Myths that Perpetuate Trafficking (and Facts that Break Chains)

Part Two in a three-part series

Today, at least 50 million people are enslaved by the evil that is human trafficking. Though it is frequently punishable by law, the horrific realities are often hidden behind closed doors. To make matters worse, the shadowy nature of human trafficking contributes to many misunderstandings which allow the industry to thrive. In the spirit of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, here are a few myths that confuse and hinder the efforts to combat human trafficking in our own communities, nationally, and across the globe.

It is of note that this is not an exhaustive list.

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Myth: The United States does not have a trafficking problem.

Fact: The United States ranks among the top ten countries with the highest estimated numbers of victims of modern slavery. Trafficking is a global issue, and the United States is the third highest trafficking destination in the world. Richer countries do not necessarily correlate with higher demand, but wealthier clients make trafficking more profitable for traffickers. In addition to Women At Risk, International’s (WAR, Int’l’s) efforts to combat trafficking overseas, we are increasingly involved in fighting trafficking and rescuing victims in the United States.

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Myth: Traffickers only have physical control over their victims.

Fact: Many, if not all, victims are mentally and emotionally manipulated and controlled by their traffickers in addition to being physically restraints. The unfortunate reality is that traffickers put sufficient effort into convincing their victims that they either deserve the treatment they are getting and/or that no one will believe them if they speak up. These mental barriers can be incredibly difficult to break, and recovering from this mental trauma, alongside the physical, is an important part of the recovery process.

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Myth: The person being trafficked will leap at the opportunity to ask for help.

Fact: People who have been trafficked or sexually abused are usually in shock, and people in shock generally do not have a rational response to a situation where they are able to ask for help, particularly if it is unexpected. In addition, the perception traffickers cultivate that they know everything about their victims can forestall an attempt to ask for help even if the trafficker is not present. A hallmark of the mental and emotional manipulation traffickers often exert over their victims is convincing them that they are invisible and/or that no one will believe them. This is why it is the onlooker’s responsibility to look for signs that all may not be well and to report suspicious circumstances to an organization that fights trafficking, such as WAR, Int’l or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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Myth: Traffickers live on the edges of society.

Fact: Over ninety percent of trafficking victims are trafficked by members of their community or people they believe they know. Kidnapping is rare. Traffickers often seek to ingratiate themselves into a community to minimize the suspicion they might otherwise raise or so that they can fall back on a history of good behavior if they are questioned.

Join us in facing the reality and breaking the chains of modern slavery!

Attend a Civilian First Responder Training Conference to learn how you can rise up against trafficking.

Host a pop-up boutique to educate your community and support survivors on their healing journeys.

Read Part One in the series here.