sexual exploitation. Additionally, these guidelines should be multi layered: should have the ability to be implemented at both the national and international level (Dottridge, 2008).
Furthermore, there should be a multi layered anti child trafficking guidelines (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006; Dottridge 2008). However the most effective means to curb child trafficking for sexual exploitation should mainly involve bridging the existing information gaps (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006). This will largely involve establishing a system that coordinates anti child trafficking initiatives at both national and international levels.
Additionally, there needs to be public forum to discuss the issue. These forums should target men, especially with the aim of educating them on the negative elements of the vice since men “create the demand for sex slavery” (Dottridge, 2008). Thus, there is need to implement findings of research done with regards child trafficking, as well as increase financial backing to anti child trafficking initiatives (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006)
Discussion of results
Child trafficking for sexual exploitation is a thriving industry, worth more than US $ 5m (UNICEF 2005). This involves trafficking of more than about 2 million children annually. This is indicative of the enormous economic value of child trafficking. a combination of demand for cheap labor, demand for sex, globalization and the limitation of migration laws seems to include child trafficking (Norris, 2008; Vadura, 2009).
However, all these factors seem to conglomerate around a number of issues directly related to economics. To begin with, victims of child trafficking are venerable because of economics reasons. As explained by risky groups come from areas hard hit by poverty and economic decline (UNICEF, 2005; Wolthuis and Blaak, 2001).
As such, these victims see the opportunity to move abroad in search of better jobs as chances not only to empower themselves economically but also their families. Additionally, victims of child trafficking for sexual exploitation have low levels of education. This makes them only qualify for low levels jobs, and subject to exploitation. This adds to their vulnerability. The promise of well paying jobs abroad seems an opportunity for personal economic growth
Child traffickers take advantage of such vulnerability. The lure of better jobs abroad especially in economically developed countries makes these children easy targets. Once inside the child trafficking rings, these children are manipulated coerced and threatened into sexual prostitution, production of pornographic films and sex slavery. The fact that these children are illegal immigrants with no chance for legal recourse traps them inside the vice. This makes them into objects of trade for the benefit of child traffickers.
Human trafficking is complicated by its multifaceted nature, making efforts to deter it almost impossible. However a combination of initiatives would go along way into curbing this menace. As explained by the formulation of multi layered legal framework would enable anti child trafficking forces deter this vice (Dottridge, 2008).
These guidelines would be implemented at both the national and international level. While this implies the need for cross national cooperation, these guidelines would not be beneficial without proper coordination efforts.
As such, implementation of intergovernmental coordination seems relevant (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006). Additionally, the fact that child trafficking is a multi million dollar industry need an equal amount of funding to effectively deal with powerful cartels that control child trafficking. As such, increased funding would go along way in giving anti child trafficking agents the necessary financial might (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006).
Since child trafficking is in constant state of transformation, it should be subject to constant review. As such, continuous studies need to be done, to assist the anti child trafficking agents understand its changing dynamics. Findings of these studies should be implemented (Tiurukanova and Institute for Urban Economics, 2006). Combinedly, all these efforts would not only target to bridge the information gap that exists but also help reduce cases of child trafficking significantly.
Conclusion
Child trafficking for the purpose of sex exploitation has grown into a multi million dollar industry. Victims of this heinous act are usually left with both physical and psychological scars. A lot of efforts seem to be directed towards combating human trafficking. This obscures the trafficking of children for the purposes of sex exploitation.
To combat this crime, new initiatives needs to be directed towards curbing trafficking of children. This will only be achieved through continued research and implementation of research findings. Additionally increased coordination of anti trafficking initiates coupled with increased funding would enable anti child trafficking agents deal with the menace more efficiently
Reference List
Dottridge, M., (2008). Child trafficking for sexual purposes. Web.
This is a theme paper on child trafficking. The paper provides insights into the general issues involved in child trafficking, challenges and possible solutions. The paper also notes that there has been very little effort in developing guidelines to deal with child trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Norris, L., (2008). Child Trafficking in the UK: An examination of contemporary approaches. Internet Journal of Criminology. Web.
This is an exploratory study into the current thinking with regards to human trafficking. Norris focuses on trafficking of children into UK, and suggests three major factors which facilitate trafficking children into UK. Additionally, child trafficking is seen as an ever changing phenomenon.
Rafferty, Y., (2007). Children for Sale: Child Trafficking in Southeast Asia. Child Abuse Review 16:401-422.
