The United States has one of the largest percentages of trafficked humans worldwide, however so many individual are unaware of this issue. As many as 17,500 individuals are thought to be trafficked into the United Stated annually, and some have estimated that 100,000 U.S. citizen children are victims of trafficking within the U.S. (Siskin & Wyler, 2010). Since many cases go unreported, these estimates may be fewer than the actual number of victims in the US. There is substantial evidence that supports the ideology that woman and children from low socio-economic status are most likely targeted (Okech, Morreau, & Benson, 2011), of all the people trafficked each year about 70 percent of women and 50 percent are children that are mainly forced into the sex trade (Human Trafficking Statistics). Among socio-economic problems, the trafficking business feeds on conditions of vulnerability, such as family conflicts, natural disasters, youth, ignorance, gender, social exclusion, political instabil...
Human Trafficking is one of the largest growing problems in the United States. This problem has been going on for hundreds of years and we still have trouble stopping it. The definition of trafficking is, “the illegal practice of procuring or trading in human beings for the purpose of prostitution, forced labor, or other forms of exploitation.” Every day people are being taken or forced to do unmentionable things against their will for free. This is a violent trade and the people who run these organizations are very good at moving people. This paper will talk about a brief history of human trafficking, the issues with human trafficking and facts of human trafficking. This is a very graphic trade and people often die or are killed while trying to help or trying to escape.
When most Americans hear the term ‘sex trafficking’ thoughts of helpless women and children in poor, developing, countries come to mind. However, most Americans would be downright shocked and dismayed to learn that many victims of sex trafficking reside right here in the United States. Moreover, many of the victims of sex trafficking in America were victimized by other Americans. This is a pressing national issue to which neither small, rural towns or large, urban cities is immune.
Globally, about 20 to 30 million people are involved in the human trafficking system, and of those, 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked in the United States every year. Human trafficking is more prevalent today then ever before. It is the third largest crime internationally. People are abused and taken advantage of. According to the article, “11 Facts About Human Trafficking,” on average, a person is forced into the system around age 9, and the majority of victims are women and girls, with a small percentage of men and boys. In addition, the human trafficking system is a $32 billion dollar industry. Human trafficking can be defined as the selling and trade of human beings, ranging anywhere from children to adults, for the purpose of sexual slavery or involuntary labor, but Faith Alliance against Slavery and Trafficking (FAAST) is working to provide relief and hope for people involved in the system (“Child Trafficking”).
Domestic sex trafficking is the vile new innovative business model used in the sex industry to promote prostitution. The myth about sex trafficking is that it is a foreign not a domestic problem. Sex trafficking is a very lucrative business. The “John’s” create a demand and the “pimps” provide the supply. Child abuse, child neglect, pornography, pedophilia and prostitution are all links in the chains that enslaves America’s children for the pleasure of adults.
It is estimated that each year from 14,500-17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked (Force 4 Compassion, Polaris Project). The Polaris Project and Force 4 Compassion found that 161 countries are affected by trafficking. Globally, approximately 50% of those being trafficked are minors, and 80% of the total being trafficked are female (Force 4 Compassion, Polaris Project). 70% of the female victims are forced into sex laboring, leaving only 30% of those females to do labor (Polaris Project). The average age range for a child entering sex laboring is 12-14 (WEDU). One of the biggest reasons for trafficking is that it is hard to identify and traffickers can make a good amount of money per victim. According to the Polaris Project $13,000 is the average amount of money made by each laborer (victim) annually. Although, $13,000 is the average, each laborer can make around $60,000 annually (Polaris Project). Sadly, victims who are recruited into trafficking often don’t live much more than seven years due to the inhumane ways they are treated (WEDU).
In 1865 slavery was abolished in the United States. At least that it was most Americans believe but that is not the case. In today’s society we have an issue that is just a horrific as slavery back in the day. It is the trafficking of women and children. The online Oxford Dictionary defines human trafficking as, “ the illegal movement of people, typically for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.” Therefore, this is modern day slavery. Women and children are being tortured, abused, and scared physically and mentally for the rest of their lives. Also, once in the sex-trade business it is very unlikely that the victim will come out alive. About 30,000 women and children are found dead each year due to them being victims of sex-trafficking. Many people think of sex-trafficking being an issue in third world countries but the truth is that many of the victims end up in the United States. Human trafficking is an issue that is sugar coated in the United States and not enough action is being taken to help these women and children who are trapped in this tragic lifestyle.
Child trafficking is a large problem around the world especially in the United States. The United States has recently passed laws and regulations to strengthen the penalties for committers of child trafficking. Children 18 years old and younger are innocent, and are not able to provide consent for such activities, even if they have been brainwashed into thinking that what they are doing is right and its their way of living. It is very important that non-profits organizations, governments and law enforcement continue to work to end child trafficking ,and to punish those people who are founded guilty of child trafficking.
The epidemic of sex trafficking has become bigger than some ever knew. Most people are unaware that this horrific way of life is so prevalent not only in other countries, but right in their hometown. Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline has received reports of 14,588 sex trafficking cases inside the United States. These numbers have increased in the past few years and it is shocking how those who are in the industry are still getting away with it. Many social problems line the streets and neighborhoods in the United States. Most often those social problems are visible to the human eye as one simply walks down the street. Sex trafficking is unique in the unfortunate reality that it can so often happen without people
"Experts Encourage Action Against Sex Trafficking." Voice of America. Voice of America, 15 May 2009. Web. 7 May 2012. .