What is Human Sex Trafficking?

The Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act defines it as: "Human sex trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a sex act." It is modern day slavery where people are illegally traded for exploitation and or commercial trade (drugs, money, positions of power etc). Traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to lure their victims into commercial sex exploitation. Human Trafficking generates billions of dollars in profit every year, this crime is second only to drug trafficking.

But what exactly does human sex trafficking look like here in rural Pennsylvania?

We can answer this by going over the misconceptions about human sex trafficking:

It's a crime that only happens overseas or in big cities

Human sex trafficking has been recorded in every state in the US. It is in our towns, schools and places of business. We have just been looking for the wrong thing and asking the wrong questions. Traffickers #1 method is to provide love and acceptance to those who need it. With technology this is easier to find than ever.

Women in the sex industry want to be there

Many think pornography and commercial sex work are unrelated to human sex trafficking. But 90% of women in the sex industry claim they do not want to be there or are not their by their own will. We have discovered the face of a survivor is not what we imagined. They are just like you and me. Moms, wives, daughters all looking for love and safety and a means of survival.

It's a crime that happens primarily via kidnapping and physical restraint

40% of human trafficking is familial or family controlled trafficking. Familial trafficking begins as early as the age of 3. Often there are no physical signs of abuse. Here are some red flags:

children who don't want to go home
children or teens acting out
random changes of behavior
sexual knowledge or promiscuity that is not age appropriate

There is nothing I can do to help fight this crime

You can be an advocate for change by understanding the face of human sex trafficking so when you see something you can say something. Do not intervene as this could cause harm to you and the victim. Call 911 immediately and report your concerns taking note of shoes, tattoos, license plate numbers and location of event.

Awareness and Education

At Learning to Live Beloved Ministries, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by human sex trafficking. Through our numerous efforts we strive to not only provide support and resources to those in need, but also to raise awareness of the reality of this epidemic by standing in the gap for the voiceless and giving a face and a name to those trapped in it's clutches. If you have, or know of, any group that would like to learn more about human sex trafficking, you can request a speaker from us! One of our volunteers would be happy to give a presentation customized to your group and equip you to better understand what a survivor of human trafficking looks like and how you can take action to help.

Are you local law enforcement looking for victim resources and training specific to your role? Then please check out Light Duty Ministries page to find out how your department can get involved in fighting human sex trafficking through victim informed training and resources.