Human trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal enterprise globally, and rakes in billions every year! Despite efforts by governments of various countries, the business continues to grow with profits tripling over the past decade alone.
These include a vast network of criminals and criminal enterprises involved in organizing and implementing the practice of trafficking human beings. Victims could be recruited into modern slavery by coercion, fraud, or force. The common gambit is to lure them with promises of a better life via employment and travel agencies, or family and friendship connections. But victims are often abducted, and their families threatened with dire consequences if they fail to comply. Once victims are “recruited” they are transferred to a destination across town, within a country’s borders, or across borders, to be exploited for labor or sex. When victims arrive at a location, they are forced into prostitution, domestic servitude, bonded labor, pornography, etc. Apart from those directly involved with human trafficking, enablers are part of the industry as well – they are individuals who knowingly or unknowingly provide goods and services, so trafficking can operate smoothly.
Types of trafficking
One of the most common forms of trafficking, sexual exploitation is when women, men or children are forced into the commercial sex industry and held against their will by force, fraud or coercion. Sometimes they are brutally raped to “break down their mental strength” so when it is time to perform sexual acts, they become numb, follow orders without questioning, or don’t even think about trying to escape. Victims are forced into prostitution, pornography, working at massage parlors, dancing in seedy bars & hotels, stripping on webcam, etc. Children are in special demand as a lot of pedophiles and rapists request they be “delivered” to fulfill disgusting sexual fantasies.
Forced labor victims are forced to work for no pay and threatened with violence if they don’t comply – they are treated as property. The fishing, textile, construction, mineral and agriculture industries are particularly laced with forced laborers. Bonded labor is similar, but in this case, individuals are compelled to work so they can pay off a debt. They aren’t allowed to leave till the debt is paid in full. The problem is while the person puts in effort to clear the debt, employers pile on additional expenses such as food, lodging, etc. till the accrued amount is exorbitant, and repayment is impossible. Thus, the person has to be enslaved for life!
Victims are forced to work as live-in help in private homes, which is a cover for exploiting and controlling someone’s life, who is usually from another country. It is a form of forced labor as their documents are confiscated and they are fraudulently convinced they don’t have anywhere to go. They must work long hours with little to no pay and given meagre meals.
What More Too Life does for victims of human trafficking?
Most survivors of human trafficking are unable to lead normal lives after escaping or being rescued from that horrific world. More Too Life steps in to provide them with intensive therapy to overcome trauma, guilt, and suffering, while working on physical health as well. Housing needs are taken care of, thanks to our wonderful housing collaborative partners. Homeless victims and high-risk homeless women from 18 to 27 years of age have been helped through the “Safe Stay” Program, created by partnering with the Sarasota Salvation Army. We believe in providing expert advocacy for all survivors as we work with numerous NGOs, state and federal agencies, law enforcement in the city, across state, and in the federal department. Voices for Florida and the Open Doors Network as enabled MTL to higher more staff and work across counties with hundreds of victims identified, rescued, with traffickers and violators getting appropriate sentences and family members, community and professionals understanding this issue and its root causes.
Don’t forget to check out our various human trafficking prevention programs and training guidebook that raise awareness and are a significant step towards stopping these heinous crimes. Moretoolife.org/education