Not OK: The Truth Isn’t Sexy (7 Lies About Human Trafficking)

This week we hear from World Race alumnus Laura Meyers of the October 2008 G Squad. After the World Race, Laura did an apprenticeship to learn about human trafficking and educate others on how to fight it. She shares a list of lies and truths about trafficking from the Salvation Army.

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LIE #1

All women working in prostitution, strip clubs, escort agencies and sex massage parlors choose their profession for the lifestyle and money. They are living the "Pretty Woman" dream by setting their own terms of work and keeping all the money they earn.

 

THE TRUTH

There is evidence that some workers in the sex trade are trapped in modern sex slavery. They are lured by a boyfriend or recruiter posing as a friend or potential employer. Some are sold into the industry by their fathers, brothers, or husbands. After recruitment, these women are trapped by drug addiction and debt bondage to a pimp, gang, or sex trade ring.

 

LIE #2

Johns (sex trade consumers) are usually awkward sex addicts that can't find a girlfriend or date.

 

THE TRUTH

Many Johns are everyday men. He could be a student, a tradesman, or the CEO of a company. He could be married, divorced, widowed, in a serious dating relationship, or single. He may have a sex addiction, but he is almost always looking for a sense of power. He may believe he is either helping the girls or that he is not hurting anyone because both parties are consenting adults. A John can also be someonw looking for the "girlfriend experience." He is often longing for help, but he doesn't realize he needs it.

 

LIE #3

Human trafficking and prostitution are completely unrelated.

 

THE TRUTH

Prostitution in some cases is human trafficking. Varying degrees of sex slavery range from fear-based bondage where a worker may have freedom to roam the streets, but is expected to return with profit to a pimp, to physical bondage in a brothel, where women and children have been transported away from their home and held in captivity in order to perform sex acts that profit a sex trade ring or pimp. In many cases, threats and acts of physical violence hold the women and children in a state of actual or perceived slavery.

 

LIE #4

Human trafficking only happens to poor people or people with no education.

 

THE TRUTH

Although poverty is one of the biggest risk factors, anyone can become a victim of human trafficking. In fact, some victims are university-educated and others are professionals. North American women may be lured with the promise of fame or fortune with a career in modeling, acting, dancing, or hosting in a gentlemen's club – a far stretch from the eventual truth.

 

LIE #5

Human trafficking only happens in poor, underdeveloped countries.

 

THE TRUTH

Human trafficking is an international and domestic problem. Women are lured into the illegal sex trade from within the United States and outside the United States. 

 

LIE #6

Most victims of human trafficking want to go back to their own country or hometown.

 

THE TRUTH

Although some victims want to go home, research shows that 90% do not because of fear that they will not be socially or culturally accepted or that they might be re-trafficked.

LIE #7

Human trafficking must involve violence and confinement.

 

THE TRUTH

Although human trafficking can include both violence and confinement, it can also be based solely on deceit, psychological manipulation, or threats of violence. 

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These represent just a portion of the misconceptions surrounding human trafficking and modern day slavery. Without understanding the problem, it's hard to fight it. One of the best things you can do to fight human trafficking is to educate yourself and the people in your circle of influence. Learn what's happening, and teach the people around you.

 

1. Read

Laura Meyers has studied human trafficking extensively. She compiled a list of her favorite resources and books about trafficking to help others learn more. Check out her list and get yourself some of the books. Click HERE for Laura's list. 

 

2. Watch

If you prefer watching a film to reading a book, we recommend the documentaries Half the Sky and Nefarious. You can watch them yourself or host a screening for your friends and family.