Human Trafficking as a Threat to the
Security of Americans
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study
Introduction
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, a global industry of
exploitation that generates billions of dollars in international profits each year (United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2009, Department of State, 2010, International
Labour Organization, 2015). The United States recognizes human trafficking, as a
transnational organized crime (TOC), and states in the 2011 strategic plan to target the
networks that pose any threat to citizen safety and security, including those that traffic
illicit drugs, arms, and people (The White House, 2011). Many view human trafficking as
a human rights issue, and while this is an accurate statement, there are implications of a
link between human trafficking and human and national security. Thousands of U.S.
citizens, mostly women and children, are trafficked within U.S. borders, primarily for
sexual exploitation (Baldwin, Eisenman, Sayles, Ryan, & Chuang, 2011).
There are two commonly used definitions of human trafficking. The United
Nations Protocol provides the first one to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in
persons. According to this protocol:
Trafficking in persons shall mean the recruitment, transportation, transfer,
harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other
forms of coercion, abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a
position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to
achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the
purpose of exploitation. (UNODC, 2000, p. 2)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and consists of three articles. Article
3 states that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the security of person.
Article 4 states that no one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the
slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms. Article 5 states that no one shall
be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or
punishment. (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948)
The second definition provided by the United States in legislation referred to as
the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000. The United States provides two
distinct sections to define trafficking:
Section (A) states sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by
force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has
not attained 18 years of age, or (B) the recruitment, harboring, transportation,
provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force,
fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage,
debt bondage, or slavery. (U.S. Department of State, 2000, p. 1470)
According to Deane (2010), human trafficking is a complex and widespread
problem. Although trafficking seems to imply people moving across continents, most
exploitation takes place in-house, meaning within any city, state, or country. Human
trafficking is one of those crimes that occurs every day globally, is discussed when a
major case is identified and presented by the media, and misunderstood by average
citizens because they really have no idea where it occurs, who it harms, when it may
happen, or how it affects their daily lives (Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center,
2008). A major reason trafficking occurs is that it is difficult to identify the victims and
their traffickers. Tripp and McMahon-Howard (2016) conducted research to determine if
there was a relationship between organized crime and human trafficking. They found that
while some cases involved organized criminal networks, there were some traffickers
working alone. The effects on the victims were still demoralizing and harmful.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the federal government began to
review all potential gaps in security for the United States. Securing Americans became a
major concern, so the government quickly implemented several policy changes to help
provide that security. An example of a change that was made is the signing of the Uniting
and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and
Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot Act) Act by President Bush in October 0f 2001. One of
the changes in this legislation included the Bank Secrecy Act, which requires financial
institutions in the United States to assist U.S. government agencies to detect and prevent
money laundering (USA Patriot Act, 2001, p. 27). This change is useful in fighting
human trafficking as it can lead to identifying traffickers as they move money around the
world. As of May 2017, the director of national intelligence, Daniel Coats, added human
trafficking to the assessment of worldwide threats. Coats stated that the number of
individuals at risk of human trafficking would rise in 2017 because of internal conflict,
societal violence, and environmental crises, which are increasing the populations of
refugees and internally displaced persons (Coats, 2017, p. 11).
The majority of the available research on human trafficking focuses on how the
problem should be approached—from either a human rights perspective or a
victimcentered approach focused mainly on the sexual exploitation of victims. Using the
information gathered thus far, including articles written by researchers and the media, as
well as various legislation written at the federal and state levels, there appears to be a gap
in the literature regarding how to combat human trafficking. Addressing that gap could
provide knowledge to all stakeholders concerning the dangers of trafficking within their
communities. If knowledge is power, then now is the time to expose the risks associated
with how human trafficking affects the security of citizens in the United States.
To explore this topic and to further the research on human trafficking in the
United States, I used a qualitative multiple-case study design. A case study design is
often the preferred strategy when posing "how or "why" questions, when the investigator
has little control over events, and when the focus is on a contemporary phenomenon
within some real-life context (Yin, 2003, p. 2). A multiple-case design was used instead
of a single case study design to demonstrate that there is more than one way in which
victims and communities face security threats where human trafficking occurs.
Background
The Department of State has declared that the United States is a source, a transit,
and a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to trafficking. Victims
are subject to forced labor, debt bondage, and forced prostitution. Trafficking occurs
primarily for labor and commonly in the fields of domestic servitude, agriculture,
manufacturing, janitorial services, hotel services, construction, health and elder care, hair
and nail salons, and strip club dancing. Vulnerabilities remain even for legally
documented temporary workers who typically fill labor needs in the hospitality,
landscaping, construction, food service, and agricultural industries. (U.S. Department of
State, 2010, p. 338). Additionally, the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations
recognized that national security risks are associated with human trafficking; therefore,
legislation such as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was enacted to protect
victims and prosecute traffickers in the fight against this crime (Keefer, 2006; Suh, 2012;
The White House, 2002; The White House, 2015).
Trafficking in persons (TIP), or human trafficking, refers to activities involved
when one person obtains or holds another person in a compelled service, such as
involuntary servitude, slavery, debt bondage, and forced labor. TIP specifically targets
the trafficked person as an object of criminal exploitation—often for labor exploitation or
sexual exploitation purposes—and trafficking victims frequently experience both
physical and emotional abuse. Although, human trafficking is as an international crime
that involves the crossing of borders. Moving across borders is not necessarily a part of
the crime as TIP victims can also be trafficked within their own countries. Traffickers can
move victims between locations within the same country and often sell them to other
trafficking organizations (The White House, 2011). According to Rubio, the United
States has an issue of human trafficking with an estimated 17,000 new victims each year
and with a global estimate of 700,000-800,000 new victims (Rubio, 2011). The Polaris
Project reported that in 2017 there were 10, 615 individual victims in the United States
and 8,759 human trafficking cases identified in the United States (Polaris Project, 2017,
p.1) These numbers are large but, to date, there is still no method to determine the real
numbers because of the difficulty involved in identifying victims. In this study, the
numbers show that human trafficking is happening in the United States.
Most citizens are not aware that human trafficking occurs in the United States;
therefore, they are not aware how vulnerable youth are when traffickers are looking for
victims of human trafficking nor its impact on the security of the United States’ economy
and public health. Prostitution occurs in various cities around the United States.
However, not every person seen standing on the corners in neighborhoods is there by
choice; many are there because they are victims of traffickers. There is no way for
anyone to know by looking at a person if he or she is a prostitute or if a trafficker is
sexually exploiting him or her. Without knowing and understanding what human
trafficking is, there is reason to question what people see in communities regarding these
people.
The issue of human trafficking is not limited merely to citizens; it is also a
problem within the U.S. military. According to a report published by the Reserve Officers
Association, organized crime flourishes globally with money generated from trafficking
persons across state and national borders for sale into the domestic servant and sex trades.
Contractors or security forces that make the mistake of employing the services of
trafficked persons, even inadvertently, leave themselves open to blackmail or coercion
(Freeman, 2010). Because of these actions, in 2002, National Security Presidential
Directive 22 was issued. It mandated a zero-tolerance policy toward trafficking among
U.S. military personnel, contractors, and civilian employees (National Security Directive
22, 2002).
National Security Presidential Directive 22 and the TVPA are examples of laws
that are in place to combat human trafficking; and keep it from expanding while
providing support for those that become victims of trafficking. Each state has passed their
own laws to aid in the prosecution of traffickers and to assist victims. As stated earlier in
this study, there are victims everywhere. Once victims are identified, rescued efforts must
begin, as victims require all the basic needs of everyday life, shelter, food, clothing, and
healthcare. To assist victims in readjusting to a normal life there are programs in place at
the in local communities to help them with adjusting.
There are several programs in place to assist victims of human trafficking. These
programs often receive funding from various governmental agencies and run by
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) once victims are identified. However, the
identification process is not an easy one. Special training seminars have been established
throughout the United States for law enforcement, first responders, military personnel,
and members of organizations who are in place to assist trafficking victims. While these
people need training because they can assist victims, awareness programs for citizens are
needed to help prevent people from becoming a part of a trafficking ring. National
security focuses on security for the states. Human security focuses on security for the
people within the state. Today, there are several threats against people, such as human
trafficking; therefore, inclusion of human security within the national security strategy
would provide protection for both state and people.
Statement of the Problem
Transnational organized crimes have changed the nature of how security risks are
viewed and handled. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized
Crime of 2000 defined what determines whether a crime is classified as transnational.
