Human trafficking is at times highly publicized, yet the general understanding of what constitutes the trafficking of people remains misunderstood. Many people have the misconception that human trafficking is people locked in shipping containers and sold into sexual slavery. While this does happen, it is not the only type of human trafficking. Human Trafficking is the exploitation of people through threats, fraud, or another type of coercion that prevents one from leaving the situation they are in.
Sex Work and Human Trafficking
While sex work and human trafficking are inexorably tied together, they are not the same thing. Human trafficking may involve people who are forced into sexual exploitation, yet other types of human trafficking exist, as well. Generally, human trafficking is the exploitation of a person’s labor by using coercive methods to force someone to remain in a situation where they are the equivalent of a slave or indentured servant with no ability to leave or be treated humanely. Sadly, the type of exploited labor is often sex work.
Sex Worker vs. Human Trafficking
A person who willingly takes part in the sale of sex which is consensual and does not affect their human rights is a sex worker. Sex work includes anything from independent legal prostitution (where allowed), taking part in the adult entertainment industry, helping someone to explore a fetish, or exotic dancing. If no coercion is used, then these are all examples of legal, non-trafficking activities.
If any sex work activities occur through coercion, such as threats of violence or deportation, or with people who are unable to give enthusiastic consent, then the act is a form of human trafficking. People who are underaged, under the influence of drug, or who are considered unable to consent because of cognitive or developmental disabilities are all considered trafficked.
Illegal Escort Services
In the United States, escort services are legal when they not only have the proper licensing but also solely require accompaniment with someone. These services become illegal when money is exchanged for sexual services or when fraud of any kind takes place. Illegal escorts are delivered to a buyer’s hotel room for an out-call visit; alternatively, buyers come and go to a room where an escort is confined as a sex slave.
Online escort services can be deceitful regarding their validity and reputation. These agencies frequently serve as fronts for corrupt trafficking services. Illegal escort services can hide their fraudulent nature through use of online platforms and trick their victims much easier. Once the victim is convinced that they can earn money through being an escort, they are lured to a location where they become unable to escape. Victims are, then, trapped and must obey the traffickers out of fear of what may happen to them if they do not cooperate.
Escort services require spaces to operate, including web space and hotel rooms. Recent legislation holds these third party companies liable for trafficking. Websites and hospitality companies that facilitate trafficking are now legally responsible when they play a role in trafficking.
Preventing Human Trafficking
In the end, human trafficking and its types have been on an elevating curve, impacting thousands of lives through the traumatic experience and harsh reality. At The Asservo Project, they believe all people have a responsibility to combat human trafficking and spread awareness of the cause. The Asservo Project is dedicated to helping raise awareness and educate about human trafficking in all circumstances. Connect with them to learn how you can help to volunteer or to donate to The Asservo Project.
References
Andrus Wagstaff. (2020, August 28). New human trafficking law holds third parties accountable. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.andruswagstaff.com/blog/new-human-trafficking-law-holds-third-parties-accountable/.
The Exodus Road. (2021, December 28). What are the different types of human trafficking? Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://theexodusroad.com/types-of-human-trafficking.
Measurable Change. (2021, June 2). Escort Services. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.measurablechange.org/mappingexploitation/expose/polaris/escort-services/.
National Human Trafficking Hotline. (n.d.). Hotline statistics. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://humantraffickinghotline.org/states.
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services. (n.d.). Division of Criminal Justice Services. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/pio/humantrafficking/humantrafficking.htm.
Saland Law. (2018, February 12). Escort services, prostitution and unlicensed massage. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.new-york-lawyers.org/escort-services-prostitution-and-unlicensed-massage.html.
The State of Nevada. (n.d.). Warning signs of human trafficking. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://ag.nv.gov/Human_Trafficking/HT_Signs/.
Statista Research Department. (2021, March 24). Human trafficking defendants sentenced to prison U.S. 2015. Statista. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/972055/human-trafficking-defendants-criminal-record-us/.
STOP THE TRAFFIK. (2018, December 7). Sex trafficking VS sex work: Understanding the difference. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.stopthetraffik.org/sex-trafficking-vs-sex-work-understanding-difference/.
The United States Department of Justice. (2021, December 21). A whole government approach. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking/whole-government-approach. The United States Department of State. (2021, January 9). International and domestic law. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from https://www.state.gov/international-and-domestic-law/