SYNTHESIS PAPER 1

Sex Trafficking in the United States

Liberty University

CJUS 500-D01

Professor Jade Pumphrey

SYNTHESIS PAPER 2

Abstract

Human Trafficking and forced prostitution have become a growing problem worldwide and has

become more of a problem in the United States over the past few decades. Sex trafficking a

common type of human trafficking. Sex trafficking is seen as a form of slavery due to the

coercion and manipulation of human beings. Traffickers target vulnerable women and children

who display certain risk factors. Victims are exploited through methods of various methods of

control. In order to create and implement an adequate solution to human trafficking, discusses

history of sex trafficking, health implications and risk factors will be discussed. Possible

solutions are provided based on the evidence provided throughout paper.

Key words: Human Trafficking, prostitution, victims, risk factors

SYNTHESIS PAPER 3

Human Trafficking in the United States

Human trafficking and forced prostitution have become an increasing problem over the

past few years. The most common type of human trafficking is sex trafficking. Sex trafficking

can be considered a modern form of slavery because of the threat of force that is used, coercion

practices, deceptions and the manipulation of individuals. According to the Department of

Justice, human trafficking is defined as a crime that involves the exploitation of an individual for

labor, services or sex (par. 1). The International Labor Organization estimated that approximately

20.9 million people are victims of trafficking each year and of those victims there are around 4.5

million who are sex trafficked (Varma, Gillespie, McCracken, and Greenbaum, 2015). As cases

of sex trafficking in the United States continue to grow, it is essential to find a solution to help

the problem. In order to find and implement an adequate solution, the background of sex

trafficking, health implications, and risk factors associated with trafficking need to be addressed.

Background on Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking has been around for hundreds of years. In 2000, Federal Legislation passed

the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA) that defined crimes of labor and

sex trafficking as a crime that is different from prostitution (Farrell and Cronin, 2015). This act

set a national platform to promote the identification of human trafficking victims, as well as aid

in the prosecution of human traffickers. Since the enactment of TVPA, many government

agencies have researched and conducted studies on the problem of human trafficking in America.

One study conducted by the United States Department of State (2001), analyzed the Trafficking

in Persons Report and found that it is estimated that international borders each year have about

700,000 individuals who are being trafficked (Helton, 2016). The TVPA has led to law

enforcement officers receiving more training on human trafficking. However, there is still
SYNTHESIS PAPER 4

problems with distinguishing between those who voluntarily engage in prostitution and victims

of sex trafficking. Agencies have a dual responsibility to identify and rescue sex trafficking

victims, as well as be able to track down and arrest prostitution offenders (Farrell and Cronin,

2015).

During the recruitment process, the predator is finding individuals to target. There is an

increased threat for children who have a history of maltreatment, substance use issues, and

homelessness to fall victim to sex traffickers (Moore et al, 2017). Traffickers purposely scope

children and women who have these issues because they are more emotionally, physically, and

financially vulnerable which could lead them to be more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors

(Moore et al, 2017). Victims are often lured in by false promises and are told they will be able to

obtain a steady income and job. Victims are usually recruited through two different factors. One-

way victims are recruited is through finesse pimping. Finesse pimping is when traffickers use

compassion, kindness, and psychological games to lure in victims (Deshpande and Nour, 2013).

This can be achieved through the victims receiving gifts, clothes, shelter, food and drugs. The

second way victims are recruited is through guerilla pimping. Guerilla pimping is when

traffickers use violence, threats, intimidation, and aggression to capture and coerce a victim

(Deshpande and Nour, 2013). If a victim is deprived of certain necessities, as well as being kept

from friends and family then the victim becomes more vulnerable. This allows for the sex

trafficker to have ultimate control over the victim.

Morselli and Savioe-Gargiso (2014) conducted a study based on a two-year police

investigation that focused a network of pimps and prostitutes (p. 247). The authors found that a

majority of the prostitutes were actually recruited when they were minors. Since most of the

prostitutes were recruited as minors, prostitution networks fall into the category of sex trafficking
SYNTHESIS PAPER 5

(Morselli and Savio-Gargiso, 2014). Most of the data displays that sex trafficking, as well as

prostitution are highly reliant on the methods of coercion, fraud, and force.

Coercion is when threats of physical harm or restraint is being used against a person

(Litman, 2017). Coercion can be either physical violence or psychological. This tactic directly

exploits cultural beliefs. For example, a study conducted by Whitaker and Hinterlong in 2008,

displayed that the victim obeyed all the demands because she believed she was required to obey

the trafficker due to the fact that he had kept a lock of her hair (Litman, 2017). The main way

that coercion is used is through the grooming process.

The grooming process is defined by the progression of power used by traffickers in order

to control their victims (Litman, 2017). Traffickers use fear as a form of control when starting the

grooming process. The grooming process includes multiple stages that include ensnaring stage,

creating dependence stage, taking control stage, and the total dominance stage (Litman, 2017).