Their definition states:
(a) It is committed in more than one State; (b) It is committed in one State but a
substantial part of its preparation, planning, direction or control takes place in
another State; (c) It is committed in one State but involves an organized criminal
group that engages in criminal activities in more than one State; or (d) It is
committed in one State but has substantial effects in another State. (United
Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, 2000, p. 5) Human
trafficking is a transnational crime that occurs between countries and within a country, as
traffickers move people to meet the demands of the marketplace. The traffickers can be a
single person, gangs, or active, known, terrorist groups (Human Rights First, 2014).
There have been recent reports of organizations, such as ISIS, that use human trafficking
methods to fund their other criminal activities (Malik, 2017). Human trafficking is a
criminal act that produces millions of dollars annually (International Labour
Organization, 2015). These dollars have the potential to support other criminal activities
such as acts of terrorism (Suh, 2012, Malik, 2017). Several issues arise from the act of
human trafficking such as the abuse of people, the possible funding for other criminal
activities, the spread of diseases, and changes in the economy. To gain
a better understanding of the effects of human trafficking in the United States, I
researched the security risks associated with human trafficking within the United States.
Most people are aware that human trafficking occurs in other countries, they are
often unaware that it also has a strong presence in the United States. The federal
government has taken the first steps in addressing human trafficking by enacting
legislation to prosecute traffickers and to help the victims of trafficking. Despite the
passing of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) in 2000, and three additional
revisions that followed, trafficking still exists in the United States. Suh, a reporter for
CNN, attended a meeting conducted by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She
reported that the Obama administration viewed trafficking as a national security issue.
According to the report of Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough believes
that trafficking is a national security issue and a source for funding for international
terrorists’ groups, it fundamentally endangers international security (Suh, 2012).
According to the National Security Council, criminal networks are expanding and
diversifying their activities, resulting in the convergence of threats that today have
explosive and destabilizing effects (The White House, 2011). As explained above, human
trafficking provides a way to fund other illegal activities.
There is a lack of understanding about the national and human security risks faced
by society when human trafficking occurs in communities. Several governmental
agencies at all levels are working to reduce such criminal acts, yet there appears to be
ongoing supply and demand for vulnerable people who are not in a position to protect
their rights as individuals, such as youth and those living in poverty. Additionally, there
is insufficient collaboration among government, law enforcement, and NGOs to educate
citizens about the effects of trafficking on keeping loved ones safe. Rizer & Glaser
(2011) claimed that the crime of human trafficking breaches this country’s national
security, both directly and indirectly.
The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, which is an agency
within the Department of State, creates and develops programs to combat human
trafficking in the United States and internationally. This agency funds anti-trafficking
efforts around the world and produces an annual report on global efforts to combat
slavery. The Department of State has identified that the root causes of trafficking includes
greed, moral turpitude, economics, political instability and transition, and social factors.
Criminal groups choose to human trafficking because of high-profits and low risks (U.S.
Department of State, 2001, p. 1). However, not every trafficker is a member of a criminal
organization. A trafficker can be a person who operates alone so that all profits are in his
or her control. An example would be a pimp or a person who enslaved another person
within their home to perform domestic duties.
The lack of communication between local governmental entities and communities
about human trafficking occurring in their environment hampers citizens’ understanding
that missing children may not just be missing, but have become a part of a transnational
crime operating in their communities. Human trafficking is a complex problem. It is far
reaching, may involve multiple dimensions and people, and operates as an integrated
approach. Prevention efforts must focus on increased education and training to increase
awareness and understanding of the problem in local communities and to help with
victim identification (Mace, Venneberg, & Amell, 2012).
Awareness programs in the local communities would bring attention to the
problem of human trafficking. Educating local communities could slow traffickers in
finding new victims if local people understood what trafficking is, who the likely victims
are, and where it occurs. Humans are not commodities to be sold for profit or used to
meet financial needs of others. This study can help in reducing human trafficking by
bringing awareness to communities in which the population is more susceptible to falling
prey to traffickers.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study was to explain how human trafficking threatens the
security of people living in the United States. The action of buying and selling people is
inhumane and illegal. According to Tordres to prevent, exploitation requires the ability to
identify the vulnerable population and understand the supply and demand of trafficking
(Tordres, 2010). Researching these factors can also expose the security risks associated
with trafficking in the United States.
To demonstrate the security risks associated with human trafficking in the United
States, I conducted a qualitative study using a multiple-case study design. The data
collected demonstrated how prevalent this crime is in the United States and how little
citizens know about it. The case studies reflect data gathered from various public media
sources in which trafficking cases reported in the news and/or courts in various states.
Additionally, there is a book review written by a victim of trafficking that highlights the
dangers as recounted by someone who survived this criminal act and aims to reach out to
others before they become victims in a system of abuse. To present this study two
theories were referenced; human security and victimology to address the security
concerns with human trafficking.
Research Questions
The primary guiding question for this study asked, “How does human trafficking
threaten the safety of people who live in communities and the security of those
communities throughout the United States?” To answer this question, it was necessary to
conduct research based on historical data and current trends within various states, and to
identify the people who are the most vulnerable to becoming victims of this crime. Three
secondary guiding questions were addressed in this study:
1. How prevalent is human trafficking in communities in the United States?
2. How does combatting human trafficking at the local level affect the security
of the United States?
3. How will education of the local communities’ result in increased security of
the United States?
Chapter 4 presents data findings in a multiple case study format to explain the
relationship between security and human trafficking in responding to these questions.
Conceptual Framework
To set the stage for research on the security risks presented by human trafficking
in the United States, theories on human security, social constructivism, and victimology
were used. Human security was first introduced in a United Nations report produced in
1994. According to the report, human security is defined as:
Human security is people-centered. It is concerned with how people live and
breathe in a society, how freely they exercise their many choices, how much
access they have to market and social opportunities and whether they live in
conflict or in peace. Human security is not a concern with weapons—it is a
concern with human life and dignity. (United Nations Development Programme
Report, 1994, p. 23)
Human security is a part of the United Nations human development program. Securing
people from danger and assisting them in meeting their daily needs is important. In the
United States government works diligently to provide security for the states, there is a
vulnerable group of people that falls prey to human trafficking. This group,
unfortunately, is comprised of adults and children who do not have an understanding of
what human trafficking is, which makes this a serious crime for citizens. The United
States federal government implemented a victim-centered approach on the issue of
human trafficking by enacting the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) in 2000.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) utilizes this approach because it plays a
critical role in supporting victims' rights, dignity, autonomy, and self-determination,
regardless of whether they chose to report or cooperate with law enforcement
(Department of Homeland Security, 2013). The TVPA legislation was has been
reauthorized four times since its inception.
In 2003, the Commission on Human Security published a report stating that
human security complements state security, enhances human rights, and strengthens
human development as it seeks to protect people against a broad range of threats to
individuals and communities (Commission on Human Security, 2003). According to
Witherspoon (2014), human trafficking undermines individual and state security because
all seven elements of human security (personal, environmental, economic, political,
community, health, and food), are threatened when the rights of individuals are violated
through coercion and exploitation. The Commission on Human Security stated, “Human
security and state security are mutually reinforcing and dependent on each other”
(Commission on Human Security, 2003, p. 6). When people are treated as commodities,
their security and rights have been violated.
From a national perspective, there is a need to look at security from a more global
perspective. Human trafficking is a transnational organized crime (TOC); the United
States recognizes this classification and states, “Without effective mechanisms to forge
international cooperation, challenges that recognize no borders—such as climate change,
pandemic disease, and transnational crime—will persist and potentially spread” (National
Security Strategy, 2010, p. 40). In 1995, a presidential decision stated that forces of TOC
jeopardized the global trend toward peace and freedom, undermined fragile democracies,
sapped the strength from developing countries, and threatened efforts to build a safer,
more prosperous world (Presidential Decision Directives 42, 1995). Human trafficking is
only one form of transnational crime, but one that is active in the United States.
According to Picarelli (2008), TOC jeopardizes human security by creating a sense of
insecurity. Since human trafficking occurs in an underground manner, it is difficult to
identify victims. Often times, victims are not recognized and punished as criminals as
reported in the 2015 TIP report. Some trafficking victims, including those under the age
of 18 years, were detained or prosecuted by state or local officials for criminal activity
related to their being subjected to trafficking, notwithstanding “safe harbor” laws in some
states (Department of State, 2015, p.352). Their fear of the trafficker keeps them from
identifying their situation to the local authorities and they end up being prosecuted for a
crime instead of rescued from the trafficker.
