Effects Of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves some form of forced or coerced sexual exploitation that is not limited to prostitution (Deshpande and Nour, 2013). Sex trafficking has become a significant and growing problem in the US and the larger global community, and is growing among younger women. It affects the society as a whole because of the degradation of human and women’s rights, poor public health, disrupted communities, and diminished social development (Deshpande and Nour, 2013). Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery that involves illegal trade of human beings for forced exploitation and is a critical health issue that requires legal attention. Children are innocent human beings and are not able to provide consent for activities that come

In order to make sure traffickers are held responsible, it is stated under U.S. Federal law that the prostitution of children is prohibited by 18 U.S.C. § 1591. Section 1591 applies equally to American children who are prostituted within the United States, as well as foreign nationals who are brought into the United States and are then caused to engage in prostitution. If a victim is under the age of 14 or if force, fraud, or coercion was used, the penalty is not less than 15 years in prison up to life. If the victim was aged 14-17, the penalty will not be less than 10 years in prison up to life (“Citizen’s Guide,”

Defendants who are convicted under this statute are also required to pay restitution to their victims for any losses they caused (“Citizen’s Guide,” 2015). I do not think that anything under 25 years to life is justice for these victims since their childhood is taken from them.

I strongly agree that in order to end child trafficking it is important that people know how to recognize the signs. Trafficked children may show signs of shame or disorientation; be hungry and malnourished; experience traumatic bonding and fear government officials, such as police and immigration officers (“Fact Sheet,” 2012). There are already organizations helping victims start new lives, such as:

• The Living Water Center – A safe house and rehab center for human trafficking victims It helps survivors graduate from high school and apply for college and/or job placement

• Wellspring Living – A safe house, education and therapy for underage victims. It also offers an independent living program which includes continued education and job skills training

• 4Sarah – An intervention program that reaches out women who work in strip clubs and educates them on the risks of the human trafficking industry (Gulledge, 2015).

There are also other organizations and resources across the United States where people can help and/or