This is an exploratory study into sale of children in Asia as sex slaves. The paper focuses on numbers of children trafficked. Additionally the paper describes the various types of children sex slaves as well as the various types of sex crime offenders
Staiger, I. (2005). Trafficking in Children for the purpose of Sexual Exploitation in the EU. European Journal of Crime, Criminal Law and Criminal Justice 13(4):603-624.
This is an expository study that focuses on the statistics of children being trafficked into the European Union. Other than focusing on other issues related to child trafficking, the study also highlights the economic value of the European child slave industry.
Tiurukanova, E. and Institute for Urban Economics. (2006). Human trafficking in the Russian federation Inventory and analysis of the current Situation and responses. Web.
This is an extensive report on the human trafficking situation in Russia. The report focuses on the transit of human from countries of origin into Russia. Additionally, this report provides novel recommendation on how to curb the human trafficking vice.
This is the blue print document as pertaining child trafficking. The paper provides the legal scope of human trafficking, the statistics as well as other legal enforcement procedure implemented in efforts to curb human trafficking.
Vadura, K., (2009). Globalization and human commodities: combating child trafficking in the European Union. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. Web.
This is an expository study which reveals a number of issues concerning the trafficking of children and women. The paper defines human trafficking as an issue that violates basic human rights. Additionally, globalization is highlighted as major factor which facilitates human trafficking.
Wolthuis, A., and Blaak, M., (2001). Trafficking in children for sexual purposes from Eastern Europe to Western Europe. Web.
This is a special study that focuses on the trafficking of children for sexual exploitation within the European Union. The study not only focuses on the movement of children from Eastern to Western Europe but also described vulnerable groups at risk of trafficking.
Sex trafficking refers to situations where individuals get involved in sexual activities without consent. In most cases, such activities are coercive and intent on commercial benefits (Farr, 2012). Such deplorable acts are usually dangerous and unsafe because victims are not in a position to guarantee safety with regard to reproductive health and other related areas of interest. According to Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), perpetrators use various inducements as baits for victims (Farr, 2012).
Most victims of sex trafficking are below legal age that governs involvement in sexual activity. Prevalence of this vice continues to pose monumental challenges for authorities as they strive to eradicate it from society (Farr, 2012). However, it is important to acknowledge the complex nature of sex trafficking because it falls under powerful cartels that are usually armed and dangerous.
This makes it difficult for law enforcement agents to penetrate and diffuse their illegal activities. The dichotomous nature of sex trafficking complicates efforts that gear towards ending its sustenance and propagation (Farr, 2012). The issue of sex trafficking is not unique to the United States of America. In fact, there is concern over escalating cases of sex trafficking across national and international borders. It is challenging whenever authorities try to pre-empt its commission because it links to cross border crimes such as drug trafficking and organized crime.
Involvement of international entities such as the United Nations (UN) is enough proof of its gravity and extent (Farr, 2012). This essay synchronizes basic information with regard to realities that characterize sex trafficking nationally and internationally. It also alludes to legal provisions, policies, and documents that reflect various efforts that gear towards combating sex trafficking.
Dynamics in Sex Trafficking
Numerous factors serve as thresholds in determining and demystifying occurrence, propagation, and sustenance of sex trafficking in contemporary society. The dichotomy of sex trafficking revolves around vital dynamics that characterize its essence and rationale (Farr, 2012). This reality complicates various institutional and statutory frameworks that seek to combat this vicious cycle of abuse and exploitation. Commercial gain is an important factor that sets sex trafficking apart from other similar forms of sexual abuse (Farr, 2012).
For instance, sexual molestation and rape do not suffice as sex trafficking because they do not anchor on commercial benefit. Although sex trafficking revolves around criminality, there is more to it with regard to overall desire for commercial gain (Farr, 2012). Most perpetrators of sex trafficking are bent on raking in commercial benefits as opposed to other forms of abuse. Another factor is age of victims. Most victims of sex trafficking are usually under age and unwilling to engage in such activities (Territo, 2012). They fall into sex traps due to coercion, violence, and other underhand techniques. In other cases, victims participate in order to get illegal entry into foreign countries.
