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Monday, February 10, 2014

Sex Exploitation and Human Trafficking worldwide: Mira Sorvino in Human Trafficking (TV miniseries)


http://www.unodc.org/documents/publications/TiP_Europe_EN_LORES.pdf


Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking.jpg
Original release U.S. DVD cover art
GenreDrama
Crime
Directed byChristian Duguay
Written byCarol Doyle
Agatha Dominik
StarringMira Sorvino
Donald Sutherland
Robert Carlyle
Remy Girard
Music byNormand Corbiel
Editing byGaetan Hout
Sylvain Lebel
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish
Original channelLifetime Television
Original runOctober 24  – October 25, 2005
Running time176 minutes
Human Trafficking is a television miniseries about an American Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent going undercover to stop an organization from trafficking people, and shows the struggles of three trafficked women. It premiered in the United States on Lifetime Television on October 24 and 25, 2005 and was broadcast in Canada on Citytv on January 2 and 3, 2006. It stars Mira Sorvino, Donald Sutherland, Rémy Girard, and Robert Carlyle.

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People who are trafficked end up in many different 
exploitative situations including sexual servitude. Victims 
of human trafficking can be found in the common 
forms of sexual exploitation all over the world. These 
include commercial sex work, sex shows, pornography, 
abuse through new technologies including online sexual 
exploitation with the use of web cameras, stripping, 
non-commercial sexual exploitation and marriage for the 
purpose of sexual exploitation. 
People vulnerable to trafficking for sexual 
exploitation include: 
• Females who come to work as domestic help or in 
restaurants, bars and karaoke venues but who are 
tricked or forced into direct or indirect sex work
• People who come to intentionally work in the sex 
industry but who end up in an exploitative situation 
that they did not agree too
• People, including unaccompanied minors, who migrate 
by unsafe means sometimes by paying a broker
• Women are particularly at risk with a recent increase 
in migration of women for various forms of labour, 
including unskilled labour where protection of rights 
is weak or non-existent
• Children who accompany an adult under the 
perception of possible employment or the promise of 
education and training. These adults are often known 
to the child and trusted by their families.
Women, children and men can all become victims of 
trafficking for sexual exploitation

Plot

In Prague, Czech Republic, single mother Helena (Isabelle Blais) is seduced by a successful handsome man and travels with him to spend a weekend in Vienna, Austria. He then sells her to Human Traffickers and she is brought to New York to work as a sex slave. In Kiev, Ukraine, sixteen-year-old Nadia (Laurence Leboeuf) has recently finished school and, without her father's prior consent or knowledge, she enters a modelling competition. She is selected by the bogus model agency to travel to New York with the other selected candidates, here she is forced into a life of sexual slavery. In Manila, Philippines, twelve-year-old American tourist Annie Gray (Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse) is abducted in front of her parents in a busy street by sex traffickers. She is forced into a child brothel which primarily services sex tourists. In common, the girls become victims of a powerful international network of sex traffickers lead by the powerful Sergei Karpovich (Robert Carlyle).
In New York, after the third death of young Eastern European prostitutes, obstinate Russian-American NYPD agent Kate Morozov (Mira Sorvino) convinces the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Chief Bill Meehan (Donald Sutherland) to hire her, promising him that she would fight against this type of crime and that he would not regret it.

Cast

Production

The miniseries was produced by Muse Entertainment Enterprises for broadcast on Lifetime Television. In April 2005 Muse announced that principal photography had begun and that a Canadian broadcaster would be announced shortly.[1] The miniseries was filmed in Montreal, Bangkok, and Prague and was completed in July 2005.[2]

Reception

Human Trafficking received generally mixed to positive reviews by critics. Alessandra Stanley of the New York Times noted that Human Traficking "avoids the seedy sensationalism that cheapens so many television depictions of the crime" and that it is "a harsh public-service message built into a clever, suspenseful thriller."[3]
Tom Shales of The Washington Post was more negative as he found the miniseries an odd subject for Lifetime to broadcast. He noted that in attempting to, "expose a worldwide scandal" Human Trafficking, "happens to expose vast amounts of flesh in the process -- exploitation about exploitation."[4]
John Doyle of The Globe and Mail was also negative towards the miniseries. He compared it to the "searing, shocking and hard to watch" CBC/Channel 4 miniseries Sex Traffic which "suggested a direct connection between the sex trade and NATO officials, and with Western corporations based in Eastern Europe. Doyle concluded that "While Human Trafficking is an international co-production with an international cast, it feels obstinately constructed to satisfy small-minded American viewers.

