HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE

UNITED STATES
BY: ELLA AND BRITTANY
VIDEO INTRODUCTION
 What
The United Nations, individual countries, and human trafficking organizations all
have their own definitions for human trafficking, but they are all similar.

The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as a modern-day form

of slavery involving the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain.

It is estimated that about 80% of trafficking involves sexual exploitation and 19%
involves labor exploitation

It is difficult to get an accurate portrayal of issues because many cases are never
reported. Traffickers manipulate their victims by threatening to call the police on them
for prostitution. Victims fear getting law enforcement involved because they do not
want to be charged with a crime.
 Who
Data on Human Trafficking is difficult to determine because many cases are never reported. It is difficult to get an accurate
picture of the problem, but here are the findings according to Polaris Project

There is no single profile for trafficking victim. It can happen in rural, suburban, and urban areas around the country.
Victims can come from varying levels of education, socioeconomic backgrounds, etc. However, these three groups are seen as
more vulnerable to human trafficking

Runaway and homeless youth. A study showed that 56% of prostituted women were runaway youth, and males show a
similar number as well
Foreign nationals (about 32% of victims). They face unique problems, such as language and cultural barriers,
isolation, and undocumented status
Those who have experienced trauma (violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, war, etc.) may be targeted by
traffickers that prey on these vulnerabilities
 WHEN
1400: marked the start of European slave trading in Africa

1562: the british joined in on the slave trade in Africa

Later on throughout the 1600s: other countries became more involved in the European slave trade. These included spain, north america,
holland, france, sweden, and denmark

1904: the international agreement for the suppression of white slave traffic was signed and put into action. The purpose was to
protect women from being involved in white slave traffic

1927: the league of nations was created and started focusing on international issues like human trafficking. The suppression of white
slave traffic was changed to traffic in women and children so everyone was included with no discrimination to race
 When Continued
1932: During WWII Japan enforced a system where women all across asia were forced into sex slavery.

1956: india initiated the immoral traffic (prevention) act which persecutes people involved with sex trafficking

1995: the united nations held the fourth world conference to address the issue of trafficking women. Trafficking was recognized as an
act of violence against women.

2002: the polaris project was officially founded. It is now the leading non-profit to stop human trafficking.

2008: several migrants were found to be illegally smuggled into thailand by traffickers. 57 migrants suffocated to death while being
transported after being confined in a seafood container where the air-conditioning system malfunctioned.67 survivors who hoped to
find work in thailand.
 When Continued Continued
2009: a large human trafficking ring was busted in taipei, taiwan. Several young females were brought to the u.s. Illegally with fake
passports. They used these to obtain visas. They were discovered by the national immigration agency. A total of 74 suspects .

2011: president obama declared january to be human trafficking awareness month, and january 11, 2011 was named national human
trafficking awareness day
 WHERE
Trafficking can occur in both legal and illicit industries
commercial sex
Hospitality
sales crews
Agriculture
Manufacturing
janitorial services
Construction
Shipyards
Restaurants
health and elder care
salon services
fairs and carnivals
domestic service.
 THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
differ from country to country It still exists today because
driven from social, economic and cultural factors Human trafficking is a highly
Impacted strongly from sophisticated, organized crime
and it is very lucrative
Poverty
Greed
War displacement of people due to
Natural Disasters conflict
Search for a better life Ignorance - Many people in the
United States ignore human
trafficking
 THE IMPACT IT HAS HAD
All victims may be subject to physical, psychological and social impacts
Experience harsh physical impacts due to excessive work and the use of force
May be exposed to many health risks such as Hiv/Aids as well as serious mental health issues
Anxiety, insecurity, fear and PTSD

Life After Being Trafficked

Difficult to find a job - many do not have experience, training, etc.

Some victims can face prostitution or drug charges, only 7 states allow victims to expunge their criminal records
of any crime committed while under control of a pimp
There needs to be more acceptance and support for victims to encourage them to speak up so they do not fear
consequences
 RESPONSES TO THE PROBLEM
TraffickCam (https://traffickcam.com/)

An app on Windows and iPhones, it can also be used online. You can take pictures of your hotel room, record hotel
and room number

Polaris Project/ National Human Trafficking Hotline

You can text BeFree to 233733, hotline, and support.

24/7, english, spanish and 200 other languages
 SOURCES
"Background." Human Trafficking Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

CNN. "Former Human Trafficking Victim Speaks out." YouTube. YouTube, 20 Aug. 2013. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

"How Can Human Trafficking Still Exist? Answers to Viewers Questions." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

"Human Trafficking." State Department. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.

Simon, Michelle. "5 Prevailing Causes of Human Trafficking." The Borgen Project. N.p., 08 Apr. 2016. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

"The Facts." Polaris. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.

"Timeline of Human Trafficking." Human Trafficking Timeline. N.p., 2011. Web. 29 Sept. 2016.