The ensnaring phase is when the trafficker establishes themselves as a trustworthy and important

individual in the victim’s life (Litman, 2017). This can be done through showing forms of

affection, providing gifts for victim, and even establishing a romantic relationship with the

victim. Most of the time victims begin to get emotionally invested, especially those who lack

meaningful relationships in the past. The dependence stage focuses on beginning to separate the

victim from their families and friends. During this stage, traffickers try to convince victims that

other persons in their lives do not matter as much as they do (Litman, 2017). The sole purpose of

this stage is to isolate the victim. The taking control stage is when the trafficker changes their

behavior from being affectionate and supportive to possessive and controlling (Litman, 2017). In

this stage, the trafficker usually relies on control through using threats, violence, and drugs. Once

the victims are fully dependent upon their trafficker, total dominance has been achieved (Litman,
SYNTHESIS PAPER 6

2017).

Fraud is another method that sex traffickers use to control their victims. Fraud is the use of

false promises to lure in victims (Litman, 2017). For example, women and children who come

from low-income households or poverty, are often more vulnerable to become a victim of sex

trafficking (Helton, 2016). Low-income households or those who come from poverty are more

likely to become victims of sex trafficking because they are more willing to believe the

traffickers when they say they will be able to provide for them and keep their families safe. Once

the victims are recruited then they enter into a debt bondage and are ensured freedom upon

payments to their traffickers (Litman, 2017). Once in debt, there is a cycle that cannot be broken,

and the victim’s likelihood of escaping diminishes.

The last method that traffickers used to gain control is force. Force refers to the physical

restraint and serious physical harm that traffickers use on their victims (United States

Department of Health and Human Services, n.d). Methods of force are a way to make sure that

the victim’s character is broken down. Examples of force can include physical violence, rape,

physical confinement, intimidation, and restricted freedom (Litman, 2017). If the victims disobey

the trafficker, then the severity of force is usually increased. Force is used to strike fear in

victims so that they obey the trafficker. Almost all individuals who are trafficked experience

some type of force by the trafficker (Litman, 2017). These types of control and abuse can lead to

the victims developing physical and psychological health problems.

Health Implications

Victims of sex trafficking are exposed to conditions that negatively affect their physical,

mental and emotional health. One physical consequence that the victim faces in sex trafficking is
SYNTHESIS PAPER 7

sexual transmitted diseases and infections. This diseases and infections include gonorrhea,

syphilis, pubic lice, and urinary tract infections (Deshpande and Nour, 2013). Also, physical

abuse and torture are usually seen in victims. If broken bones go untreated, they have the

possibility to cause pain and future problems down the road. In regard to emotional trauma,

many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression (Deshpande and

Nour, 2013). Deshpande and Nour (2013), discussed one study and how it displayed that sex-

trafficked women were seen as less stable, more isolated, have more severe trauma, and higher

levels of fear (par. 10). In order to cope with emotional symptoms many victims develop

unhealthy coping mechanisms. Substance abuse and addiction problems are the most common

forms of coping in order to suppress their feelings (Deshpande and Nour, 2013).

Barnet and his colleagues (2017, conducted a study on American females who were sex

trafficked (p. 825). They found that about 89% of victims endured physical violence and 59% of

victims reported having some type of sexual transmitted infection (Barnet et al, 2017). Due to

numbers being so high, victims have a higher chance of developing mental health problems and

endure physical health problems. The study also highlighted that 88% of victims who experience

exploitation, received medical care (Barnet et al, 2017). Even though a majority of victims seek

treatment, health care providers have a difficult time getting the victim to open up about the

event, making it difficult for clinicians to properly treat victims.

Risk Factors of Sex Trafficking

There are certain risk factors that have been linked to the increase in vulnerability that

traffickers target. Barnett and colleagues (2017) discussed risk factors that can be presented at

four different levels which include individual levels, family-level risk, location-level, and

societal levels (p. 826). At an individual level, adolescents who have a history of abuse or neglect
SYNTHESIS PAPER 8

and experience homelessness, running away from home or being kicked out of the home,

have an increased chance of becoming a victim of sex trafficking (Barnet et al, 2017). In fact,

children who are homeless have a higher chance of a trafficker approaching them within 48

hours of them being on the streets (Litman, 2017). At a family level, domestic violence and other

types of family dysfunction result in higher levels of risk for sex trafficking.

From a location perspective, those who live in a community with social isolation, gang

involvement, poverty, and under-resourced schools tend to have more of a likelihood of falling

prey to sex traffickers (Barnett et al, 2017). Some cities have a higher recruitment status

including Chicago, Detroit and Las Vegas (Litman, 2017). These locations are high in demand

for sex trafficking due to the easy accessibility to major highways which could let them flee with

a victim more quickly.

Lastly, societal levels impact risks. These factors include a lack of awareness of

commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, the societal sexualization, gender biases and

exposure of discrimination (Barnett et al, 2017). Those who are a part of the LGBTQ community

are at greater risk. Research suggest that since a high percentage of the LBGTQ population is

homeless due to family rejection or other problems, it places them on the street which ultimately

leads to an increased chance of being trafficked (Litman, 2017). The traffickers will provide the

necessities that they struggle to provide for themselves. Ultimately, traffickers lure in victims by

promising things that align with the individuals needs in order to build a relationship.

