Understanding Sex Trafficking

 

Sex trafficking conjures up images of young girls being kidnapped off the street or chained up in a basement, thanks to TV programming and the media sensationalizing such uncommon events.

 

In reality, sex trafficking is more commonplace, with victims and their offenders walking among us in countless communities all across the U.S. and globally.
 

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act (U.S. Department of Homeland Security). Sex trafficking is a subset of human trafficking.

 

“Sex trafficking is the exchange of a commercial sex act for something of value,” said Robert Way, Casework Supervisor for Monroe County Child Protective Services and the Monroe County Human Trafficking Liaison.  “In my role, I work to offset what makes some children more vulnerable (to traffickers).”

 

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 399,494 signals (phone calls, texts, online chats, emails, and online tip reports) have been received since its inception in 2007. Out of the cases identified in 2021 (per the last volume of data collected in 2022), 85% involved sex trafficking. 

The majority of sex trafficking victims are female, at 84% (per data collected for NYS counties in 2021 by The Center for Youth’s Safe Harbour Program). Male victims comprised 12%, with 3% trans and non-binary victims (and 1% unreported). Exploitation for nearly all victims (97%) began in their youth (under 18).

 

“Traffickers usually lure their victims in by preying on their vulnerabilities,” explained Way. These vulnerabilities may include lack of income, housing or transportation. A trafficker may offer to provide these under the guise of caring for their victims, which can complicate how victims see themselves  (not as victims). For example, a young girl may think her sex trafficker is her boyfriend and his apartment is her housing.

 

“It often comes down to having a need for something,” said Way, “that a trafficker exploits.” Other vulnerabilities include age (being a minor), having a disability, or struggling with sexual identity. Some victims/survivors may have drug issues or been sexually abused, so they have already been involved with CPS or are in the foster care system.

 

Social media platforms, like Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok can give access to unsuspecting children, right under their parents’ noses. Social media was identified as an element of youth’s exploitation in 31% of referrals (likely underreported) during 2021.Interaction through video games is another method offenders use to entice kids and build a relationship by giving kudos and feedback, or an invitation to meet somewhere.

“Males are the largest group of offenders,” said Way, in reference to traffickers, although it is worth noting that in many instances females are also offenders. “It all comes down to secrecy,” he continued, “and taking advantage of a child’s trust.”

 

As a father and coach for his own kids’ sports teams, Way is aware of the stereotypes that many people have about men in positions of power over children. While vigilance is warranted—and encouraged, from his point of view in working with victims/survivors—his experience has been that most people have good intentions.

 

“The vast majority of coaches and scout leaders are not falling into that category (of trafficker),” he continued. “People should be aware of those risks, but it’s usually the red dots (on registered sex offender location maps*) —the ones you don’t know about—who are doing the trafficking.”

 

“Kids should always be aware enough to speak up when something doesn’t feel right,” stressed Way. “And parents, teachers, counselors and coaches should watch for changes and disruptions in a child’s behavior,” he continued, which may indicate that something is going on.

 

Some indicators include disconnection from family and friends, a lapse in school attendance, signs of physical or mental abuse, fearful or submissive behavior, or spending time with someone who appears to control who the child talks to or where s/he goes.

Way is involved with the Rochester Human Trafficking Intervention Court (RHTIC), aka Rochester SAFE Court. This problem-solving court provides trauma-specific services to defendants who have been or are at risk of, human trafficking or sexual exploitation.

 

“Participants in RHTIC have misdemeanor or felony criminal charges or probation violations,” explained Way. Oftentimes, the person being trafficked is asked to carry drugs or weapons and is set up by the trafficker to get arrested. The trafficker then bails the person out as a means of control over the victim. The majority of victims tangled up in this cycle are women, many of whom have children and are on social services, some of whom have had CPS involvement.

 

The SAFE Court can hold the defendant responsible for crimes committed, but the penalty is usually service-based. Participants are required to sign an agreement that outlines their rights and responsibilities, which includes securing independent income following completion of court.

 

“My role in Rochester SAFE Court is to help remove barriers for victims of trafficking for a life outside of their exploitation, the justice system and child protective services,” Way said. “We do this by helping participants understand and navigate the process, and by connecting them to needed resources.”

 

Some examples of the available community-based intervention services include case management, peer support, behavioral health services, housing assistance, income assistance, medical care, securing identification, access to transportation, and job readiness training.

 

“An intervention could be as simple as providing bus passes,” said Way, “or obtaining identification, so a victim has the opportunity to work and earn an income, on the way to becoming a more productive member of society.”

“Victims of sex or human trafficking may not recognize themselves as victims,” cautioned Way, recognizing the challenges involved in helping victims. “Or they don’t want to be a victim.”

 

Societal norms often dictate how children perceive themselves, and fear can create a barrier in being able to extract themselves from a trafficking situation. A child exploring his, her or their sexual identity, for example, may be enticed into a compromising position where pictures may be taken and then used against them. A trafficker may use any information gained through their relationship for leverage over a child who is fearful or embarrassed their parents or peers could find out.

 

“Children may inadvertently put themselves into a situation that creates more vulnerabilities,” said Way. “So building trust with children in our care works against the trafficker’s tactic of secrecy.”

 

Way stated that kids often disclose 4-6 times before they are heard, so he encourages all adults to listen more intently, and believe a child when something is disclosed to you.

 

“As mandated reporters, we are all responsible for the safety of children,” he said, “so if you recognize the signs or have concerns, make the report to CPS.”