Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is probably one of the cruelest form of crime ever to be committed on a minor. This happens when minors, boys and girls, under 18 years of age are forced to perform commercial sexual acts.
It is safe to conclude that women and children are the most common victims of sex trafficking, that it why women outnumber the men in the list of targets. However, this doesn’t mean that men are not a consideration.
There is no priority for Sex trafficking offenders, all are considered as casualty – men, women, boys and girls. Majority of victims fall for patterns of deceptions that these human traffickers usually employ. Better job opportunities in another country is a common deceptive strategy.
Kidnapping, selling of their own families to traffickers and fake marriage proposals are also top in the list of methods used in this industry.
Debt-bondage is commonly used as a means to keep these victims as they are made to believe that all expenses incurred for their travel as well as board and lodging have to be fully paid through their services.
Other sex traffickers use force, rape, torture, threats or even blackmailing the victims through shame.
It is believed that these sex trafficking victims are subjected to serious health risks. Drug and alcohol addiction are some of the most common.
Physical injuries, sexually transmitted disease, miscarriage and other kinds of ailments that may come as a complication are the other forms of health risks. Not only are the victims going to deal with physical pain and diseases, they are also expected to go through traumatic pyschological imbalance. Some of these symptoms are shame, grief and suicidal tendencies.
They are also expected to develop a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD). This includes depression, insomnia and self-loathing.
Various types of commercial sex exploitation such as: pornography, prostitution, stripping, live-sex shows and sex tourism are also expected to become part of the experience of a sex trafficking victim.
Two of the most prolific form would be prostitution and pornography. Places where these happen also vary. These activities may occur either in a high traffic street or, a more surprising fact, is in a private house in your own subdivision.
Another surprising place where sex trafficking may occur are places locations that seem to be frequently visited by the general public such as massage parlors, spas or strip clubs.
Victims should be hopeful to know that apart from themselves and their loved ones, a lot of kind-hearted people pray that this cruelty will soon come to an end. Government programs and non-government groups are working hand in hand to stop this widespread issue. Support and assistance are readily given by the U.S. government. And for the Non-U.S. citizens, residing in the U.S. who are proven to be victims of sex trafficking are likewise offered rehabilitation programs.
Everyday small efforts done to win the battle against sex trafficking will surely eradicate this problem, no matter how far fetched it may seem. Awareness is one simple step people can take to help fight the cause.
To know that there are people out there who become victims of sex trafficking and suffer its consequences will surely lead to its downfall. The decision to do something about it ultimately lies in each one of us.
Being aware and knowing that these people are suffering out there will help light up the path toward its defeat. Our action is one big decision we have to make.
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