DVD

On October 25, 2005, Maple Pictures released a 2 disc DVD set of the mini-series in Canada, which contained interviews with the director and the five principal cast members on the second disc.[5] Echo Bridge Home Entertainment released the miniseries on a single DVD in the U.S. on May 2, 2006 with deleted scenes not shown during the airing on Lifetime, interactive resources, and scene selections.[6] The Canadian DVD is rated 14A; the U.S. release is labeled Not Rated by the MPAA due to enhanced violence of the deleted scenes.

Awards and nominations

Golden Globes[edit]

  • Best Actress In A TV Movie or Mini-Series: Mira Sorvino (Nominated)
  • Best Actor In A TV Movie or Mini-Series: Donald Sutherland (Nominated)

Emmy Awards

Human Trafficking was nominated for three Emmy Awards, one in Creative Arts for Best Music and two for Primetime
  • Best Actor In A TV Mini-Series: Donald Sutherland
  • Best Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series: Robert Carlyle.

Gemini Awards

Human Trafficking also won 3 Gemini Awards:
  • Best Dramatic Mini-Series (Michael Prupas, Christian Duguay, Irene Litinsky)
  • Best Costume Design (Marianne Carter)
  • Best Production Design or Art Direction in a Dramatic Program or Series (Guy Lalande)
It was nominated for 2 other Gemini Awards:
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series (Isabelle Blais)
  • Best Sound in a Dramatic Program (Michel B. Bordeleau, Natalie Fleurant, Louis Gignac, Hans Peter Strobl)
Statistics
Human trafficking statistical figures are often conflicting 
due to:
• The clandestine nature of the crime.
• Prior to the 2003 UN protocol on Human Trafficking, 
countries used varying definitions of the problem.
• Victims often don’t come forward or are considered 
illegal immigrants, instead of state-identified victims.
• Most research has focused on trafficking for the purposes 
of sexual exploitation. Exploitation of men and labour 
exploitation are under-represented as these categories 
are not recognised in the legislation of some countries.
However the following statistics give an indication of the 
incidence of the crime:
• 79% of state-identified trafficked victims were 
trafficked into the sex industry (21,400 state-identified 
victims in 111 countries in 2006, forms of exploitation 
were specified for 52 countries; UNODC, 2009)
• 43% of all victims of forced labour worldwide are 
trafficked for sexual exploitation (ILO, 2005)
• Although not all prostitution involves trafficking, 
estimates of women in prostitution who have been 
trafficked are generally between 20-25%
• Sex trafficking alone generates approx $US7 billion 
per year in profits although Interpol has given a 
higher estimate of $US19 billion annually (U.S. State 
Department, 2008)
• Profits from sex trafficking are approximately $US217.8 
billion a year or $23,000 per victim (ILO, 2005 as cited 
in U.S. State Department, 2008).
Link between sexual 
exploitation and human 
trafficking
A person working in the sex industry can be identified 
as a victim of human trafficking if they are trapped in 
servitude for the purposes of prostitution or other forms 
of sexual exploitation, and this has occurred through 
certain means (not necessary to prove if the person 
is under 18) and acts. The “means” include the use of 
threat, force, other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, 
deception or the abuse of power. The “acts” include 
recruitment, transport, harbor or receipt of the person.
Contributing factors
Problems associated with poverty, weak legislation and 
law enforcement, harmful social practices, the profitability 
of transnational crime, and corruption all create an 
enabling environment for this crime to continue. 
Trafficking for sexual exploitation turns the individual 
into a commodity, dehumanising them and creating an 
enabling environment for the crime of trafficking to 
take place (U.S. State Department, 2008). Trafficking 
for the purpose of sexual exploitation occurs partially 
due to the demand for prostitution and other forms 
of commercial sexual practices which traffickers seek 
to supply. In certain areas virginity is highly prized and 
ignorance and myths about HIV and AIDS transmission 
have contributed to the demand for sex with young girls. 
Victims of sexual servitude may suffer long-term harmful 
effects, including physical and mental trauma, HIV and 
other sexually transmitted diseases; they may conceive 
unwanted pregnancies and face social stigma. 
Gender inequality contributes to high numbers of 
women being trafficked into the sex industry. Global 
poverty, lack of education and illiteracy affect females 
in greater numbers than men. These vulnerabilities, 
along with community and family stigma associated with 
sexual violence and rape, contribute to the trafficking of 
women and girls into the sex industry. 
Men and boys can also be victims of sex trafficking 
(2% cited by U.S. State Department in 2008). However 
they are most likely under-represented in global 
statistics. While statistics often highlight sexually 
exploited women and girls as the greatest percentage of 
human trafficking victims, men are often unrecognised as 
possible victims of sexual exploitation partially due to a 
lack of, or only recent adoption of relevant legislation