Dordevic (2009) stated that TOC does not represent a security threat only for
wealthy states. One of the theories that Dordevic identified for studying security was
social constructivism. Social constructivism allows people to construct new knowledge.
In this dissertation, a social constructivist approach facilitated adding to existing
knowledge about human trafficking. In defining the concept of security, Dordevic shifts
the theory’s focus from state to society. To reach this conclusion, according to Ole
Waever’s research (as cited in Dordevic, 2009) in Waever’s text, “Securitization and DE
Securitization” who wrote that security of the individual can be jeopardized in
innumerable ways—economically, culturally, and politically—in the sense of protection
of human rights (Dordevic, 2009). Social constructivism aids in framing the relationship
between what is known about human trafficking and the reality of how it affects people’s
lives and, therefore, was used in conjunction with human security as an appropriate way
to explain the dangers of trafficking in this study (Vygotsky, 1998).
Human trafficking cases have been reported throughout the United States in
which the victims are Americans or the victims are from other countries that have been
brought to the United States to work. Identifying victims is a difficult task, making it
difficult to collect and analyze the population of people affected by this crime. Many
people have heard that human trafficking is a global issue, but often do not associate it
with how it is a security risk within their communities.
Victimology is the study of individuals subjected to a crime, who were harmed or
treated unfairly. Mendelsohn, also known as the father of victimology, began his study in
1937 and introduced the term victimology in his 1956 article. Mendelsohn examined the
relationship between offenders and victims, and concluded that some victims were
involved in their offense (Mendelsohn, 1956). According to Lanier and Henry (2010),
victimology is the study of who become victims, how traffickers victimize victims, the
harm victims suffer, and the traffickers’ role in the criminal act. Victimology also looks
at victims’ rights and their role in the criminal system. The theory promotes a better
understanding of who could be involved and how they become involved in human
trafficking without realizing it.
Much research has been conducted on human trafficking associated with sexual
exploitation of women and children, as well as on labor trafficking that has exploited
mostly men and children. Collectively, these data revealed that human trafficking has
global effects on society. Several campaigns throughout the world emerged to bring
attention to ending this crime. However, there is still a gap in the knowledge about this
crime, since many people think that trafficking happens only in other areas of the globe.
To challenge this perception, I present the dangers associated with human trafficking and
that affect the security of U.S. citizens. Using human security theory to guide this
research, I explain the threat that exists for the personal security of vulnerable people in
the United States by reviewing incidents of trafficking being reported in various states.
This information is presented in a format that demonstrates that not only is there danger
to victims, but to everyone in their communities.
Nature of the Study
A qualitative approach was used in conducting this research, because it was the
best way to investigate human trafficking as a social injustice in society. The case study
methodology was used to explain the link between human trafficking and human security
threats that affect vulnerable people and communities. According to Creswell: Qualitative
research begins with assumptions and the use of interpretive/ theoretical frameworks that
inform the study of research problems addressing the meaning of individuals or groups as
they ascribe to a social or human problem.
(Creswell, 2013, p. 44)
Yin further explained that a case study is an empirical inquiry that investigates a
contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real-life context, especially when the
boundaries between phenomenon and context are not evident (Yin, 2009, p. 18). In
conducting research concerning human trafficking and security, the human security
theory helped to broaden the scope of security analysis and policy from state security to
the security of people. There are two critical reasons why creating security for people is
imperative for victims of human trafficking. First, the protection of people is a strategic
concern for national as well as international security; secondly, security conditions for
people’s development have changed over time replacing traditional matters of national
defense, law and order, but rather encompass all political, economic and social issues,
thus enabling a life free from risk and fear (Hussein, Gnisci, & Wanjiru, 2004).
Human trafficking is a complex, global problem difficult to identify and best
described by presenting cases that shed light on the reality of how trafficking changes the
lives of people. As a result, I was able to review data regarding trafficking to gain an
understanding concerning how victims fall prey to this criminal act and issues in
combatting this crime. Because of the complexity of understanding human trafficking I,
used peer reviewed articles, as well as historical and current information regarding
human trafficking, to examine and interpret using NVivo software. The data analysis
exposed themes that demonstrated to the reader that there is more to this topic than just
sexual exploitation. People become victims of human trafficking through various means.
It is important to learn about those means.
The methodology for this research was collective case study. According to Stake,
collective case studies should be used when a number of cases are studied jointly. Also
referred to as a multiple-case study, allows the researcher to understand a phenomenon,
population, or general condition (Stake, 1994). This method provided an explanation on
how better communication among all stakeholders could help identify factors that have
kept human trafficking flourishing in the United States. Bringing awareness to citizens
can help eliminate or reducing the number of victims of this crime. This research
provides five case studies for the reader to review and become familiar with trafficking.
The theories concerning human rights and human and national security are presented to
identify steps that are required to help improve awareness among citizens. Todres (2010)
suggests that the underground nature of trafficking presents challenges in terms of data
development on two fronts. First, it is difficult to obtain information about those who
exploit children. Second, the vulnerable and affected population often remains hidden
and literally or functionally disenfranchised (Todres, 2010, p. 16). To aid in building a
framework for this study on the security risk presented by human trafficking in the
United States, two theories used: human security and victimology as discussed in the
conceptual framework.
According to Creswell, social constructivism should be used when individuals
seek to understand the world in which they live and work; therefore, this style are used to
conduct this research (Creswell, 2013, p.25). In this research, social constructivism
allows the reader to learn more about human trafficking and the threats that it presents as
it relates to their community. Studying human trafficking requires that people establish a
basic understanding of what it is and be open to learning more about the criminal action,
concern for how it affects the lives of people, and how people can become more involved
in eliminating the crime in their environment. Human trafficking is a complex crime that
endangers people throughout communities in the United States, from both international
and domestic trafficking activities. Therefore, a better understanding of how it imposes
risks on the lives of the people in the community should be shared.
Definitions of Terms
Coercion: (a) Threats of serious harm to or physical restraint against any person;
(b) any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that failure to
perform an act would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; or
(c) the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process (22 USC 7102 (3)).
Commercial sex act: Any sex act in which anything of value is given to or
received by any person (22 USC 7102 (4)).
Debt bondage: The status or condition of a debtor arising from a pledge by the
debtor of his or her personal services or of those of a person under his or her control as a
security for debt, if the value of those services as reasonably assessed is not applied
toward the liquidation of the debt or the length and nature of those services are not
respectively limited and defined (22 USC 7102 (5)).
Domestic minor sex trafficking: The recruitment, harboring, enticing, transporting,
maintaining or providing for minor children for the purpose of sexual exploitation
(Shared Hope, 2013).
Human trafficking: Modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or
coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act (Department of Homeland
Security, 2011).
Involuntary servitude: A condition of servitude induced by means of any scheme,
plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that, if the person did not enter into
or continue in such condition, that person or another person would suffer serious harm or
physical restraint; or the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process (22 USC 7102
(5)).
Labor trafficking: The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or
obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for
the purposes of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery,
(22 USC 7102(9)).
Sex trafficking: The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining
of a person for the purposes of a commercial sex act, in which the 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, (22 USC 7102 (9-10)).
Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000: An act to combat trafficking
in persons, especially into the sex trade, slavery, and involuntary servitude, to reauthorize
certain Federal programs to prevent violence against women, and for other purposes. The
TVPA was re-authorized through the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
(TVPRA) of 2003, 2005, 2008, and 2013, (U.S. Code: 22 USC 7102).
Assumptions
Leedy and Ormrod (2010) stated, “Assumptions are so basic that, without them,
the research problem itself could not exist” (p. 59). The first assumption is that the data
used in this study was provided by reliable sources and made available for public use.
The second assumption is that human trafficking continues to expand due to demand,
high profits, and low risk of prosecution (Keefer, 2006, Fuchs, 2012). The third
assumption is that while human trafficking occurs throughout the United States, the
number of victims are difficult to identify and verify for analysis (Bromfield, 2016).
