What (actually) is human trafficking?

Human trafficking, by definition, is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some kind of labor or commercial sex act. Simply put: the business of stealing an individual’s freedom for another person’s gain or profit.

Human trafficking is a very complex crime and one that can be difficult to detect. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. In order for us to prevent human trafficking, we must first understand what it actually is, why it happens, and who traffickers are.

There are two types of trafficking commonly seen in East Tennessee:
Labor Trafficking:

The use of force, fraud, or coercion to make an individual work or provide services – occurs commonly in industries such as traveling sales crews, agriculture/farming, food service, landscaping, construction, factories, and housekeeping.

Sex Trafficking:

The use of force, fraud, or coercion to make an individual engage in a commercial sex act. In East TN, we often see one of two forms:

Occurs when a family member, often a parent, act as the traffickers – commonly seen in rural communities.

When a spouse or partner acts as the traffickers – victims may be told that the exploitation benefits the family, relationship, or financial situation.

Common Myths About Human Trafficking

Myth:

Traffickers target individuals they don't know and lure, or even kidnap, them into trafficking situations.

Reality:

Most survivors have experienced trafficking by someone they know and love, such as a family member, intimate partner or spouse, or a friend.

Myth:

Trafficking always involves sex.

Reality:

There are two types of human trafficking: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. While there is more awareness about sex trafficking, researchers believe there are more situations of labor trafficking but it is reported at much lower rates.

Myth:

Only women and girls are victims of trafficking.

Reality:

Trafficking do not discriminate against gender, age, or other demographics. Men and boys are also victimized by trafficking.

Myth:

Human trafficking involves transporting individuals across state lines or national borders.

Reality:

Human trafficking is often confused with human smuggling or kidnapping – both of which are crimes separate from human trafficking. The crime of human trafficking does not require movement or transportation at all. Often, survivors are recruited in their own communities, by people they know and trust – even in their own homes.

Myth:

Individuals being trafficked are held against their will and are unable to leave.

Reality:

Sometimes this can be the case. However, individuals in trafficking situations stay for reasons far more complicated. Some lack the basic necessities to get out of the situation – such as a place to stay, transportation, or the financial means to provide for themselves – often relying on their trafficker to take care of them. Some have been so manipulated that they don’t even realize they are under the control of someone else.

Myth:

Individuals in active trafficking situations want help getting out.

Reality:

Sadly, most survivors don’t even know they are being trafficked. Expert manipulation, misplaced trust, fear, and isolation are among many factors as to why someone may not identify as a victim or seek help.

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