 Human Trafficking Statistics | Polaris Project

Polaris Project | P.O. Box 77892, Washington, DC 20013 | Tel: 202.745.1001 | www.PolarisProject.org | Info@PolarisProject.org 


HUMAN TRAFFICKING STATISTICS 

The following is a list of available statistics estimating the scope of Human Trafficking around the world and 
within the United States. Actual statistics are often unavailable, and some may be contradictory due to the 
covert nature of the crime, the invisibility of victims and high levels of under-reporting. Further obstacles include 
inconsistent definitions, reluctance to share data, and a lack of funding for and standardization of data 
collection. Particularly lacking are estimates on the number of American citizens trafficked within the U.S. 

Human Trafficking Worldwide: 
 27 million – Number of people in modern-day slavery across the world. 
o Source: Kevin Bales of Free the Slaves. 
 According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP 
Report), estimates vary from 4 to 27 million. 
 The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates 2.4 million people were victims of 
human trafficking from 1995-2005. This estimate uses the UN Protocol definition of human 
trafficking, and includes both transnational and internal data. 

 800,000 – Number of people trafficked across international borders every year. 
o Source: U.S. Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report: 2007. 
 Note: 
 The TIP Report in 2001 and 2002 estimated this figure at 700,000; 
 The TIP Report of 2003 reported 800,000 to 900,000 victims; 
 The TIP Reports of 2004 through 2006 reported 600,000 to 800,000 victims. 

 1 million – Number of children exploited by the global commercial sex trade, every year. 
o Source: U.S. Department of State, The Facts About Child Sex Tourism: 2005. 

 50% – Percent of transnational victims who are children. 
o Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Report to Congress from Attorney General John Ashcroft on 
U.S. Government Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons in Fiscal Year 2003: 2004. 

 80% – Percent of transnational victims who are women and girls. 
o Source: U.S. Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report: 2007. 

 70% – Percent of female victims who are trafficked into the commercial sex industry. This means that 
30% of female victims are victims of forced labor. 
o Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Assessment of U.S. Government Activities to Combat 
Trafficking in Persons: 2004. 

 161 – Countries identified as affected by human trafficking: 
o 127 countries of origin; 98 transit countries; 137 destination countries. 
o Note: Countries may be counted multiple times and categories are not mutually exclusive. 
o Source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Trafficking in Persons: Global Patterns: April 2006. 

 32 billion – Total yearly profits generated by the human trafficking industry. 
o $15.5 billion is made in industrialized countries. 
o $9.7 billion in Asia 
o $13,000 per year generated on average by each “forced laborer.” This number can be as high 
as $67,200 per victim per year. 
o Source: ILO, A global alliance against forced labor: 2005. 