There are several federal governmental agencies involved in combatting human
trafficking. They work with local governmental agencies and non-governmental agencies
in completing ending human trafficking. The Department of State has the responsibility
to report on how well all countries are working to end human trafficking and prosecution
of traffickers. This study relied on information reported by various governmental
agencies and non-governmental organizations that work together to help victims once
they are rescued. In addition, according to the Department of State fact sheet:
While no precise definition of demand for human trafficking exists, demand can
take two forms: a) that of the trafficker or “wholesaler” whose greed motivates the
victimization of vulnerable individuals and b) that of the consumer whose demand
determines profitability. Market demand for commercial sex acts and cheap labor create a
profit-incentive for traffickers to entrap more victims, fueling the growth of trafficking in
persons. (Department of State, 2008, p. 1) Vulnerable populations such as women, people
living in poverty, uneducated people, and those who lived through hard times, can
become victims of human trafficking (Macy & Graham, 2012). The hidden nature of the
crime is a major obstacle, law enforcement and service providers acknowledge that a lack
of awareness of the crime of human trafficking compounds the problem (Clawson &
Dutch, 2008). The hidden nature of this crime makes it difficult to identify the victims.
Scope and Delimitations
The scope of this study investigated if there were security threats for people
involved in human trafficking and the local communities throughout the United Sates.
Victims were not interviewed to avoid them from having any detrimental reactions from
their experiences since this is not a narrative study. Documents, policies, and current
trafficking information reported by news media were researched because this will be a
multiple-case study. According to Yin (2009), in a multiple-case study, the individual
cases, in a sense, serve only as the evidentiary base for the study (p.173). Using case
studies provides a story-like version of reality that people are able to understand and
attribute to their communities.
The first delimitation of the study was that the focus was on the security threats
that victims face when traffickers control their every movement and abuse them. Human
trafficking is a global issue, but the focus of this study will be how it threatens the people
and communities within the United States. Therefore, I limited my search terms to
trafficking data as it related to what was occurring with victims in the United States
regardless of their nationality, age, or gender. In addition, this qualitative research design
is that it did not include any interviews with victims of human trafficking, as mentioned
above. Instead, I relied upon data presented by historical articles, governmental agencies,
non-governmental agencies, other researchers and current news as reported by various
media.
Limitations of the Study
Although human trafficking is thought to be international, far greater numbers of
people are trafficked within their own country or region (Brysk, 2009). Limitations are
what the researcher has no control over (Brutus, Aguinis, & Wassmer, 2013). According
to Tyldum (2010), to produce data on people at risk, one needs to know who is at risk.
Because law enforcement and other organizations are in place to protect victims of
trafficking, there is limited information available to the public for review. Additionally, if
the victim is a minor information regarding them is not made public unless it involves a
situation in which they were harmed or they harmed someone. Another limitation that
effects this study involves the difficulty in clearly identifying victims of trafficking.
Oftentimes, victims are prosecuted instead of rescued and protected, as identified in the
case studies presented in this research.
There are other limitations to this study. One such limitation is that, because of
the nature of the criminals, it may be difficult to generalize about the traffickers
prosecuted for trafficking. Another limitation is that several restrictions have been placed
on court records so specific court cases involving the prosecution of traffickers are not
available. While the materials presented can be verified as real cases, the details
presented about those cases are limited to what was released to the public.
Significance of the Study
The United States is very active in the fight to end human trafficking. The federal
and state government have implemented legislation and programs to prosecute traffickers
and to help victims in their recovery process. There has been a lot of research regarding
human trafficking concerning what has been done to identify victims, improve laws, and
the methods that can be implemented to end trafficking. A review of literature indicated
that little research has been done on human trafficking with respect to security.
According to Pati (2014):
Human trafficking is a major concern of human security and of national security.
It is a hybrid threat to our country’s national security, for a variety of reasons,
with major human and social impact, impairing, thus, our national security
directly and indirectly (p.35).
The United States is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women,
and children subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically forced labor, debt bondage,
and forced prostitution (Department of State, 2010, p. 338). Local communities are the
most affected by this crime and therefore require a better understanding of what it is and
how they can assist law enforcement in stopping trafficking from spreading.
According to Birkenthal (2011), where human trafficking exists, there is the
widespread loss of human capital. Trafficking has a negative impact on labor markets,
which leads to an irretrievable loss of human resources. Some effects of trafficking
include depressed wages, fewer careers left for the aged, and an undereducated next
generation (pp. 29-30). All of these risks bring harm to communities throughout the
United States.
Presented in Chapter 2, there are two major forms of human trafficking, sex- and
labor-related. Human trafficking often relates to prostitution but, as discussed below, it
also includes the labor sector (Department of State, 2010). Many people work in
sweatshops, agricultural jobs, or performing domestic duties in homes, restaurants,
hotels, nail salons, and other similar fields; to pay off a debt incurred while seeking a
better life on U.S. soil (Department of State, 2011). The U.S. government has
implemented legislation to address the issue of human trafficking, provided funding to
aid NGOs, local governments, and other countries in combatting the problem
(Department of State, 2012), but now it is time for more people to become involved. It is
time for citizens to acknowledge that this issue does not happen only in other countries,
but is happening in the United States. The implications for social change include
educating people living in communities about human trafficking by making them aware
of what it is, who is at risk of becoming a victim, and how they can help local law
enforcement.
Summary
Chapter 1 provided a preview of the study background, the problem statement, and
the rationale for the research. I also presented an overview of the research, including the
guiding questions, along with assumptions, limitations, the significance of the study, and
the formal definition of human trafficking and some of the potential security risks that
people of the United States endure.
Chapter 2, presents a review of the literature search strategy, defines the
theoretical foundation, and provides a closer look at how human trafficking provides
content that supports the adoption of the human security theory in combatting this issue
in the United States. Chapter 3 addresses the case study methodology along with the
rationale for using the qualitative approach. Chapter 4 presents the collected data and the
analyses. Chapter 5 reviews the findings, presents ideas for future research, and discusses
the implications for positive social change.
The purpose of this study was to discover how human trafficking threatens the
security of people living in the United States. Human security and victimology theories
served as the conceptual framework for this research. A qualitative multiple-case study
design was used and data was collected using peer reviewed journals, governmental and
non-governmental documents as well as, current news media, in order to gain knowledge
about human trafficking and the security threats that are associated with this crime. The
useful data collected was interpreted to provide information for stakeholders in
addressing human trafficking from a different perspective.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Introduction
Human trafficking is a global issue often referred to around the world as “modern
day slavery” (Department of State, 2010). When traffickers control people, abuse victims
physically and mentally, strip victims of their dignity and human rights, this is a form of
slavery. The purpose of this research was to identify if there are security risks associated
with human trafficking in the United States. Therefore, this chapter reviews current and
historical themes regarding human trafficking, how it emerged and evolved in the United
States. In this study, there is a brief review of the causes of human trafficking, how it
affects communities, victims, and families. Human trafficking is a violation of human
rights and, therefore, constitutes a large portion of this paper. The Department of State
reported that:
The impacts of human trafficking are devastating. Victims may suffer physical
and emotional abuse, rape, threats against self and family, and even death.
However, the devastation also extends beyond individual victims; human
trafficking undermines the health, safety, and security of all nations it touches.
(Department of State, 2009, p. 5)
Articles and documents issued by government agencies were reviewed to help
explain the risks associated with human security and to identify methods to eliminate or
reduce trafficking of people. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is
the largest investigative agency in the Department of Homeland Security and it has an
active role in the fight against human trafficking. It distinguishes between the terms
human trafficking and human smuggling: Human trafficking focuses on exploitation and
is defined as follows:
Sex trafficking is a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or
in which the person induced to perform such an act is less than 18 years of age.
Additionally, it takes place through recruitment, harboring, transportation,
provision or obtaining of a person for labor or services, using force, fraud,
coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt
bondage, or slavery. (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, 2000,
p.8)
Human smuggling centers on transportation and is defined as importing people into the
United States, involving deliberate evasion of immigration laws, and includes bringing
undocumented individuals into the country, as well as the unlawful transportation and
harboring of aliens already in the United States (U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, 2013, p. 1).
Human trafficking is a significant issue that has captured the attention of
governmental agencies, local law enforcement personnel, non-governmental
organizations (NGO), faith-based organizations, and celebrities. To date all of the
campaigns to enlighten people to the dangers of human trafficking have focused on the
abuse that young women and children suffer at the hands of the traffickers (Department
of State, 2010 and Stotts & Rainey, 2009). However, this warning is often not getting the
attention it demands. Many people believe that it cannot happen to them or anyone they
know. The campaigns need to highlight the dangers that trafficking brings to
communities. For example, low-income communities in which youths are among the
most vulnerable group, yet the residents are unaware of the dangers regarding human
trafficking.