They often pursue such avenues for selfish gain, only to find themselves helpless in the hands of molesters who have little or no regard for national and international legal provisions (Territo, 2012). Legal provisions recognize possibility of sex trafficking taking place within or without national borders. Consequently, there has been increased surveillance along national borders to ensure and guarantee minimal activity with regard to sex trafficking and other related criminal activities. The United States collaborates with other countries to bolster commitment towards eradicating sex trafficking across national and international borders (Territo, 2012).
Campaigns and Initiatives Against Sex Trafficking
Most governments recognize and appreciate the gravity of matters surrounding sex trafficking and other aspects of human trafficking in contemporary society. They agree on joint efforts towards eradication of sex trafficking because it affects operations within their institutions and society (Territo, 2012). Such efforts culminate into legislation that seeks to entrench their position in opposition to sex trafficking. Such legislation plays an important role in offering support to agencies and individuals who dedicate time and resources towards fighting recurrent propagation of sex trafficking and other relevant areas of interest (Territo, 2012).
Institutional cooperation between government agencies and other independent actors facilitates sensitization and clamour against perpetual propagation of sex trafficking across national borders. Campaigns against sex trafficking empower citizens to identify and report cases that relate to specific areas of interest (Territo, 2012). Through such avenues, people feel responsible towards provision of voluntary information that could lead to apprehension and prosecution of offenders. On the other hand, it fosters confidence and dedication with regard to volunteering information (Territo, 2012). It also empowers potential victims to face perpetrators devoid of fear for possible retribution.
Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have a role to play in combating sex trafficking in society. They complement government efforts towards developing frameworks and strategies against propagation and sustenance of sex trafficking. International Justice Mission (IJM) is an example of such organizations that endeavour to fight sex trafficking in the United States and beyond (Territo, 2012). Its clamour for human rights and justice within social contexts sets it apart from similar agencies that preoccupy with tasks in diverse areas of interest. Its operations cover affected regions such as Africa, Latin America, and Asian countries.
The organization collaborates with policing agencies in diverse areas of operation such as brothel raids and busts on trafficking agents who facilitate propagation of sex trafficking through sale and transfer of underage girls (Territo, 2012). Celebrities are also vital in supporting and propagating initiatives against sex trafficking. They dedicate time and resources towards this noble cause in contemporary society. For instance, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher have been involved in efforts towards eradicating sex trafficking and other related offences (Territo, 2012).
Their efforts materialized through a social welfare foundation that served as a central point for coordination and disbursement of resources towards the initiative against sex trafficking. In the past, there have been numerous institutional efforts towards eradication of sex trafficking in regional and international spheres (Territo, 2012). An example of such initiatives is End Demand (ED), a collaborative effort between the United States and other state entities such as Britain and Canada.
This initiative rescues and rehabilitates victims of sex trafficking in various countries that are part of the programme (Territo, 2012). They also pursue perpetrators of sex trafficking with a view to arraign them in courts of law. This initiative continues to bolster efforts that seek to eradicate sex trafficking and other forms of sexual offences (Territo, 2012).
Structural Factors that Fuel Sex Trafficking
Prevalence of sex trafficking necessitates extensive probe into factors that support its sustenance and propagation. Through various agencies and institutional entities, authorities interrogate pertinent factors that support or precipitate sex trafficking and other related criminal activities (Kara, 2013). Economic deprivation is an example of factors that enhance propagation of sex trafficking in most countries.
Low economic prospects often drive people into dangerous activities such as sex trafficking. They participate in such vices in order to earn livelihood and support their economically deprived families (Kara, 2013). Globalization also contributes to sustenance of sex trafficking. Global economic trends support frantic commercial activities through cross border commerce and industry. This increases border porosity, which consequently enhances illegal activities (Kara, 2013).
Technological advancements also support propagation of sex trafficking because they offer avenues through which perpetrators ensnare their victims. Internet technology is largely responsible for escalating cases of sex trafficking and other sexual offences. Perpetrators take advantage of its convenience and accessibility to lure victims into illegal acts (Kara, 2013). Corruption and lack of political support also predispose young girls to sex trafficking.
In most cases, corrupt law enforcement agents participate in sex trafficking by protecting offenders. This makes it difficult for authorities to combat perpetual propagation of this vice (Kara, 2013). Societal norms and attitudes also facilitate execution of activities that support sex trafficking. Most social systems ascribe less value to women, thereby increasing their susceptibility to sexual exploitation. Such stereotypical views are harmful to overall efforts that seek to counter sex trafficking cartels (Kara, 2013).
