Answer to Question #320919 in Sociology for Mel

Question

What is human trafficking and what is its prevalence in a community?

Answer 1

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations.

Trafficking in persons, especially women and children, is a serious global issue that is not confined to a specific country or region. Because trafficking is largely a hidden crime, it is difficult to accurately determine the true prevalence of trafficking in women. Additionally, as with other forms of violence against women, and because trafficked women may fear retaliation, prosecution, or deportation, victims are often reluctant to report trafficking offenses to the police or other government officials.