Security is a word that is a part of vernacular, as security breaches continually
make national headlines. National security is normally a reflection on the security of
states, with the federal and state government legislators developing laws to govern the
land. Most people view national security as the responsibility of government at all levels,
but today security threats need to extend beyond the protection of states and reach to
lower levels of security such as individuals. The international community has identified a
level of security that narrows the focus more on people. That term is human security.
Using this level of security allows states to focus more on individual safety, thus
providing a method to involve more stakeholders at a lower level within communities.
Dordevic (2009) stated that traditionally, military interventions were how states
solved their security challenges, risks, and threats. This focus supports national security.
Today, the situation has changed and answers to security threats are different, and the use
of military measures often produces the opposite of the desired effects. According to
Dordevic transnational organized crimes such as human trafficking, coupled with
corruption, the use of violence and the finances acquired in criminal activities are one of
the main handicaps of contemporary society and states (Dordevic, 2009). There are
several criminal activities classified as transnational organized crimes. This study focused
on one activity that falls under the term of transnational organized crime: human
trafficking. The primary guiding question for this study is: How does human trafficking
threaten the security of people in the United States?
The purpose of this study was to explain how human trafficking threatens the
security of people living in the United States. Human trafficking is a security threat to the
citizens of the United States, as it contributes to the violence committed against women,
men, and children, permits the spread of diseases, aids in the survival of organized
criminal groups, and assists in the funding of other illegal activities. There have been
several articles written about the issues surrounding human trafficking, but those articles
have mainly focused on the human rights of victims and have provided recommendations
on how to assist victims. Human trafficking is a global problem and requires that victims
of this crime receive help and perpetrators punished.
Literature Search Strategy
To conduct this research, several databases were searched to identify information
regarding the past and current trends concerning the trafficking of humans. The main
databases used were ABI/Inform Collection, Academic Search Complete, ProQuest
Central, Sage Premier, SocIndex, Political Science Complete, and the Homeland Security
Digital Library (for peer-reviewed articles on human trafficking). Most of the details
regarding what is happening from a governmental perspective were retrieved from
articles, reports, and legislation published from the websites of the Government Office of
Accountability, White House, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security,
Department of Labor, and the Department of Justice. These agencies work together, each
having their designated roles in combatting human trafficking within the United States.
Since human trafficking is a global issue, it was also necessary to conduct research into
the work conducted by the United Nations, as they have introduced legislation from a
global perspective often working with the United States in identifying traffickers and
their routes. The review of the work performed in the United Nations provided the theory
of human security. Human security focuses on ensuring that people are safe.
Using the databases and websites identified above, all searches focused on key
terms such as; human trafficking, sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, security threats,
security theories, victims of trafficking, and missing children in the United States. Most
searches were made by using human trafficking as the main variable and adding one of
the other terms to the search. This allowed me to find data on human trafficking
throughout the globe, which often led me to add the final criteria of the United States,
since the scope of this research was contained to this country.
While there were several articles on human trafficking victims, little reviewed the
topic in association with security. To further the research of considering how human
trafficking and security threats are linked, I began with two articles, the first by Keefer
(2006) and the second by Rizer and Glaser (2011). These two articles led to research
based on the various governmental agencies to see how they addressed the issue of
human trafficking and to determine if the United States government believed that there
were possible security issues involving the progression of human trafficking.
In February 2002, President Bush issued an executive order creating a
cabinetlevel task force. In December 2002, National Security Presidential Directive 22
was issued, which identified trafficking in persons as an important national security issue
and directed federal agencies to strengthen their collective efforts, capabilities, and
coordination to support the goal of abolishing human trafficking (The White House,
2002). Today, while there are several federal agencies that play a part in combatting
human trafficking, the Department of State has the role of reporting on the status of how
well all countries are performing in ending this crime.
Conceptual Framework
Human trafficking is a sub category of transnational crime. Today there are many
victims of this crime living in fear of their traffickers. There are two major theories used
in the exploration of this topic; human security introduced by the United Nations and
victimology a term developed by Benjamin Mendelsohn. Human security is about
assuring priority freedoms so that ‘people can exercise choices safely and freely’ (Human
Development Report, 1994, p. 23). Romanian defense attorney Benjamin Mendelsohn
developed victimology as a formal discipline. As an attorney, Mendelsohn recognized
that the criminal justice system did not respect the victims or treat them fairly. Therefore,
victimology studies data that describes phenomena and casual relationships related to
victimizations (Dussich, 2006). The victims of human trafficking often mimic the victims
in criminal cases, as victim’s are sometimes prosecuted for crimes instead of helped by
the judicial system. While several articles explain what human trafficking is (and what it
is not), where it occurs, and potential people that may become victims of this crime, little
has been written about the effects it has in communities. Using these two theories, I
explored whether there is a relationship between human trafficking and the security of
citizens in their environments.
During the research process, it became clear why human trafficking is referenced
as a form of modern day slavery. Most researchers and government agencies believe that
this form of trafficking is a violation of human rights, and I concur with this thought.
Thus, it is imperative to seek the help of more people in identifying and eliminating this
cruel crime. To do so, it is time that the United States’ join the United Nations in
identifying other methods in ending human trafficking. In 1994, the United Nations
distributed a report focused on human security. The report defined human security as a
theory concerned with human life and dignity (United Nations Development Programme
Report, 1994). To support this theory, the Commission on Human Security published a
report that stated that human security complements state security, enhances human rights
and strengthens human development; as it seeks to protect people against a broad range
of threats to individuals and communities (Commission on Human Security, 2003).
Threats to people on American soil may come in any form. The United States
military works diligently in providing protection on land and at sea from known and
unforeseen attacks. Where human trafficking is concerned, it is necessary to take a closer
look with regard to keeping people safe from dangers that lurk in their communities; it is
here that building a platform based on human security could help. Local governmental
agencies, law enforcement, and healthcare providers are often the first personnel that are
exposed to victims. The focus would now be a level at which these people in addition to
citizens could help to identify irregularities that may be occurring in their neighborhoods,
where trafficking victims are hidden in plain sight. If the United States takes on the
challenge of expanding their focus from rescuing victims to providing more tools to
protect individuals and improving the communication on what is currently happening to
people who are vulnerable to traffickers, a reduction of victims would occur. The theory
of human security justifies the need for further research concerning human trafficking
and the security threat it poses to the United States, as it helps to identify the link between
the two topics.
Security threats are often at the forefront in the minds of government officials as
they discuss budgets and new legislation. Average citizens focus on providing a stable
home for their families. Those who are living in unfavorable situations focus on making
it from day to day. Today, threats may come from almost anywhere and from many
different sources. Human trafficking is a possible source of a local threat within
communities. That threat is human trafficking. Cross (2013) states:
As a ‘hot button topic,’ people are more aware that human trafficking exists and
that it exists in the United States. However, commonly held beliefs about human
trafficking are often mere myths, problematic for combating dual victimization. Further,
even the most well informed law enforcement officer is still encumbered by the inherent
difficulties in recognizing human trafficking (p. 400). Identifying victims of human
trafficking is not an easy task as those victims are terrified of their captors and often are
afraid to bring attention to them when the opportunity
arises.
There is not a uniform data collection system to track the number of human
trafficking victims in the United States (Logan, Walker, & Hunt, 2009). Myles (2015),
Chief Executive Officer of the Polaris Project, said far too often human trafficking
victims toil in the shadows and out of sight as many Americans assume the trade is a
third-world issue. All the while, a largely silent population of citizens is exploited (Lee,
2013). Traffickers seek the most vulnerable to become their next victims, people living in
low-income areas and runaways, the people who believe that they have been forgotten by
society. In recent years, there has been more information regarding human trafficking in
the United States, but the stories written are quickly forgotten after the traffickers are
arrested. Often there is little follow-up on the stories as the headlines vanish from the
front pages. As with many issues faced in society, many believe that the story ends when
traffickers are caught and punished for their wrongdoings. The truth is that while there
have been cases successfully prosecuted, there are still a large number of traffickers and
victims ignored or missed by law enforcement and governmental agencies because this
crime occurs in plain sight but not properly recognized for what it really is in society.
Human trafficking is not just a problem in the United States; it is a global issue.
