Human trafficking is one of the most serious and extreme social problems, being a crime present in every country in the world. In general, human trafficking involves the illegal and forceful movement of people in an attempt to either acquire profit, or sell their labor. The process often occurs in specific and hidden circles, allowing it to continuously exist outside the reach of the government and law enforcement. Sexual trafficking, as a variation of human trafficking, is considered to be even more severe, as it involves the procurement of sexual acts from trafficked individuals, often including children. The process is extremely damaging to individuals, communities and families, as it leaves many people displaced from their homes and loved ones. Due to the intimate and violating nature of sex trafficking in particular, it most certainly leaves heavy, lasting trauma on its victims, as well as exposes them to the risk of contracting STD’s (“What is human trafficking,” n.d.). Trafficking also has a tight connection to rape and child molestation, as the victims of the crime cannot provide their consent to the acts performed on them. The practices leave people both physically and emotionally vulnerable, allowing the exploitative parties to further use the person for their own benefit. Some groups in society are more susceptible to sex trafficking than others, and might require much community support to properly safeguard their life (“What is human trafficking,” n.d.). Such categories can include individuals that have already been subject to abuse, those experiencing either foster care or homelessness, as well as people from marginalized communities (“What is human trafficking,” n.d.). Other risk factors also exist, and they need to be taken into account to properly address the possibility of sexual trafficking occurring. On both a the personal and community-scale, people need to be aware of the potential signs of trafficking occurring, to safeguard others individuals and ensure a better quality of life for everyone.
Reference
What is human trafficking? (n.d.). The Administration for Children and Families.