Separating Fact from Fiction

The article below was published by Our Rescue.  I received it on 28 January 2025 and immediately asked their permission to use it in the TRAGAST Bulletin.  The reasons are two:
  • We all need to understand the myths behind sex trafficking.
  • Not all but many of the victims are children and TRAGAST is here to protect them through awareness and prevention projects
Separating Fact from Fiction
11 MYTHS vs REALITY
credit OurRescue
 
Sex trafficking affects communities around the world, yet there are many misconceptions. Understanding the realities of trafficking is the first step in addressing and preventing this heinous crime.   
  1. MYTH: Trafficking only happens to women and girls.  
    REALITY: Men and boys account for around 25% of people trafficked globally. Studies estimate that 50% of sex-trafficked youth are boys. 1 
  1. MYTH: Traffickers are usually strangers.  
    REALITY: In cases of sex trafficking, 44% of victims were trafficked by a family member and 39% by an intimate partner. 2 
  1. MYTH: Trafficking doesn’t happen where I live.  
    REALITY: In the U.S., there are 30,000+ cases of human trafficking each year. Trafficking happens in every state and territory. 3   
  1. MYTH: Trafficking only happens to children.   
    REALITY: Trafficking happens to men, women, and children. Children made up only 69% of people in newly charged sex trafficking cases. 2   
  1. MYTH: Trafficking always involves moving people to new places.   
    REALITY: People can be sex trafficked in their community or their homes. Traffickers can be family members, romantic partners, or employers.  
  1. MYTH: Victims always ask for help.  
    REALITY: Many trafficked people have been groomed to think trafficking is normal. Others are ashamed or afraid to ask for help.  
  1. MYTH: Trafficking always involves violence/force.  
    REALITY: Trafficked adults are often vulnerable because of poverty, substance abuse, or homelessness. 
  1. MYTH: All traffickers are men.  
    REALITY: 25% of U.S. child sex traffickers are women. 4  In many other countries, women trafficking women is most often.  
  1. MYTH: Trafficking only happens in poor communities.  
    REALITY: Sex trafficking is everywhere. In affluent communities, trafficking can happen in places like massage parlors, bars, and motels.  
  1. MYTH: Victims of human trafficking are physically held captive and unable to physically leave.  
    REALITY: Traffickers use emotional manipulation, threats, or economic dependency, making it hard to leave. Additionally, with no money, documentation, or a place to go, many trafficked people have no other options.  
  1. MYTH: Human trafficking is not a human rights issue. 
    REALITY: Sex trafficking infringes on fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom from slavery/servitude, the right to bodily autonomy, and the right to health and safety.  
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