Human trafficking violates the dignity of men, women, and children who are coerced or deceived into labor services or sexual acts at the profit of their trafficker. To individuals who had hoped for a life free from poverty, they are often left feeling there is no way out. The trauma and manipulation experienced by these individuals is frequently unrecognized or underreported due to underground nature of human trafficking.
Understanding the Facts
Unfortunately, human trafficking on our own soil and is more widespread than the general population may think. According to federal reports, 14,500-17,500 victims are trafficked into the United States annually; this excludes those trafficked within the U.S. each year (American Association of University Women, 2015). However, the first report on human trafficking offenses and arrests only came out in 2013 with 13 states reporting, despite the severity of this problem (The Washington Post, 2015). This is not an issue that can remain out of sight, out of mind; the more knowledgeable the American people are about the existence of human trafficking and the fact that it can occur right down the street, the better able we will be to improve upon the policies in place and the quality of life for those affected.
One young girl named Sacharay explains in her testimony that her trafficker made her feel like she was special despite the fact that she was being sold to “dozens of men a day” in places like motel rooms and barber shops. She was rescued by The Living Water Center, which helped provide her with a GED and a job. Non-profit sanctuaries like this offer therapy, financial education, and leadership training, but only for those who are aware of their services (CNN, 2015).
A Victim-Centered Approach
Because human trafficking is first and foremost a human rights issue, focus should be on rehabilitation and services for victims, in addition to national security. Restrictive migration policies will not abolish this problem domestically or benefit those who have already been victimized.
Recent pieces of legislation have strived to provide victims with appropriate care and job placements, as well as increase law enforcement resources to crack down on perpetrators. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2015 was enacted to help fund services and research regarding the development of deterrence and training programs. Additionally, the Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act seeks to establish laws that treat minors involved in commercial sexual activity as trafficking victims instead of criminal prostitutes. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act is also victim-centered and seeks to use the fines on convicted traffickers to fund support programs and services (US News, 2015).
The amount of legislation passed this year regarding this issue makes it clear that, as a nation, we believe it is important to fight against such violations of human rights; however these Acts must be followed through and properly enacted with continued education and research in order for law enforcement to effectively diminish the numbers. These policies cannot be undertaken solely for political approval; individual lives are depending on the implementation of these services.
Continuing the Conversation
An essential part of the fight against human trafficking is drawing public attention to the facts surrounding this problem. Documentaries like CNN’s Children for Sale: The Fight to End Human Trafficking brings this issue to our own living rooms, creating a call for greater education of the American people and raising awareness to a topic that deserves our attention.
With the passing of these most recent policies and increase in discourse, especially in the context of the upcoming election, there is hope that with increased funding, more data will be collected regarding trafficking procedures and that more victims, through increased awareness and public action, will come forward seeking services. Ultimately, these policies are a step in the right direction when it comes to upholding human rights and reducing the stigma that surrounds human trafficking.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888. You can also donate to or find help at a number of organizations across the United States:
- Safe Horizon is located in New York City and provides both legal and educational services.
- Polaris Project contains a crisis emergency response team based in Washington DC and provides victims with clothing, food, and therapy.
- Not For Sale, based in San Francisco, seeks to help victims find jobs as well as education and shelter.