Human trafficking is a major threat to international security; it is detrimental to the
social, economic, political, and cultural development of societies (Oguz, 2012). However,
Americans generally tend to think that human trafficking is a crime that occurs in other
countries, to foreigners who have no ties to the United States, or to those who brought it
upon themselves (Human Smuggling and Trafficking Center, 2008). But human
trafficking occurs in the United States every day and has an effect on American lives
because the actions resulting from this crime are often understated, not understood,
and/or ignored by average citizens.
Mace, Venneberg, and Amell (2012) identified that the first step toward effective
prevention of human trafficking requires awareness of the issue, educational campaigns,
trainings focusing on victim identification, and increased outreach to vulnerable
populations serve as essential methods in the prevention of trafficking. Efforts in
combatting human trafficking are reported annually by the Department of State in “The
Trafficking in Persons Report,” released every June. This report is published and
available for the public, but normally only viewed by those working to end trafficking
because there is not a lot media attention surrounding the release. However, the reports
normally support the need for training and awareness programs for all countries in their
effort to end trafficking. As more people receive, training in what to look for regarding
trafficking better data will be available for collection and analysis for future research into
eliminating this crime.
As mentioned above, data collection concerning trafficking is difficult. The
numbers reported concerning human trafficking are large, but the methodology used
varies.
Although there are a large number of publications on human trafficking coming
out every year, there is still a long way to go before the knowledge producers are
able to satisfy the policy demands for data and numbers. In particular, data
production efforts in the trafficking field often fail to address the issues of
coverage and identification: they do not cover a representative part of the target
population; and they fail to make explicit how members of the target population
are identified and distinguished from non-members. A clear understanding of the
target population is a prerequisite for any production of primary data, whether
qualitative or quantitative. Tyldum (2010, p. 2)
Not having a clear methodology to compile the numbers and one point of data
collection hinders the ability to conduct reliable research based on numbers alone.
Perhaps one of the first steps in helping to identify those issues may become clear
if a better understanding of a topic discussed by Deane’s reference to the UN Office of
Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report of trafficking. In the report, the UNODC indicates
that trafficking in persons is usually described in terms of the supply and demand factors
that lead children and adults to leave, or be removed, from their place of origin to a
foreign place. For Americans, “foreign” does not necessarily mean a different country; it
could just mean a different part of the United States, far enough that a person is outside of
their familiar environment (Deane, 2010, p. 495). For instance, if the trafficker takes a
child from one state and simply moves them over the state line for sex trafficking, that
child would not be familiar with the area. The act of human trafficking can be just that
simple. Trafficking transfers’ people into commodities bought and sold in the black
market like any other commodity. Moreover, it does not take long to complete the act.
The supply and demand factor means that when there is a need (victims) then
there must be a way to meet that need (buyers). Victims of human trafficking are an
integral part of the supply and demand chain. Human traffickers participate in a
monopolistically competitive market supplying a product in many forms. The price the
trafficker receives for a victim is based on availability of the desired product,
characteristics of the product, the number of similar products available, and the
negotiating acumen of the human trafficker (Wheaton, Schauer, & Galli, 2010, p.119).
Victims are substituted for the term product in the above scenario. The victims meet the
demands of labor and sex trafficking consist of people who are not aware of the methods
that are used by traffickers to gain total control over their every move.
To help stakeholders understand why further research on the topic of human
trafficking as a security risk is necessary, the following sections provide information
describing human trafficking, the potential victims, and how it places citizens in danger
when it occurs in their communities. Also included in this research is a brief explanation
of what is occurring internationally and in the United States with the victims of human
trafficking and the laws that have been adapted to rescue and protect victims from
traffickers.
Human trafficking is a broad topic researched by many scholars, human rights
activists, lawyers, and legislative aides all working to combat this criminal act. This
research expands on previous research by reviewing this topic from the security risks that
potential victims and families face. One way to do review data concerning human
trafficking and security threats is through exploratory research to determine if there is a
clear link between trafficking and human security. Several sections in this paper provide
details pertaining to the areas in which security issues arise. I began this exploratory
research by identifying the causes of human trafficking.
The remainder of the chapter provides information on the findings of other
researchers of human trafficking. A great deal of information on human trafficking exists,
so this study is divided into several smaller sections to provide a summary of various
studies that have been performed over the years. Each section helps to build upon the
need to explain the security threats that exist where human trafficking occurs.
Causes of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking known as modern-day slavery (Gallagher, 2009, Department of
State, 2010). Research conducted by Keefer (2006) states that trafficking ranges from
local, homespun networks to international organized crime operations. The quick money
that made in the business motivates traffickers. Belser (2005) calculates that victims of
human trafficking generate $3.8 billion through economic exploitation and $27.8 through
sexual exploitation. In total, human trafficking, estimated as a $31.6 billion industry
(Belser, 2005, p.17). For traffickers a steady flow of income, the ease of locating victims,
and not having to make large initial investments all contribute to a low-risk business
venture. Human trafficking fits the description of slavery because traffickers use
violence, threats, and other forms of coercion to force their victims to work against their
will. The harm that victims of human trafficking endure places them in an unsecure
environment and endangers their lives (Keefer, 2006
Research has been limited when it comes to identifying human trafficking as a
security threat in the United States because most researchers focus on the human rights or
victim perspective of ending this crime. While both methods are important in ending
human trafficking issues, there are security risks associated with this crime. As Keefer
(2006) has demonstrated, there is a definite link between security risks and human
trafficking. The risks are associated from both a national security issue and a human
security issue. Now is the time to uncover the implications of human trafficking as it has
grown to be a big business occurring in communities within the borders of the United
States endangering those who appear to have no idea how it destroys the family unit.
Perdue, Prior, Williamson, and Sherman (2012) refer to human trafficking as a
business. The business involves supply (i.e. victims), demand (i.e. sex or labor buyers),
and distribution or distributors (i.e. traffickers) (p. 451). Today almost all major
businesses strive to operate globally, but people are not a commodity. Trafficking
although it is an illegal business is operating globally. Okech, Morreau, and Benson
(2011) state trafficking was framed as a national security issue between 2003 and 2006
and is a widespread problem. Bales and Soodalter estimate that an average slave in 1850
would have cost the equivalent of $40,000 in modern money; however, modern slaves are
bought for a few hundred dollars. This low cost makes the modern slave easily
affordable, but it also makes the person a disposable commodity (Bales & Soodalter,
2006). Supply and demand, therefore, are two reasons that human trafficking thrives
today. There are several estimates that human trafficking allows traffickers to reap huge
profits. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), forced labor in the
private economy generates $150 billion in illegal profits per year (ILO, 2015). The lack
of knowledge about trafficking and sharing of the data collected hinders victims from
receiving help from some stakeholders.
Human trafficking involves severe violations of human rights paired with
challenges in understanding the nature and complexity of the phenomenon (Mace,
Venneberg, Amell, 2012). Human trafficking is a global issue that is difficult to identify
and eliminate from society. Lobasz (2009) compared the feminist and traditional security
approaches and suggested that the feminist approach would consider the security of
trafficked persons, recognizing the manner in which both traffickers and the state itself
pose security threats. The feminist view believes, that the loss of human rights is first and
the safety of workers is also a major concern.
To provide better protection for people from human trafficking, the United States
government, especially at the local level, would increase the protection of people by
developing policies that reflect on human security similar to that of the United Nations.
According to the Commission on Human Security Report, human security means
protecting vital freedoms. It means protecting people from critical and pervasive threats
and situations, building on their strengths and aspirations. Human security connects
different types of freedoms—freedom from want, freedom from fear, and freedom to take
action on one’s own behalf (Commission on Human Security, 1994). Human trafficking
is a personal attack on the freedoms of its victims; therefore, the adoption of a human
security theory would allow the development of a human security policy to address
human trafficking issues in the United States.
Estimates of the number of trafficked persons vary widely. It is difficult to
determine the prevalence of human trafficking victims because it is difficult to identify
them without a defined methodology. Deane (2010) explains that the disparity involves
various illegal activities; there are no official statistics available (p.494). In a study
conducted by Knepper (2013), that the activities take place out of view, and those
involved try to keep a low profile. Information learned concerning human trafficking
comes from interviews with experts or intermediaries; that is, police, welfare workers,
and others fighting the cause. Bales and Soodalter (2006) reported that slaves in America
are located in nearly all 50 states, working as commercial sex slaves, fruit pickers,
construction workers, gardeners, and domestics. Victims also work in restaurants,
factories, laundries, and sweatshops generating millions of dollars for criminals who prey
on the most vulnerable, desperate, and uneducated seeking a better life (Bales &
Soodalter, 2006). The ability to identify victims is difficult in these industries, as the
victims do not know who can be trusted and the victims fear the traffickers. It is
impossible to help people who are afraid to speak out about their circumstances.