Foreign Nationals Trafficked into the U.S.: 
 14,500 - 17,500 – Number of foreign nationals trafficked into the United States every year. Human Trafficking Statistics | Polaris Project

Polaris Project | P.O. Box 77892, Washington, DC 20013 | Tel: 202.745.1001 | www.PolarisProject.org | Info@PolarisProject.org 


o This is the most recent U.S. government statistic. However, it is constantly being revisited, and a 
newer statistic is currently under study and review. 
o Source: DOJ, HHS, DOS, DOL, DHS, and USAID. Assessment of U.S. Government Efforts to Combat 
Trafficking in Persons: June, 2004 
 The TIP Report in 2001 estimated this number at 45,000-50,0001 
 The TIP Report in 2002 estimated 50,000 
 The TIP Report in 2003 estimated 18,000 – 20,0002 

 1, 379 – Number of foreign national victims of human trafficking certified by the Department of Health 
and Human Services (HHS) from October 2000 through FY 2007. 
o 131 minors, and 1,248 adults 
o These victims originate from at least 77 different countries. 
o Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Anti-trafficking in Persons Department; 
U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report: 2007. 

 1,318 – Number of T visas granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from FY 2000 through 
November 1, 2008 to human trafficking survivors. 729 visas were issued between FY 2000 and FY 2006. 
o Another 1,076 derivative T visas were granted to family members. 
o DHS is authorized to issue up to 5,000 T-visas per year. 
o Source: USCIS; U.S. Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report: 2007. 

Human Trafficking of U.S. citizens within the U.S.: 
 244,000 – Number of American children and youth estimated to be at risk of child sexual exploitation, 
including commercial sexual exploitation, in 2000. 
o Source: Estes, Richard J. and Neil A. Weiner. The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 
the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work: 2001. 
Study funded by the Department of Justice. 

 38,600 – Estimated number of an approximate 1.6 million runaway/thrownaway youth at risk of sexual 
endangerment or exploitation in 1999. 
o Source: U.S. Department of Justice: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 
Runaway/Thrownaway Children: National Estimates and Characteristics. NISMART Series: 2002. 

 12-14 – Average age of entry into prostitution 
o Source: Estes, Richard J. and Neil A. Weiner. The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in 
the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work: 2001. 

Human Trafficking within the U.S. by State 
Very little research has been done to determine the extent of human trafficking on the state level. Several 
state-wide reports have been published however, due to data collection limitations the following statistics 
should be taken as baseline estimates only. These statistics are not definitive or comprehensive estimates. 

California: 
 559 – Potential victims identified between Dec. 1, 2005 and March 12, 2007 by five CA Task Forces. 
 57 – Number of applications for continued presence submitted during the same time period. 
o Source: CA Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery Task Force, Human Trafficking in 
California Final Report: October 2007. 
Virginia: 
 43 – Number of trafficking victims served by 4 organizations in Northern Virginia. 
o Source: Polaris Project, Fact Sheet on Human Trafficking. 

1
 Amy O’Neill Richard. International Trafficking in Women to the United States: A Contemporary Manifestation of Slavery and 
 Organized Crime. Center for the Study of Intelligence: November 1999. 
2
 DOJ, HHS, DOS, DOL, DHS, and USAID. Assessment of U.S. Government Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons: August 2003. Human Trafficking Statistics | Polaris Project

Polaris Project | P.O. Box 77892, Washington, DC 20013 | Tel: 202.745.1001 | www.PolarisProject.org | Info@PolarisProject.org 


Wisconsin: 
 200 – Number of identified cases of sex and labor trafficking. 
 85% – Proportion of victims in the 200 identified cases who were adults. 
 75% – Proportion of victims in the 200 identified cases who were victims of sex trafficking. 
o Data obtained through a survey of over 1,300 sexual assault and domestic violence service 
providers, law enforcement and district attorney’s offices, with a 30% return rate. 
o Source: WI Office of Justice Assistance, Hidden in Plain Sight: A Baseline Survey of Human 
Trafficking in Wisconsin: February 2008. 

