If we really are passionate about ending sex trafficking for the good of the victims, not just because it makes a sensational story, then maybe we should consider some of the ways we spread information more closely.
Let’s start telling true stories.
Human trafficking is a crime that thrives on deception. So it’s no wonder that reliable information and statistics can sometimes seem impossible to nail down. Yet when we see images like these floating around on the internet, intended to raise awareness, we have to wonder–is this helpful? Is this honoring to victims and survivors? And is this even accurate?
I’m confident these photos were originally used with good intentions on all sides. Yet if we really are passionate about ending sex trafficking for the good of the victims, not just because it makes a sensational story, then maybe we should consider some of the ways we spread information more closely.
Here are five of the most common myths we’ve run across lately:
Myth: Physical Force Is Always Required
What all the above images tell us is this: victims of trafficking are taken captive by physical force–ropes, cages, etc. and are now being held against their will by these same restraints. In fact, most victims of domestic sex trafficking have experienced plenty of violence, but rarely has this violence been physically restraining them from escape. Rather, it usually looks much more like a domestic violence situation–the back-and-forth mind games of affection, control, violence, verbal abuse, promises of love and change, then manipulation and violence again. Victims are bound by a chain much harder to break–the trauma and emotional “brainwashing” that result from these tactics.
These misguided beliefs about what it means to be a victim leads to the often-asked question, “why doesn’t she just leave??” This question implies it is the victim’s fault she/he’s still there with their trafficker and no chain tying them to a bed. It’s time we start communicating clearly the damages caused by trauma, manipulation, and abuse and have a more compassionate and understanding response.
Myth: Victims Are Easily Identified and Looking for Escape
End Slavery Now noted in an excellent blog post, “It is definitely true that some victims are branded by their traffickers in unique ways, but most victims are not easily recognized. Many times, traffickers have brainwashed victims into believing they deserve what is happening to them or that anyone who wants to help them is lying. While in Greece, we heard about how sex traffickers conditioned women and girls to deny being forced into prostitution; the traffickers would have clients come in and say they were police there to help. If the girl took up the offer for help they were beaten.”
These tragic stories underscore once again the importance of understanding the true nature of those caught up in trafficking or other sexually exploitative situations (see next myth), so we can bring help in a way they will not reject. Many victims feel hopeless their situation will ever change, and distrust those who might help them escape. Traffickers are experts at deception and manipulation; if we’re only looking for blatant captivity or those running to the police for help, we will overlook many who truly need it.
Myth: Prostitution and sex trafficking are completely separate.
Sexual exploitation is never as black and white as we would like it to be. As we’ve already seen, it is full of deception and manipulation. Instead of viewing exploitation as an either/or situation (either she fully chose it or she was trafficked into it), we need to be looking at this issue as more of a progression along a continuum. Many are subtly exploited in cases that we (or they!) would not immediately recognize as “trafficking,” but the harm is just as real and the trauma as long-lasting. Some may not ever be forced into selling their bodies on the streets/online, but are coerced into activities like stripping or exotic dancing. Still others were once trafficking victims, but have long since been abandoned by their original trafficker, and are now struggling to make a life in the only way they know how. While we’re not saying this is everyone’s story, the list of potentially exploitive situations could go on and on.
Myth: Pornography has nothing to do with sex trafficking.
Here at Abolition Now, we’ve been encouraged to see this issue get a lot of traction lately through organizations like Pornography Harms and Fight the New Drug. However, there are still plenty of people out there operating under the idea that pornography is a victimless crime–that is, that they are hurting no one by engaging in it, or the men and women in pornographic images/videos actually enjoy it.
We in no way want to shame anyone who is struggling with the temptation or addiction of pornography. Please check out our Resources section if you would like to find help in this process. However, we do want to highlight the fact that pornography is, in many ways, a direct gateway to trafficking.
Did you know that traffickers use their victims to create pornography (for secondary profit and intimidation) and often use pornography to train victims in how to service sex buyers?
When it comes to the buyers, 74% say they learned about sex from pornography. Many admitted they are seeking to act out what they have viewed in pornography, which can be extremely violent or degrading acts.
In reality, pornography actively contributes to the exploitation of others. When pornography is the main source of sex education in our culture, the natural outcome is a society in which commercial sex and sex trafficking thrive.
Myth: The best way to raise awareness is through sensational stories and images.
In their article, “Anti-trafficking Fail,” Love146 highlights the damage done by using these sensational images. Here is an excerpt: “In an attempt to get the world to pay attention to the dark realities of human trafficking, we might actually be hurting the people we’re trying to help and the audience of the communication piece….Sexualizing victimization is degrading. People fighting trafficking must take a stand against exploitation and human degradation [in all forms]. If we believe in freedom and dignity, it should come across in the images we choose…Along with that, any language that over-exaggerates a power disparity probably isn’t healthy (such as, “YOU are her only hope”).”
Can we get an Amen?
It’s true, sex sells and sensational stories or photos often get the most “likes” or “shares.” Yet at the end of the day, people who truly care about the issue will get on board with what you’re doing whether or not you have a dramatic photo attached to your instagram post–or maybe even because of it. Guilt, shock, and fear may make someone react indignantly now and then, but these emotions are not the motivators we need to commit to a long-term, sometimes complicated and discouraging process of change.
And the best news of all is that hope is never a myth. Change IS happening and CAN happen more and more as we stand up and commit to working together until sexual exploitation has all but disappeared.
So let’s commit to being people of hope–people who see everyone with dignity and value, who refuse to degrade others simply to highlight our own cause, who are dedicated to telling true stories in our words and images. Let’s celebrate beauty and freedom, and point others towards real facts and real solutions.
Together we can be part of bringing change to our community, one precious life at a time.