Documentary films addressing human trafficking often highlight the fact that, even when
victims have the opportunity to receive help from law enforcement or other agencies,
victims fear they will experience retaliation from the traffickers, which keeps them silent.
The most significant forms of human trafficking are illegal immigration,
prostitution, and children being trafficked (Steriopol, Boboc, & Comans, 2012).
According to Cross:
Misunderstanding abounds regarding human trafficking in the United States. In
jurisdictions devoid of human trafficking training for law enforcement officers, it is
even more likely that an officer will fail to recognize the signs and treat the victim as a
criminal rather than as a victim of crime. (Cross, 2013, p. 398) Much of the human
trafficking literature and research focuses on sexual and labor exploitation, laws and
regulations to apprehend traffickers, and aiding victims in returning to a productive life.
Sexual exploitation is written about the most because it occurs often and is often related
to illegal prostitution. Additionally, technology plays a vital role in advocating sexual
exploitation. Hodge (2008) states that the Internet fosters the exploitation of young
women and girls where there is a high demand for sexual activities. Today, child porn is
a business that generates huge profits and the Internet is the gateway most often used.
Furthermore, while there is a distinction between the two in the law, it is difficult to
draw the line between the two acts when it comes to identifying victims.
Labor trafficking, on the other hand, is distinguishable by the relationship
between an employer and an employee. Kim (2011) explained that in labor cases
trafficking victims frequently begin as voluntary economic migrants, seeking a better life
motivated to accept risky employment. Both types of trafficking require that a third party
intervene to help the victim in either situation. While most people do not see how these
acts affect their daily lives, there is a risk involved, especially if these actions are
accepted in communities. One major area that needs additional research is how human
trafficking affects the security of American citizens.
Using slavery in a comparison role to human trafficking, Stotts and Ramey (2009)
have stated that in its modern sense, slavery today has less to do with race and more to do
with poverty and vulnerability. Poor people are desperate, and more vulnerable to
trafficking tactics. This population includes both migrants and people living within the
United States. It is important that people know and understand that human trafficking
does not require that a person cross the border or leave the United States to become a
victim of trafficking.
One of the most vulnerable groups in the United States is the youth, especially
young girls. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking is modern-day slavery of children, and
those most vulnerable to becoming victims in this country are American children (Kotria,
2010). Minors who are trafficked for the purposes of commercial sex are currently the
largest known population of trafficking victims within the United States (Perdue, Prior,
Williamson, & Sherman, 2012.) One popular way that young girls become victims is
through sex tourism. Fehresti (2010) defined sex tourism as the means that tourists,
businesspersons, and foreign visitors sexually abuse the population of the country of
destination. Sex tourism makes up the bulk of the tourism industry in the third world
countries, nevertheless, this does not occur strictly in third world countries.
In the United States, sex tourism normally occurs around large events held in the
states. A recent example of this would be the victims rescued before the Super Bowl.
According to Fox News, sixteen children as young as 13, and some of whom had been
reported missing by their families, were rescued from the sex trade in a law enforcement
sting operation that targeted alleged pimps who brought the victims to New Jersey for
Super Bowl weekend, according to the FBI (Fox News, 2014). There is much happening
today concerning youth in the United States, and keeping them safe is a full-time job for
law enforcement and society in general. The next two sections describe some of the
attributes of sex and labor trafficking and how women, young girls, and men become
ensnared in a business/crime sweeping the world.
Sex Trafficking
Alvarez and Alessi referred to Summer’s work about the anti-prostitution era in
England, which explained that the focus on female victims of trafficking has historically
been associated with anti-prostitution campaigns in England. Josephine Butler, a
prominent late 19th century British female, linked human trafficking to sexual
exploitation through her campaign against the “White slave trade” (Alvarez & Alessi,
2012, p.144). The 1904 International agreement for the suppression of “the White Slave
Traffic Protocol amended in 1949”, consists of nine articles and was the first attempt at
addressing the slavery of women. Today the United States has implemented the
“Trafficking Victims Protection Act” (TVPA), which has been reauthorized four times to
address human trafficking. This law protects all victims of trafficking. The 2010
“Trafficking in Persons Report” stated that sex trafficking comprises a smaller but still
significant portion of overall human trafficking (Department of State, 2010). Today,
children, men, and women are sex trafficked into and throughout the United States every
day. Currently, no uniform system of data collection exists for tracking either the
numbers of trafficked victims identified or the various efforts of law enforcement
agencies targeted toward trafficking (Logan, Walker, & Hunt, 2009, Department of State,
2010).
Bales and Soodalter (2009) explained why the act of human trafficking is a form
of slavery. In their book, The Slave Next Door, they reference two laws that addressed
slavery and prostitution:
The first law was the 1907 Immigration Act, which allowed the government to
deport any immigrant engaging in any form of prostitution within three years of
his or her admission to the country (thus deporting the victims of “white
slavery”). The second law was the White Slave Traffic Act (known as the Mann
Act), presented by James R. Mann in 1910. Its provisions were simple; the federal
government could prosecute anyone who transported young women and forced
them into prostitution (or any other immoral purpose). Forced prostitution is,
according to the federal government, the largest market for slave labor in
America. (Bales & Soodalter, 2009, p. 14-15)
Robbed of their freedom of choice, stripped of their human rights, and becoming
commodities in society, human trafficking victims are slaves to the traffickers.
Ashley (2008) conducted research on sexually exploited children in the state of
Illinois. This report focuses on child pornography and commercial sexual exploitation of
youth, making it a multi-billion-dollar industry based on supply and demand, demand
from those who want to use children who are vulnerable to assert their power and control
and fulfill fantasies (Ashley, 2008, p. 6). In addition to prostitution, pornography is a
profitable industry in the United States, especially child pornography. Videos of children
raped and tortured are cheap to make, thanks to modern technology, and sold for large
profits. In the United States, there is a special task force unit in place to address this issue
in most states. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), are law enforcement personnel
with training in identifying persons involved in exploiting people using the Internet.
The notion that the demand side of the trade fuels human trafficking is neither
surprising nor revolutionary (Denton, 2010). Human trafficking is one of the fastest
growing forms of international and intra-national commerce and crime. Depending on the
research, human trafficking is the second or third largest illegal business in the United
States (Belser, 2005, Schauer & Wheaton, 2006). According to Sheinis (2012), the
majority of human trafficking cases investigated in the United States are commercial
sexual exploitation cases. In the United States, sexual exploitation occurs frequently, so it
is easy to recruit victims into this criminal act and allow victims to work, as they would
probably be identified as prostitutes not trafficking victims.
Delargy and Klot (2010) identified that, people from other countries fall prey to
human trafficking because they want a better life. American girls are also susceptible to
trafficking when they run away from home, trust strangers for food and shelter, or
suddenly disappear without a trace from their homes and communities (Walters & Davis,
2011). Simpson (2014), a reporter for USA Today reported FBI Director Comey stating
on June 23, 2014 in Washington, DC, that 170 victims of child sex trafficking, many of
whom had never been reported missing, were rescued during the previous week as part of
an annual nationwide crackdown. Operation Cross Country rescued children who were
trafficked on street corners, in truck stops, and increasingly on the Internet (Simpson,
2014). Rand (2009) stated that getting data on the number of children who are victims of
commercial sexual exploitation is no different from any other group of victims because
law enforcement, the juvenile justice system, and the child welfare system are not
coordinated in their methods of reporting and documenting the cases that come before
them.
It is difficult for any parent or grandparent to think that a child/grandchild of
theirs could become a victim of trafficking. Nevertheless, the reality is that children can
easily become victims because of their trusting personality or their need to be on their
own. For traffickers, children are easier to control, especially if they have left their homes
because they feel as though home life was unbearable. From Vinkovic’s (2010)
perspective, child trafficking is perpetually mobile because children move from one form
of exploitation to another and place-to-place making it difficult to for victims to find
protection or escape from traffickers, procurers, and other criminals that often keep them
in slave-like conditions. Human trafficking victims are sold like any other commodity
and children are treated no differently. Hodge (2008) confirmed that traffickers maximize
their profits by moving individuals from region to region, supplying fresh victims for the
sex industry to market buyers providing a large selection of victims of various ages.