U.S. Investigations, Prosecutions, and Convictions 
It is likely that the numbers of traffickers convicted are higher than those reported below. Defendants may be 
charged with other crimes such as kidnapping, immigration violations or money laundering for strategic or 
technical reasons. Also note that data is not comparable across agencies as a result of the complexity of 
investigations and the incompatibility and limitations of agency data systems. 

Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Civil Rights Unit: 
 751 – Number of trafficking cases opened between 2001 and April 5th, 2007. 
o The numbers of cases opened has increased: from 54 in 2001 to 126 in 2006, 
 185 – Convictions 
o The number of convictions has increased: from 15 in 2001 to 70 in 2006. 
o Includes joint investigations with ICE, and both sex and labor trafficking. 
o Source: Government Accountability Office, Human Trafficking: A Strategic Framework Could 
Help Enhance the Interagency Collaboration Needed to Effectively Combat Trafficking Crimes: 
2007. 
FBI Crimes Against Children Unit – Innocence Lost National Initiative: 
 327 – Number of trafficking cases opened from 2004 through June 5th, 2007. 
o The number of cases opened has increased every year: from 67 in 2004 to 103 in 2006. 
 182 – Number of convictions. 
o The number of convictions has also increased: from 22 in 2004 to 43 in 2006. 
o Source: GAO, Human Trafficking: A Strategic Framework Could Help Enhance the Interagency 
Collaboration Needed to Effectively Combat Trafficking Crimes: 2007. 
Civil Rights Division/Criminal Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices (Dept. of Justice): 
 139 – Number of trafficking cases prosecuted 2001 – June 14, 2007, under the Trafficking Victims 
Protection Act, (TVPA). 
o 100 cases of sex trafficking; 39 cases of labor trafficking. 
 19 – Number of trafficking cases prosecuted1995 – 2000, prior to the TVPA. 
o 7 cases of sex trafficking; 12 cases of labor trafficking 
 302 – Number of defendants convicted 2001 – June 14, 2007, under the TVPA 
228 sex trafficking; 74 labor trafficking 
 67 – Number of defendants convicted 1995 – 2000, prior to the TVPA. 
o 20 sex trafficking; 47 labor trafficking 
o Source: GAO, Human Trafficking: A Strategic Framework Could Help Enhance the Interagency 
Collaboration Needed to Effectively Combat Trafficking Crimes: 2007. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): 
 899 – Number of trafficking cases opened between FY 2005 and May 31st, 2007 
o 557 sexual exploitation; 257 forced labor; 85 other 
 264 – Number of convictions. 
o 129 sexual exploitation; 17 forced labor; 118 other 
o Source: GAO, Human Trafficking: A Strategic Framework Could Help Enhance the Interagency 
Collaboration Needed to Effectively Combat Trafficking Crimes: 2007. 
 61 – Number of arrests for child sex tourism made by ICE Operation Predator from July 2003 through 
June 2007. 
o Source: DOJ, Assessment of U.S. Government Activities to Combat Trafficking in Persons: 