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sex trafficking is a challenge that requires collaborative effort involving government and other relevant agencies that channel resources towards its eradication. In absence of such efforts, it will be difficult for authorities to eradicate sex trafficking in its entirety. Authorities should institute structural frameworks to alleviate and ultimately eradicate poverty in society (Pickering, 2010). Poverty plays a role in propagating and sustaining sex trafficking and other related offences.
Besides poverty eradication, governments should endeavour to regulate technological developments that support sex trafficking (Pickering, 2010). This should include stiffer penalties with regard to offenders and cartels that facilitate illegal transfer and exploitation of young girls. Authorities should also pursue corrupt law enforcement agents who collude with criminals in propagating sex trafficking. If well implemented, the aforementioned recommendations shall lead to decline in sex trafficking and other related offences in contemporary society (Pickering, 2010).
References
Farr, K. (2012). Sex Trafficking: The Global Market in Women and Children. Newyork: Worth Publishers.
Kara, S. (2013). Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery. Columbia: Columbia University Press.
Pickering, S. (2010). Sex Trafficking: International Context and Response. London:
Routledge.
Territo, L. (2012). International Sex Trafficking of Women and Children. Newyork: CENGAGE.
Sex trafficking is a social problem affecting more than millions of victims. The International Labor Office in Geneva has estimated that more than 1.8 million teenagers are abused through pornography and prostitution (Farley et al., 2003). According to Farley et al. (2003), 82% of sex trafficking victims have been physically assaulted, 78% of these women have been threatened, 60% have been kidnapped, and 40% have been raped more than three times. Due to the prevalence of sex trafficking, the U.S government established the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000 (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, 2000) to end human trafficking. Media also plays a significant duty in the fight against sex trafficking.
Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (2000) defines sex trafficking as the enlistment, shipping, transfer, harboring, or receipt of a human being by force, coercion, or fraud for the significance of sexual mistreatment. This includes victims who are less than 18 years of age. This means that the selling of women or men in brothels, as well as the pimping of young girls on the streets, is sex trafficking.
The Protective Innocence Initiative (PII) and Polaris Project have incorporated Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act into their strategies in combating all kinds of sex trafficking statutes. The Protective Innocence Initiative is part of the Shared Hope International’s duty to avail education and civic responsiveness to end sex trafficking among children. The Polaris Project, as an Institution, has collected a comprehensive rundown of human trafficking statutes in many states. Due to these two institutions, Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act is a comprehensive tool that covers all victims subjected to sex trafficking.
The use of media is a critical tool in which most of the citizens in the United States are informed of sex trafficking. Most of Americans gather their information about events and issues through diverse forms of media. In the digital age, electronic newspapers are consulted by more than 70% of news consumers, rendering the medium influential, not only in providing information but also influencing belief and attitude (Templeton, 2011).
Because of this platform, Americans get most of the information regarding victims of sex trafficking. Therefore, the way the news media demonstrates sex trafficking has an impact on how society perceives and characterizes the victims of sex trafficking.
News journalists use framing theory to analyze the interaction between media and consumers. Framing is the intentional or unintentional process in which a communicator creates a perspective that shapes the interpretation of an event, issue, or problem. This strategy stresses the certain dimension of an issue while de-emphasizing or ignoring others. The framing of an event impacts the definition of the problem, the perceived consequence, and the solution. The media uses certain words, phrases, or images to provide an interpretation of a subject, which forms a point of view by which action connected to the problem may be judged.
Although the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act is instrumental in preventing sex trafficking, the number of victims to sex trafficking continues to increase (Alexandre, Sha, Pollock, Baier, & Johnson, 2014). Therefore, there is a need to investigate how other approaches, such as media, contribute to the fight against sex trafficking. This will help policymakers recognize the prevalence of sex trafficking and develop strategies to reduce this prevalence. Investigating how media portrays these victims is significant because their representation may not replicate what Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act have established as a victim.
References
Alexandre, K., Sha, C., Pollock, J., Baier, K., & Johnson, J. (2014). Cross-national coverage of human trafficking: A community structure approach. Atlantic Journal of Communication, 22(3), 160 -174.
Farley, M., Cotton, A., Lynne, J., Zumbeck, S., Spiwak, F., Reyes, M.,… Sezgin, U. (2003). Prostitution and trafficking in nine countries: An update on violence and posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Trauma Practice, 2(3/4), 33-74.
