Sex Trafficking And The Sex Industry The Need For Evidence Based Theory

Sex trafficking, particularly that of children, has become a growing concern in the United States over the past several decades (Kotrla, 2010). By definition, child sex trafficking is “when a child (under 18 years of age) is induced to perform a commercial sex act” (U.S., 2013, para. 4), and includes forms such as prostitution and pornography (Kotrla, 2010). Researchers suggest that children are the most vulnerable to becoming victims of prostitution (Kotrla), and it is estimated that there are at least 100,000 victims in the United States (Estes & Weiner, 2001). Sex traffickers, otherwise known as “pimps,” often lure children with promises of food, clothing, love, and shelter, and then the pimps manipulate the children to keep them in prostitution (U.S. Department of Justice [DOJ], 2015). Awareness of the issue has led to the development of organizations, such as Children of the Night, that seek to help victims escape the sex trafficking industry (Children of the Night [COTN], 2016d).

Sex trafficking is a global problem that involves the exploitation and abuse of girls as well as women. This paper will discuss the problem, with an emphasis on the views expressed by Paola Monzini in her book Sex Traffic: Prostitution, Crime and Exploitation. The paper will look at the causes, consequences and prevalence rates of sex trafficking and will consider the impact of such factors as globalization and women’s poverty in perpetuating the problem or making it worse. The paper will conclude with a discussion of the ways in which a human rights perspective might translate into positive action to eliminate the trafficking of girls and women.

Sex trafficking is essentially systemic rape for profit. Force, fraud and coercion are used to control the victim’s behavior which may secure the appearance of consent to please the buyer (or john). Behind every transaction is violence or the threat of violence (Axtell par. 4). Just a decade ago, only a third of the countries studied by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime had legislation against human trafficking. (Darker Side, par.1) Women, children, and even men are taken from their homes, and off of the streets and are brought into a life that is almost impossible to get out of. This life is not one of choice, it is in most times by force. UNODC estimates that the total international human trafficking is a

Nothing drives emotions out the window more than hearing about innocent children being used for sex. In Cambodia, sex trafficking has grown into a troublesome issue. Sex trafficking has become one of the fastest growing crimes occurring internationally. It is the third largest crime-business in the world, after drugs and arms trafficking. Women, girls, and even men and boys are victims of the billion-dollar sex trafficking industry. Sex trafficking occurs everywhere, and it is not culturally specific, but a gender specific issue. There are numerous cases of sex trafficking within Cambodia, however child sex trafficking is extremely captivating and distressing to learn about.

Every year thousands of people of all genders, race, and age become victimized in sex trafficking. These people who become victims are usually vulnerable and are living in poverty structured areas. Many countries around the world are dealing with this serious issue, even in the United States. The United States federal law has defined sex trafficking as an act, “in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age” (Polaris Project). Sex trafficking is not only seen as a crime but is also seen as a business of supply and demand to many people. This business makes a profit of about 9.8 billion dollars a year. In recent events it has been shown that sex trafficking increases during big sporting events. As a result, some actions have been taken to combat the issue, but not enough. Therefore, due to the fact that sex trafficking is a worldwide issue and it is increasing over time; I will argue how there needs to be changes to the approach we have on the issue of sex trafficking.

The history of trafficking goes back much further than one would think. Donna Hughes explains in her article Combating Sex trafficking a history that trafficking really started in England as early as 1875. Even though this article suggests that human trafficking started as early as 1875, we have learned in class from the Sugar changed the world: a story of magic, spice, slavery, freedom, and science that it goes way further back than that. This movement in 1875 only affected women at the time. This is where the term prostitute was initially coined. Before World War I, the act of trafficking white slaves saw its first law called the international convention for suppression of the white slave traffic. It wasn’t until after World War II that

Sex trafficking looks like the old dehumanizing slave exchange. It includes automatic bondage and is accordingly regularly alluded to as advanced slavery. It is the lack of uniformity in how trafficking is defined is frequently cited as a major problem for the development of data sources and comparative analysis (Laczko & Gramegna, 2003; Kangaspunta, 2003).

