Research

Pornography has become a normal part of our culture, but people do not realize the ties between pornography and human trafficking. There is a real possibility that when someone is watching pornography they are watching someone who is being trafficked, not a consenting individual. This student chose to highlight how sex trafficking and pornography are linked, with pornography increasing the demand for sex trafficking.

Perpetrators of human trafficking use many different tactics to target potential victims, ranging from false promises of employment, to romantic seduction, to taking advantage of familial ties. One student chose to write in more detail about some of the various behaviors traffickers engage in to acquire and then exploit their victims.

In the entertainment industry, numerous individuals have come out and discussed their experience as a victim of sexual abuse and sometimes even human trafficking. High profile names, such as the singer R. Kelly, have been accused and faced criminal charges, while some individuals in the entertainment industry have decided to do what they can to combat these activities.

Statistically, victims of sex trafficking tend to be female. However, the UN reports that women were also “highly involved” in leadership roles in trafficking. One student chose to write in more detail about the different roles and possible motivations of women in trafficking organizations.

Dance studios can become targets for traffickers and their recruiters. Reportedly, Jeffrey Epstein directed individuals to recruit underage dancers, and may have had dancers smuggled across state borders. One student wrote about concerns regarding the sexualization of minors in dance, and what can be done to help combat trafficking and exploitation of the dancers.

The escape or rescue of a victim of trafficking can be very dangerous, both for the victim and for the rescuer. This paper discusses challenges that are faced by both the person being trafficked and the person or group trying to do the rescuing. The student also highlighted the importance and need for reintegration services after rescue.

This article focuses on sporting events being a popular place for traffickers. The student discusses how trafficking can be happening at large sporting events, but how young players can also be in danger of being lured into trafficking situations. The article discusses steps that have been taken in recent years at large sporting events to combat the influx of trafficking, and makes a call for awareness of the community.

This paper sheds light on factors that contribute to trafficking victims. This student chose to research what may make an individual more susceptible to trafficking, but also highlights how this landscape had changed at the time of this being written. This article highlights types of exploitation and how traffickers can manipulate their victims and use language as a barrier to getting help.

Modeling is a profession that appears to be filled with attractive people, glamorous clothing, hair and the opportunity to travel and be in exotic places. In reality, the modeling world can be riddled with human trafficking. From being forced to fulfill an unrealistic debt, trying to fulfill unrealistic beauty expectations and schedules, and being sold to human trafficking rings. Individuals pursuing modeling can have vulnerabilities that are easily exploited by traffickers.

Escort agencies can be a legal business in the US if they have the proper licensing, but can be deceitful in terms of their validity and reputation especially in the online escort world. Victims can be tricked through online ads. There has been legislation passed to try to hold third party companies accountable for websites and hospitality companies that facilitate trafficking.