Templeton, J. (2011). Framing: Encyclopedia of power. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (VTVPA) of 2000, 42 U.S.C. § 106 (2000 & Supp. 2000).
Sex trafficking is a social problem affecting more than millions of victims. The International Labor Office in Geneva has estimated that more than 1.8 million children are exploited through prostitution and pornography each year (Farley et al., 2003). Edwards, Iritani, and Hallfors (2006) found that the primary causes of sex trafficking are family sexual assaults, dependence on drugs, family dysfunctions, and social failures.
According to Farley et al. (2003), 82% of prostituted women have been physically assaulted, 78% of these women have been threatened, 60% have been kidnapped, and 40% have been raped more than three times. Due to the prevalence of sex trafficking, the U.S government established the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in 2000. Although the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (2000) is instrumental in preventing sex trafficking, the number of victims to sex trafficking continues to increase (Alexandre, Sha, Pollock, Baier, & Johnson, 2014). The proposed study will compare the accuracy of news media in the portrayal of sex trafficking victims to what the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (2000) constitute as a victim.
Main body
United Nations defines sex trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of a human being by force, fraud, or coercion, for the significance of sexual exploitation (Alexander et al., 2014). This includes victims who are less than 18 years of age. This means that the selling of women or men in brothels, as well as the pimping of young girls on the streets, is sex trafficking. The actual definition of sex trafficking may not require any kind of movement. Edwards et al. (2006) noted that sex trafficking can take the form of prostitution, pornography, stripping, escort services, and other sexual services.
Sex trafficking is a concern that demands studying because the number is increasing, and the victims are more exposed to severe dangers. The mortality rate of women exposed to sex trafficking is 35% higher than those women who voluntarily participate in prostitution (Edwards et al., 2006). The victims of sex trafficking are exposed to physical and psychological damages such as sexually transmitted diseases, damaged reproductive organs, and stunted emotional growth.
Investigating how media portrays these victims is significant because their representation may not accurately reflect what the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (2000) constitute as a victim. The majority of Americans gather their information about events and issues through diverse forms of media. In the digital age, electronic newspapers are consulted by more than 70% of news consumers, rendering the medium influential, not only in providing information but also influencing belief and attitude (Templeton, 2011).
Because of this platform, Americans get most of the information regarding victims of sex trafficking, making it relevant for the proposed study. The study will hypothesize that media portrayal of sex trafficking victims is not as accurate as to what the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (2000) constitute as a victim.
Conclusion
The researcher will assign various search terms to develop a database of articles for analysis. The proposed study will examine how framing theory has been used by media to represents sex trafficking. Templeton (2011) considers framing theory as the intentional or unintentional process of a communicator creating a perspective that defines the interpretation of a message around a particular issue, event, or problem. The media utilizes certain aspects of words, phrases, or images to avail an interpretation of a subject, which forms a perspective in the judgment of the problem.
References
Alexandre, K., Sha, C., Pollock, J., Baier, K., & Johnson, J. (2014). Cross-national coverage of human trafficking: A community structure approach. Atlantic Journal of Communication, 22(3), 160 -174.
Edwards, J., Iritani, B., & Hallfors, D. (2006). Prevalence and correlates of exchanging sex for drugs or money among adolescents in the United States. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 82, 354-358.
Farley, M., Cotton, A., Lynne, J., Zumbeck, S., Spiwak, F., Reyes, M.,… Sezgin, U. (2003). Prostitution and trafficking in nine countries: An update on violence and posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Trauma Practice, 2(3/4), 33-74.
Templeton, J. (2011). Framing: Encyclopedia of power. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
Human trafficking has been on the rise, with its effects being experienced globally. Admittedly, the impacts range from economic and social, and at the same time to a personal level (victims). The issue erodes global unity and threatens human rights, and fuels negative regimes such as terrorism. Various factors contribute to human trafficking, and to mitigate this pandemic, and society needs to participate. However, society remains reluctant without adequate knowledge of what human trafficking is, its impacts, and how it can be stopped. Some factors that affect society’s engagement include poverty, culture, human trafficking, ignorance, illiteracy, family dysfunctions, and border insecurity, among others. This paper explains two factors: the potential obstacle to the population’s engagement and strategies to apply the critical analysis to achieve personal and professional goals.