This journal article examines the issue of minor sex trafficking in the U.S and provides the reader with the results of the research that was conducted on the matter at hand. A data analysis consisting of 115 minor sex trafficking was thoroughly examined and studied. The information surrounding these cases was collected using two specific methods. One method included the reviewing of press releases of human trafficking cases

There have been enormous questions on the effects that globalization has had on sex trafficking. Some have argued that globalization is characterized with the global efforts, funding and regional legislation that undermine the spread of the sex trading. However, the increased liberalization and other factors such as the presence of the internet have heavily favored sex trade globally and especially in the United States of America (U.S.A). The United States has been a destination for the many immigrants from third world countries and others that have been encroached with wars and terrorist activities.  According to the National Human Trafficking (2017), 4460 cases of the trafficking were recorded in the U.S.A of which 3186 cases reported were linked to sex trafficking. In 2016, the reported human trafficking cases tremendously increased in 7621, and the sex trafficking cases reported also increased to 5593. The reported sex trafficking cases were 4183, 3593, 3380, 2382 in 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively (National Human Trafficking, 2017, 1). From the cases recorded by the National Human Trafficking Hotline, it is evident that globalization has created a favorable environment for the sex and the human trafficking. The economic, political and legal environment created by the globalization favors the spread of sex trade in the United States of America.

This exists as a global problem because no county is protected; human trafficking numbers has grown rapidly over the years, in relation to the escalating international sex trade. This type of practice forces an individual to engage in sex acts or labor against their will through coercive threats, intimidation, the elimination of any legal documents and violence under enslaved conditions. (“Global”) Women are often trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual services, increasing their vulnerability to transmittable HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and brutality. They are held against their will in remote environments, these women have few avenues for assistance while they suffer vast physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their abductors. (“Global”)

Sex trafficking is a serious issue that many in the United States but also the world is not aware of the magnitude. There are thousands of victims of sex trafficking and there are some who are more likely to be victim than others. In this essay, I will show why sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, and economics increases ones' chances of being sex trafficked.

Sex trafficking is a unique sector of slavery that primarily affects women and children. This is sexual exploitation for profit where victims face inhumane and volatile conditions. The practice comes in varying forms including brothels, strip clubs, and online services. This horrible occurrence happens secretly in practically any corner across the globe. Although it causes immense physical harm to its victims, the physiological and emotional damage remains severe and prominent. Victims from Asia are sent to the widest range of locations, but not all cases involve extensive transportation. One key contributor to sexual exploitation is Russia, and a variety of factors contribute to this prevalence. Russia’s colossal geographical size, and its connections to Europe and Asia are key factors in this crisis’s location. Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 exploitation increased, alongside poverty, in Russia giving it a dark history. The cultural acceptance of this gender inequality and crime has affected its role in society. The political attempts to fix the abuse are often weak and ineffective, yet new efforts and policies could decrease the problem. Although accurate numbers are scarce, unfathomable amounts of economic gains come from this practice and even more is needed to end it. Indeed, sex trafficking infects societies all across the world, but Russia’s significant problem in particular needs immediate attention and action.

Child Prostitution is one of the most overlooked injustice for children. These poor kids live in a country where the courts are more worried about individual rights instead of the well-being of children who have lost their innocence. The trade of human beings, most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery or forced labor is known as Human Trafficking. This type of trade for sex is a very lucrative industry, coming second to drug trafficking as the most profitable illegal industry in the world. When most Americans hear the words “sex trafficking,” they think Thailand, Africa, and Eastern Europe. This systematical belief that the United States does not endure such behavior is a communal afterthought and considered incredulous to many citizens. Nevertheless, prostitution is a growing

“Sex-Trafficking” is a very complex and layered phenomenon. Critically evaluate some possible explanations for it's continued prevalence and seeming invincibility to regulation and control.

Human trafficking, or trafficking in persons, is a crime where people profit from the exploitation of others through some form of labor (Polaris, 2015). Sex trafficking, is a crime throughout the world, and the United States is no exception. Taking a domestic approach to study gender and sex trafficking, or sex work period in the United States, requires one to know how people “do gender” while being a part of this industry. Examining the structure of gender in society with regard to sex work and sex trafficking sheds light on how the system works and how it is perpetuated.