It is a common misconception that trafficking of humans is an issue of the past century or countries far away. However, there is evidence that this modern day slavery is still rampant. The sad state of trafficked people is that they are held not only by physical chains but also emotional and psychological as well. Human trafficking expert say that trafficking of people is a $32 billion industry exploiting both adults and children.
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.
Prevention of human trafficking should begin with increasing awareness about this heinous crime. Many people are ignorant of its existence and assume that it does not affect them. More needs to be done to ensure more people are aware of the dangers of trafficking and how to spot a victim and help. This is especially so for schools to and families.
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.
Prevention of human trafficking should begin with increasing awareness about this heinous crime. Many people are ignorant of its existence and assume that it does not affect them. More needs to be done to ensure more people are aware of the dangers of trafficking and how to spot a victim and help. This is especially so for schools to and families.
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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