Factors that Influence Society’s Engagement
Culture is one of the main issues that may affect society’s engagement. According to Gacinya (2020), women and children are the most vulnerable victims of human trafficking. Such is prevalent since most cultures place low value on women in society and policy. Thus the biases based on culture are more pronounced in women than in their male counterparts. This biasness increases their vulnerability to human trafficking. A study done by Franchino-Olsen (2021) proves that women and young girls are perceived as sex objects; thus, they are prone to human trafficking practices. Even though the victims go through tough experiences, the beliefs in the society make it appear as a norm to them from childhood. Franchino-Olsen (2021) reiterates that the grooming and the techniques used by the exploiters make the victims feel secure and take the situation as their choice to engage in sexual exploitation. Therefore, since society and the victims perceive human trafficking as normal and nobody is raising a voice against it, it becomes a challenge for society to engage in ways focused on mitigating the problem.
Trafficking ignorance and lack of awareness is another key factor that may influence society’s engagement in stopping human trafficking. Society lacks information regarding the risks of this problem and may not see the need to talk about it. As mentioned by Franchino-Olsen (2021), society is comfortable even when exploitation is happening. People hardly perceive human trafficking as a critical issue to address. Thus, they tend to ignore and normally live, while it may be hurting from within and destroying their families, and dragging the economy. Therefore, it is imperative to first enlighten society regarding how human trafficking impacts socially and economically. Once this is achieved, the population may be free to engage in programs aimed at mitigating the pandemic. Additionally, having programs that organize campaigns against human trafficking can help substantially in increasing society’s participation.
Potential Obstacle to Interfere with the Population’s Engagement
The lack of policy and its enforcement to punish human traffickers is the key obstacle that can hinder the vulnerable population from participating in the mitigation of the human trafficking problem. In the previous activity, the better education to the population to stop trafficking was the main opportunity for change. Therefore, according to Okech, Choi, Elkins, and Burns (2018), strict laws need to be installed to support the voice of the affected population. Moreover, communication lines ought to be provided to the public to enable them to report immediately any case of human trafficking or exploitation.
Strategies for Using the Critical Analysis
To meet personal and professional goals effectively, I would recommend learning continuously, listening and considering available opinions, and making the right choices for the majority. Other strategies include avoiding analyzing a lot of information at a time and being able to explain the conclusion. The strategies will allow me to explore all the possible sides to make decisions regarding my personal and professional goals (Widana, Parwata, & Sukendra 2018). As well, these skills are essential in addressing the globalization issue. One can learn what is happening, make an analysis based on the existing literature and opinions, interpret data, and make a decision on what are the best ways to address the topic. The competencies can also be applied to daily responsibilities for the other practitioners in my field and my operations. Widana et al. (2018) admit that critical thinking has become essential in making daily life decisions. Therefore, applying critical analysis in this research paper helped me develop specific skills useful in understanding one’s goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, human trafficking is a crucial aspect that should be addressed to mitigate its effects. However, to stop it, society has to be part of the decision. Thus, it is imperative to address the main issues that influence the engagement of society in the human trafficking discussion. Among the main issues are culture and lack of awareness or trafficking ignorance. Culture puts low value on women and minor girls, making them vulnerable to human trafficking. Moreover, a lack of awareness about the impacts of exercise also affects the participation of society in the topic. The main obstacle that hinders the engagement is the lack of a standard policy that does not act to protect the victims against the exploiters. Nevertheless, the critical analysis skills learned in this paper are essential in my daily activities to achieve my personal and professional goals.
Widana, I. W., Parwata, I., & Sukendra, I. K. (2018). Higher order thinking skills assessment towards critical thinking on mathematics lesson. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(1), 24-32. Web.
Sex trafficking accounts for 79% of all human trafficking and affects 4.8 million victims (Brooks and Heaslip 1105).
Being sexually exploited inflicts considerable damage on victims in terms of mental and physical health, self-worth, and the ability to return to normal life.
Who’s at Risk?
Immigrants and individuals living in poverty, especially women, are the most frequent victims of sex trafficking (Brooks and Heaslip 1109).
Sex trafficking occurs in developed countries as well (Brooks and Heaslip 1106).
Children Trafficking
Estimates show that children, mostly aged 14-17 years, account for 21% of sex trafficking victims, which is about one million worldwide (Brooks and Heaslip 1106).
The number of sexually exploited children may rise because criminals now can search for their victims on the Internet (Leary 310).
Health Impact of Trafficking
The longer victims are sexually exploited, the more damage is done to their health (Oram et al. 10).
