Trafficking is a daunting issue. It’s complex. It’s confusing. It can be overwhelming. It’s the second largest crime industry but is one of the most ignored.
The media tries to tell us some things about trafficking but they often leave out vital information and even more often misinform us about the issue. The fact that there is some sort of awareness is definitely not a bad thing, but if the message being relayed is inaccurate, more harm is done than good. You’ve seen Taken and the faces of foreigners in chains but this is not the whole story.
The reality of trafficking deserves to be shared not just so the truth is told, but also so that we, as advocates, can better fight for justice.
One of the most common myths fed to us by the media is that the majority of trafficking cases are initiated through a kidnapping. While this does happen, kidnappings are only the start of 2-3% trafficking cases. This comes as a shock to many people because this is the narrative that is so fiercely shared by the media.
However, the reality is that the vast majority of exploitation comes from preexisting relationships. These relationships can look like a lot of things, but one example could be a boyfriend who turns out to be a pimp. This scenario often plays out as someone who gets into what they think is a loving relationship where the “partner” (pimp) is providing them with a home, a relationship, and nice gifts. Starting out as something seemingly harmless, the person posing as a partner/boyfriend/girlfriend then takes advantage of the trust and relationship formed and begins the exploitation.
Another common misconception about trafficking is that it is an “international problem”. Does the issue happen internationally? Yes. But it also shows itself in our own country.
Many will say that it happens to “people just like you and I,” but this ignores the fact that there are so many systemic and societal factors such as racism, gender inequality and LGBTQIA+ discrimination, and access to education and housing that contribute to domestic trafficking.
What I urge everyone to understand is that exploitation is exploitation regardless of the place, person, or circumstance. This is what we should care about and fight for- justice and freedom for each worthy individual being exploited.
To learn more about the myths and realities of trafficking, visit polarisproject.org
-Emma