September 2007

UNODC report on human trafficking exposes modern form of slavery

cover
A Global Report on Trafficking in Persons launched today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides new information on a crime that shames us all.
Based on data gathered from 155 countries, it offers the first global assessment of the scope of human trafficking and what is being done to fight it. It includes: an overview of trafficking patterns; legal steps taken in response; and country-specific information on reported cases of trafficking in persons, victims, and prosecutions.
At the launch of the Report in New York, the Executive Director of UNODC, Antonio Maria Costa said that "many governments are still in denial. There is even neglect when it comes to either reporting on, or prosecuting cases of human trafficking". He pointed to the fact that while the number of convictions for human trafficking is increasing, two out of every five countries covered by the UNODC Report had not recorded a single conviction.
According to the Report, the most common form of human trafficking (79%) is sexual exploitation. The victims of sexual exploitation are predominantly women and girls. Surprisingly, in 30% of the countries which provided information on the gender of traffickers, women make up the largest proportion of traffickers. In some parts of the world, women trafficking women is the norm.
The second most common form of human trafficking is forced labour (18%), although this may be a misrepresentation because forced labour is less frequently detected and reported than trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Worldwide, almost 20% of all trafficking victims are children. However, in some parts of Africa and the Mekong region, children are the majority (up to 100% in parts of West Africa).
Although trafficking seems to imply people moving across continents, most exploitation takes place close to home. Data show intra-regional and domestic trafficking are the major forms of trafficking in persons.
The United Nations Protocol against Trafficking in Persons - the foremost international agreement in this area - entered into force in 2003. The Report shows that in the past few years the number of Member States seriously implementing the Protocol has more than doubled (from 54 to 125 out of the 155 States covered). However, there are still many countries that lack the necessary legal instruments or political will.
"This Report increases our understanding of modern slave markets, yet it also exposes our ignorance", said Mr. Costa. "We have a big picture, but it is impressionistic and lacks depth. We fear the problem is getting worse, but we can not prove it for lack of data, and many governments are obstructing", he admitted. The head of UNODC therefore called on governments and social scientists to improve information-gathering and -sharing on human trafficking.  "If we do not overcome this knowledge crisis we will be fighting the problem blindfolded", he warned.
In a Panel Discussion on "Exposing Denial and Benign Neglect", Mr. Costa called on governments, the private sector, and the public at large to step up the fight against trafficking in persons. "More must be done to reduce the vulnerability of victims, increase the risks to traffickers, and lower demand for the goods and services of modern-day slaves", he said.
To increase public awareness of human trafficking and rally the world to fight it, Mr. Costa appointed Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino as a Goodwill Ambassador to Combat Human Trafficking. "We know that Mira's commitment to the plight of trafficking victims will move people to take action against modern-day slavery", said the Executive Director of UNODC.