Solutions

With human trafficking being an increasingly worldwide problem, there needs to be

research done on possible solutions. By educating individuals about the dangers and signs of sex

trafficking it can help those be prepared if they find themselves in a situation involving
SYNTHESIS PAPER 9

traffickers. A victim witness works with those who are sex trafficked and is basically doing

everything a victim’s advocate would do (Masters et al, 2017). This use of a victim advocate

could help educate individuals and victims to avoid sex trafficking in the future.

As mentioned above, there are several health implications that provide evidence of victims

being trafficked. Due to the physical violence that victims usually endure, health care providers

should screen women and children for physical injures like broken bones, bruises, burns, scars,

and other damages (Deshpande and Nour, 2013). Since a history of head trauma is usually seen

in victims, providers should also screen for brain injuries and look for symptoms of memory

loss, headaches, dizziness, and numbness (Deshpande and Nour, 2013). Overall, a health care

provide can play an essential role in providing interventions. By being proactive with

interventions, physical and psychological health among victims can be improved and advocating

on behalf of the victims could provide help in regard to finding resources.

Another possible solution that could help the issue of human trafficking could be to create

some type of database that convicted or suspected human traffickers need to register on. This

could be similar to the sex offender registry. The offenders can be closely monitored and tracked

which could lessen the chances of trafficking another victim. The registry would provide the first

and last name of the offender and where they committed their sex trafficking crime

Conclusion and Christian Worldview

Human trafficking is not accepted in the Bible. Exodus 21: 16 states “anyone who kidnaps

someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is in the kidnapper’s

possession” (New International Version). There are laws put in place to protect victims of sex

trafficking; however, many fail to protect the community because many of those who fall victim

are immigrants. There should be laws that incorporate everyone in the population so that
SYNTHESIS PAPER 10

everyone is protected fairly against sex trafficking crimes. Anyone who is responsible for sex

trafficking should reap the consequences of criminal and civil laws that are in place. There

should be no expectations when it comes to the gender, race, or immigration statues of the

victim. The bible clearly states that anyone who is involved in sex trafficking should be punished

and even put to death. Also, Deuteronomy 23:17-18 states “No Israelite man or woman is to

become a shrine prostitute. You must not bring earnings of a female prostitute or of a male

prostitute into the house of the Lord you God to pay any vow, because the Lord you God detests

them both” (New International Version). Prostitution is not condoned in the bible; therefore, sex

trafficking should be set to a higher level of consequences.

By educating, implementing new laws, and having health care providers screen for certain

factors on sex trafficking it could help lessen the severity of human trafficking. It is important to

have faith in God and follow his practices of human trafficking in order for sex traffickers to be

punished. As a society, individuals need to realize the severity of this problem and understand the

background, health implications, and risk factors that follow sex trafficking in order to make a

change.

References
SYNTHESIS PAPER 11

Barnert, E., Iqbal, Z., Bruce, J., Anoshiravani, A., Kolhatkar, G., & Greenbaum, J. (2017).

Commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children and adolescents: A

narrative review. Academic Pediatrics, 17(8), 825-829. doi:10.1016/j.acap.2017.07.009

Department of Justice. (2018). Human Trafficking. https://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking

Deshpande, N. A., & Nour, N. M. (2013). Sex trafficking of women and girls. Reviews in

obstetrics & gynecology, 6(1), e22–e27.

Farrell, A., & Cronin, S. (2015). Policing prostitution in an era of human trafficking

enforcement. Crime, Law, and Social Change, 64(4-5), 211-228. doi:10.1007/s10611-

015-9588-0

Helton, M. (2016). Human Trafficking: How a joint task force between health care providers and

law enforcement can assist with identifying victims and prosecuting traffickers. Health

Matrix (433

Litam, S. D. A. (2017). Human sex trafficking in america: What counselors need to know. The

Professional Counselor (Greensboro, N.C.), 7(1), 45-61. doi:10.15241/sdal.7.1.45

Masters, R., Way, L. B., Gerstenfeld, P. B., Skrapec, C., Muscatt, B. T., Dussich, J. P., &

Hooper, M. K. (2017). CJ Realities and Challenges (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw

Hill Education.

Moore, J. L., Kaplan, D. M., & Barron, C. E. (2017). Sex Trafficking of Minors. Pediatric

Clinics of North America, 64(2), 413–421. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2016.11.013

SYNTHESIS PAPER 12

Morselli, C., & Savoie-Gargiso, I. (2014). Coercion, Control, and Cooperation in a Prostitution

Ring. Annals of the American Academy of Political & Social Science, 653(1), 247–265.

https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1177/0002716214521995

Varma, S., Gillespie, S., McCracken, C., & Greenbaum, V. J. (2015). Characteristics of child

commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking victims presenting for medical care in

the united states. Child Abuse & Neglect, 44, 98-105. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2015.04.004