Common health problems include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, headache, chronic pain, stomach pain, back pain, memory problems, and sexually-transmitted diseases (Oram et al. 6).
Drug Abuse
Victims of sex trafficking are often subject to drug abuse (Brooks and Heaslip 1109).
Victims have limited access to healthcare because of language barriers, illiteracy, illegal immigrant status, and dependence on traffickers (Brooks and Heaslip 1109).
Trafficking: To Report or Not to Report
Numerous victims do not report being sexually exploited. The reasons for this are fear of retaliation, hopelessness, shame, and humiliation (Greenbaum 242).
Sometimes, sexually exploited individuals do not see themselves as victims; instead, they regard traffickers as their protectors or paramours (Greenbaum 242).
Current Measures = Insufficient?
In Thailand, sex trafficking is part of the country’s sex tourist industry, which directly relates to the country’s economy (Brooks and Heaslip 1110).
In Germany, after the legalization of prostitution in 2002, the number of legal cases related to sex trafficking decreased (Weitzer 86).
Brooks and Heaslip argue that until people begin to discuss the issue of sex trafficking, there will be little progress in resolving the problem (1111).
Conclusion
Sex trafficking has severe adverse effects on the well-being of its victims;
Victims are unwilling to reveal their victimized status;
We should openly discuss this problem;
Individuals should be aware of the resources they can use in case they become victims of sex trafficking.
References
Brooks, Ann, and Vanessa Heaslip. “Sex Trafficking and Sex Tourism in a Globalised World.” Tourism Review, vol. 74, no. 5, 2019, pp. 1104-1115.ProQuest.
Greenbaum, Jordan. “Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking in the Emergency Department.” Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine, vol. 17, no. 4, 2016, pp. 241-248. ProQuest.
Leary, Mary Graw. “Fighting Fire with Fire: Technology in Child Sex Trafficking.” Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy, vol. 21, no. 2, 2014, p. 289-323. Gale OneFile: LegalTrac.
Oram, Sian, et al. “Prevalence and Risk of Violence and the Physical, Mental, and Sexual Health Problems Associated with Human Trafficking: Systematic Review.” PLoS Medicine, vol. 9, no. 5, 2012, pp. 1-13. Gale Academic OneFile.
Weitzer, Ronald. “Researching Prostitution and Sex Trafficking Comparatively.” Sexuality Research & Social Policy, vol. 12, no. 2, 2015, pp. 81-91. ProQuest.
The article discusses human trafficking (HT) with a special focus on sex trafficking (ST). Baird (2019) starts by examining the nature of HT, which has become the second most profitable criminal industry across the globe. The author suggests that SF deserves special attention because its victims are often blamed and not appropriately protected by the law and because the public does not understand how SF operates in the US (Baird, 2019). For example, in spite of popular misconception, the targets of SF are not only young women but also come from all genders, ages, and areas of life (Baird, 2019). Nonetheless, both national and international regulations prioritize the prosecution of traffickers and seem to overlook the protection of victims (Baird, 2019). Consequently, the author proposes statutes that could improve the situation, such as safe harbor, affirmative defense, and vacatur laws (Baird, 2019). For instance, the latter can help clear records of victims of ST who have been wrongfully charged with prostitution (Baird, 2019). Accordingly, the article explains human trafficking and various aspects of sex trafficking, concentrating on legal issues alongside the targets of ST and ways to protect their rights.
Impression of the Article
I was quite impressed by the article as it provided many insights and raised some unsettling feelings. In particular, upon reading the paper, I realized that the problem of human trafficking is extremely influential, but I felt that society avoids discussing it. For example, I was stunned when I learned that more people are enslaved nowadays than during the period of the Atlantic slave trade (Baird, 2019). Notably, after finishing the reading, I wanted to explore the current state of the issue more, considering that the report was published in 2019. Accordingly, I have discovered that since the COVID-19 pandemic, both HT and ST have increased because predators have started targeting people who spend more time online during lockdowns (Jakes, 2021). Furthermore, I think the article is quite well-constructed and written in a manner that is oriented to the understanding of a wide audience. Moreover, the author appears to have examined a variety of sources for the discussion. Overall, despite the topic being complex, my impression of the paper is positive due to the article providing a thorough and methodical examination of human and sex trafficking.
References
Baird, D. (2019). Changing the narrative: Sex trafficking and its victims. Brigham Young University Journal of Public Law, 33(2), 321-353.
