Most people often think that trafficking of people is a problem of that belongs to the era of our forefathers. It is difficult for them to visualize that this modern day slavery is happening now and here. The sad part is the physical, emotional and psychological bondage it gives to its victims. According to reports by human trafficking expert, this industry is worth close to $32 billion and exploits adults and children alike.
Human trafficking is second in international crimes following unlawful drugs and arms dealing closely. It does no have to across borders to qualify. Selling of people in this day and age is a gross violation of human rights. Most victims develop mental illnesses, abuse drugs and are more likely to commit violent crimes. In addition, women who have been previously trafficked for sexual reasons have higher rates of STDs and may experience irreversible damage in their reproductive systems.
Economic and social reasons guide the choice of the target group. It is easy to target individuals from dysfunctional families or those with social and psychological issues. Jobs and money are also a good incentive for most people especially those from poor backgrounds. In addition, expensive lifestyles, friends and sometimes love is promised as rewards.
Most recruitment is done over the web and usually social media. It is also possible to be approached on the streets by a potential perpetrator who then taps into your thinking slowly and eventually recruits you. For some, consent to get recruited is given, some know what they are up to, others do not. It is wrongly assumed that complete strangers perpetrate this crime; however, often people close to the victims are responsible.
People are trafficked usually to be sold for sexual exploitation. Cheap or forced labor also forms a minor but significant reason to buy people. The victims are constantly mistreated and sometimes killed to provide labor and sexual pleasure. Many of these victims end up working in underground brothels, domestic workplaces and other informal workplaces.
Children who undergo abuse in the hands of their family members are most vulnerable. It is easy for exploiters to win them over through better treatment and lots of compliments and attention. Children who have fallen into this trap are easy to identify. They may change their wardrobe and grooming style to fit their new financial status. They are also able to afford electronics such as cell phones which they may not have had before. Once identified, they should be offered help.
Increasing awareness about this heinous crime is the first step towards prevention of human trafficking. It is a pity that there are still people who are oblivious of the magnitude of this problem. There is a lot that needs to be done so that members of the public are able to spot victims and offer help. Schools, communities and families alike need to have programs where such victims are assisted.
It is important that the society is taught on the virtue of self respect and that of others especially the women. Laws should be made that seek to root out the source of this problem from the gangs to the customers themselves. The culture of paying for sex should be abolished and pedophiles punished. If you identify a victim of this slavery, experts advise that you do not try to help them out yourself. Instead, reach out to the expert or law enforcement and report.
Human trafficking is second in international crimes following unlawful drugs and arms dealing closely. It does no have to across borders to qualify. Selling of people in this day and age is a gross violation of human rights. Most victims develop mental illnesses, abuse drugs and are more likely to commit violent crimes. In addition, women who have been previously trafficked for sexual reasons have higher rates of STDs and may experience irreversible damage in their reproductive systems.
Economic and social reasons guide the choice of the target group. It is easy to target individuals from dysfunctional families or those with social and psychological issues. Jobs and money are also a good incentive for most people especially those from poor backgrounds. In addition, expensive lifestyles, friends and sometimes love is promised as rewards.
Most recruitment is done over the web and usually social media. It is also possible to be approached on the streets by a potential perpetrator who then taps into your thinking slowly and eventually recruits you. For some, consent to get recruited is given, some know what they are up to, others do not. It is wrongly assumed that complete strangers perpetrate this crime; however, often people close to the victims are responsible.
People are trafficked usually to be sold for sexual exploitation. Cheap or forced labor also forms a minor but significant reason to buy people. The victims are constantly mistreated and sometimes killed to provide labor and sexual pleasure. Many of these victims end up working in underground brothels, domestic workplaces and other informal workplaces.
Children who undergo abuse in the hands of their family members are most vulnerable. It is easy for exploiters to win them over through better treatment and lots of compliments and attention. Children who have fallen into this trap are easy to identify. They may change their wardrobe and grooming style to fit their new financial status. They are also able to afford electronics such as cell phones which they may not have had before. Once identified, they should be offered help.
Increasing awareness about this heinous crime is the first step towards prevention of human trafficking. It is a pity that there are still people who are oblivious of the magnitude of this problem. There is a lot that needs to be done so that members of the public are able to spot victims and offer help. Schools, communities and families alike need to have programs where such victims are assisted.
It is important that the society is taught on the virtue of self respect and that of others especially the women. Laws should be made that seek to root out the source of this problem from the gangs to the customers themselves. The culture of paying for sex should be abolished and pedophiles punished. If you identify a victim of this slavery, experts advise that you do not try to help them out yourself. Instead, reach out to the expert or law enforcement and report.
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You can visit johnpace.org for more helpful information about The Human Trafficking Expert Guide On Traffickers And Victims.