Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age; or the recruitment, harboring, …show more content…
Alas, it is likely that human trafficking affects every country on the planet, even the United States. This paper will discuss human trafficking victims, recruiters, statistics, and abolishment/victim recovery initiatives in the United States and in Richmond, Virginia. Due to the covert nature of human trafficking and its high levels of under-reporting, exact statistics and information regarding victims and recruiters are not available. Additionally, it is important to note that human trafficking does not require movement or transportation of individuals, but does include it. Trafficking victims may be born into servitude, exploited in their hometown, had previously consented to work, or the like, none of which include transportation. Furthermore, physical violence is not required, but is again included as a means of forcing …show more content…
Most human trafficking victims suffer from some form of physical, mental, or psychological damage and struggle with recovery (Calos, 2014). Past histories of physical violence, rape, torture, drug use, abortions, psychological manipulation, and sexually transmitted diseases are not uncommon for victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, these problems are exacerbated by the fact that many victims are highly reluctant to seek professional help. Common effects of trafficking are lack of trust for authorities and self-blame (Human Trafficking). Recruiters often tell their victims they will be arrested for speaking out, leaving them completely unaware of the fact that federal, state, and local laws often protect human trafficking victims. Continued presence is a form of immigration relief that certain victims of human trafficking qualify for, but they are often unaware