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Report


Executive Summary



Country Profiles

Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States

Every day in the United States, children and adolescents are victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. Despite the serious and long-term consequences for victims as well as their families, communities, and society, efforts to prevent, identify, and respond to these crimes are largely under supported, inefficient, uncoordinated, and unevaluated.
With support from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council formed a committee to conduct a study of these crimes as they affect U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States under age 18. The committee was asked to make recommendations concerning strategies for responding to commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States, new legislative approaches, and a research agenda.
In its report, Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States, the committee concludes that efforts to prevent, identify, and respond to commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States require better collaborative approaches that build upon the capabilities of people and entities from a range of sectors. In addition, such efforts will need to confront demand and the individuals who commit and benefit from these crimes.
Overlooked and Underreported Crimes
Although commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors refer to a range of crimes, for its study, the committee focused primarily on trafficking for purposes of prostitution, exploiting a minor through prostitution, and survival sex — which is the exchange of sex or sexual acts for money or something of value.
The committee based its deliberations on three fundamental principles: that these crimes should be understood as acts of abuse and violence against children and adolescents, that minors who are commercially sexually exploited or trafficked for sexual purposes should not be considered criminals, and that identification of victims and survivors as well as any interventions should do no further harm to these victims.
Numerous factors contribute to a lack of understanding and awareness of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States. These crimes may be overlooked, as they often occur at the margins of society and behind closed doors; victims may not come forward; and those who routinely interact with victims and survivors may lack awareness or tools to properly identify and assist victims. Therefore, there is no reliable estimate of the incidence or prevalence of these crimes, and many victims go without help.
In order to better prevent, identify, and respond to commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States, the committee recommends increased awareness and understanding, strengthening of the law’s response, strengthening of research to advance understanding and to support the development of prevention and intervention strategies, support for multi-sector and interagency collaboration, and creation of a digital information-sharing platform. Whenever possible, the committee urges leveraging of existing resources to implement these recommendations.
Increasing Awareness
Many professionals and individuals who interact with youth — such as teachers, health care providers, child welfare professionals, and law enforcement — are unaware that these crimes occur and often are ill-equipped with how to respond to victims, survivors, and those at risk.
The committee recommends that OJJDP — in partnership with the Departments of Education (DOE) and Health and Human Services (HHS) — engage relevant sectors in developing, implementing, and evaluating training activities for professionals and other individuals who routinely interact with children and adolescents on how to identify and assist victims and survivors. In addition, public awareness campaigns need to be developed with special focus on increasing awareness among children and adolescents to help them avoid becoming victims. These training activities and campaigns should be carefully designed to engage the public and service providers to act on the behalf of victims and survivors without doing further harm.
Strengthening Laws, Improving Understanding and Prevention
Minors who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking in the United States can still be arrested, detained, and given permanent records as offenders. The committee supports laws that redirect young victims of these crimes from criminal or juvenile justice systems to the child welfare system or other agencies—and recommends that all national, state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions develop such laws and policies.
In addition, despite the diligence of law enforcement and prosecutors as well as laws in every state enabling prosecution of individuals who purchase sex with a minor, function as exploiters or traffickers, or otherwise sexually exploit children and adolescents, individuals guilty of these acts have largely escaped accountability. The committee therefore recommends that all national, state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions review, strengthen, and implement laws that hold exploiters, traffickers, and solicitors accountable for commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors. In particular, these jurisdictions should consider how these laws can be used to deter demand and prevent commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors.
There is an extremely limited evidence base related to these crimes, particularly related to areas of prevention and intervention, and the committee found much variability in the quality of current research in these areas. The committee concludes that it would not be useful to devote a large amount of resources to refining estimates of the overall prevalence of these problems. Instead, the committee recommends that DOJ, HHS, and DOE collaborate and partner with others — such as the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, academic and research institutions, and foundations and nongovernmental organizations— to implement a national research agenda with the following aims:
  • advancing knowledge and understanding of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States;
  • developing effective, youth-centered, multisector interventions designed to prevent minors from becoming victims or exploiters and to assist victims; and
  • forming strategies and methodologies for evaluating the effectiveness of prevention and intervention laws, policies, and programs.
Collaboration and an Information- Sharing Platform
No one sector, discipline, or area of practice can fully understand or respond effectively to the complex problems surrounding commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors. Therefore,participation from and cooperation among numerous individuals and entities — including victim and support service providers, health and mental health care providers, legislators, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, public defenders, educators, and the commercial sector — is required.
The committee recommends that the U.S. Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which includes a number of federal agencies, in partnership with national, state, local, tribal, and territorial government and nongovernmental entities, should develop guidelines on and provide technical assistance to support multi-sector collaboration and information sharing.
In order to better share information, the committee recommends that OJJDP create and maintain a digital information-sharing platform to deliver reliable, real-time information about how to prevent, identify, and respond to commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States. For increased effectiveness, OJJDP should partner with an independent, unbiased entity with robust technological capabilities to create and maintain this platform.
Conclusion
A nation that is unaware of these problems or disengaged from solutions unwittingly contributes to the ongoing abuse of minors. If acted upon in a coordinated and comprehensive manner, the committee’s recommendations can help advance and strengthen the nation’s emerging efforts to prevent, identify, and respond to commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States.

References

  1. Jump up^ "Muse Entertainment Enterprises Announces the Start of Principal Photography of HUMAN TRAFFICKING" (Press release). Muse Entertainment Enterprises. April 22, 2005. Retrieved January 16, 2011.
  2. Jump up^ "Productions: Human Trafficking". Muse Entertainment Enterprises. Retrieved January 16, 2011.
  3. Jump up^ Stanley, Alessandra (October 24, 2005). "Selling Sex, That Renewable Resource". The New York Times (registration required). Retrieved January 16, 2011.
  4. Jump up^ Shales, Tom (October 24, 2005). "'Human Trafficking': Exploiting Misery, And Creating It".The Washington Post. Retrieved January 16, 2011.
  5. Jump up^ "Human Trafficking". Amazon.ca. Retrieved January 16, 2011.
  6. Jump up^ "Human Trafficking (2005)". Amazon.com. Retrieved January 16, 2011.

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