One reason that it is difficult to identify human trafficking is because Americans
are accustomed to seeing prostitution take place in their states. The belief of some
citizens is that the people involved in such acts are doing so because they have elected to
live their lives in this profession. According to Denton (2010) stated that prostitution is
result of human trafficking for victims, with individuals moving between brothels;
however, discussions of prostitution and human trafficking has not, as of yet, changed the
number of trafficked individuals yearly. It is difficult to develop preventive measures
when there are no clear signs for anyone to distinguish prostitution from human
trafficking; this raises the concern that these two illegal actions are not identified
properly. According to Macy and Graham (2012), the incidence and prevalence of sex,
trafficking in the United States remains largely unknown. There is a possibility that
victims are receiving services from service providers without being properly identified.
Without proper training for service providers, they will not be able to identify potential
victims of trafficking.
Trafficking, like any other criminal act, has become sophisticated in its
operations. Greiman and Bain (2013) conducted research into cyber-trafficking and
identified that in recent years, the term “cyber” translates to anything that has to do with
computers, networks and the Internet, particularly in the security field. The definition
offered by Greiman and Bain is:
Cyber-trafficking is the transport of persons, by means of a computer system,
Internet service, local bulletin board service, or any device capable of electronic
data storage or transmission to coerce, deceive, or consent for the purpose of
‘exploitation.’ Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the
prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or
services, slavery or practices similar to slavery and servitude. ‘Transport in
persons’ shall mean the recruitment, advertisement, enticement, transportation,
sale, purchase, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, for the purpose of
exploitation with or without the consent of the victim. (Greiman and Bain, 2013,
p. 43)
Using the above definition has led to the fact that technology is used in trafficking or
cyber-trafficking. Greiman and Bain grouped cyber-trafficking into three major
categories. The first is the use of the Internet, text messaging, digital cameras, and mobile
devices/smartphones to offer, advertise and sell sex services, some of which are provided
by trafficked victims (Greiman and Bain, 2013). On September 4, 2010, Craigslist
removed its “Adult Services” after a campaign launched by seventeen Attorneys General
to remove this category from their advertisement section and several prominent national
and international anti-trafficking organizations. This campaign was successful, as
Craigslist no longer allows advertisements that references services offered by people for
personal services.
The second main category of the use of technology in trafficking is identifying,
locating, enticing, and recruiting, and to control new victims (Greiman and Bain, 2013).
Any social networking site or direct communications tools like email or instant
messaging are examples. The third category, involves both the advertising and the
delivery of coerced sex services over the Internet (Greiman and Bain, 2013). In this
instance, traffickers use the Internet to connect customers seeking sexual services with
victims using chatrooms and webcams.
With technology, the audience becomes wider and it would take law enforcement
more time and effort to identify and prosecute the parties involved. One of the most
critical reminders about sexual exploitation is that it is often hard to separate it from
prostitution. Identification by law enforcement and others is not possible if people
involved do not tell their story. It is important to remember that traffickers can be anyone
—a woman, pimp, or criminal organization. Both occurrences are illegal and allow one
person to control another.
Labor Trafficking
News media report on commercial sexual exploitation often, but it is not the only
form of trafficking taking place in the United States (Hepburn and Simon, 2010). While
Americans do not fall prey to labor trafficking as often as foreigners do, it is possible that
Americans are enjoying the pleasure provided by people who are victims of labor
trafficking. Most Americans have had the experience of eating out in restaurants, staying
in hotels, wearing clothing made in other countries, purchasing fresh produce, or using
the services at a spa; any one of these activities might involve someone who was part of a
trafficking ring. Not everyone that works in businesses are there because they have
elected to be there; thus, they are not employees, but victims. According to Brysk (2009),
a large population of men are trafficked domestically for debt slavery in rural areas of
developing countries, or forced labor in dictatorial regimes and war zones.
Trafficking victims often work as enslaved domestic servants or as forced laborers
in the restaurant, agricultural, or manufacturing sectors. The United States is a destination
location for many people looking for job opportunities or an education so, with the
presence of foreigners in this country, no one wonders why so many of them may be
employed at any business. Many believe that these people have taken jobs that most
Americans do not want. For this reason, it is unusual for the average person to suspect
foul play, but most trafficking victims are in plain sight, undetected. Labor trafficking is
not as common in the United States as it is in other countries, but it does occur. As a land
of opportunity, traffickers simply force men and women into those positions that meet the
needs of others while they reap the profits made from the sweat of the victims.
Day (2010) identified that labor can be bought and sold as it involves only part of
the person, but the whole person cannot be transacted. Belser (2005) summarized the
definition of forced labor as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as:
Not just equivalent to low wages or poor working conditions, it represents
‘restriction in human freedom, a violation of human rights, and the exact opposite of
‘decent work’ or ‘human development’ as defined by the ILO and UNDP. Accordingly,
forced labor occurs when people are being subjected to psychological and/or physical
coercion (the menace of a penalty) to perform some work or service which they would
otherwise not have accepted, or not have accepted at the prevailing conditions (the
involuntariness) (Belser, 2005, p. 2) Another way to think of someone providing work
involuntarily in modern society is
slavery.
Belser continues this argument by stating that many victims enter into forced
labor through fraud and deception. The threat to the victim that follows is often in the
form of physical violence or death threats addressed to the victim or his or her family, or
confiscation of the person’s identity papers (Belser, 2005, ILO, 2015). Additionally, Kim
(2011) noted that many immigrant workers remain in exploitive work situations,
tolerating subminimum wages, unconscionably long workdays, and substandard living
conditions. The most likely reason for workers not complaining is that they have nowhere
else to go and/or funds to support themselves, so they stay in the place where they know
what to expect. To the victims this new unbelievable environment is home.
While sexual exploitation is associated with sex trafficking, Logan, Walker, and
Hunt (2009) described how it could also be labor exploitation. They explained that labor
exploitation could include sexual exploitation as it can be viewed as coercive sex acts
within the commercial sex industry. Although often termed sex trafficking, sexual
exploitation in private homes by individuals who often demand sex and work (in the
home or even outside of the home) becomes by the law labor exploitation. Alvarez and
Alessi (2012) discovered that when the focus is on women and children who are
trafficked for sexual exploitation it is easy to forget that men and boys are victims in the
sex industry as well. This issue probably contributes to the difficulty in finding more data
concerning labor trafficking in the United States.
Shamir (2012) believes that adopting a labor approach to anti-trafficking would
shift the focus away from individual harms (human rights) to the power disparities
between victims and traffickers and the economic and social conditions that make
individuals vulnerable to trafficking. A labor approach, would be supported by unions to
provide collective action and bargaining power and protective employment legislation for
all workers, which would govern working conditions in its attempt to remedy the unequal
power relations in labor sectors susceptible to trafficking.
Consequences of Human Trafficking
Research in the area of human trafficking provides the world with a realistic view
of how it changes not only the lives of the victim, but also the lives of everyone. Human
trafficking presents the world with global issues that have long-term effects on the world.
Although statistics regarding human trafficking are often questionable, because they are
difficult to verify, the numbers are large. Nevertheless, as Fehresti (2010) stated, the real
numbers are outrageously high, likely due to the fear and silence of victims, the
underground operation of the traffickers and the lack of support for the victims.
Although the numbers are interchangeable depending on the study, the crime
clearly identifies a reason for global concern. Human trafficking threatens society
because it has an effect on the human rights of victims, public health, national and
international security based on its criminal ties, and the integrity of security imposed by
undocumented people moving throughout the United States. In the following sections,
several topics uncover the reality of the harm citizens face from the act of human
trafficking.
Human Rights
In 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR). This document is the foundation of international human rights law for
everyone. Specifically, three articles provide evidence that the actions of human
trafficking are not acceptable in society. Those articles are:
Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 4:
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be
prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment (UDHR, 1948, p. 2).
The treatment that victims of trafficking endure leaves them stripped of all human
feelings. Traumatized believing they have no control over their life and treated like a
commodity bought and sold like property. Once identified, victims receive support from
various organizations. However, what society should be striving for is to eliminate the
need to rescue victims from trafficking.
In the United States, the legislation created to combat human trafficking was
Public Law 106-386 or referred to as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of
2000. This was the first such law. The purpose of this legislation is to combat trafficking
in persons, a contemporary manifestation of slavery whose victims are predominantly
women and children to ensure just and effective punishment of traffickers, and to protect
their victims (Trafficking Victims Protection Act, 2000). Signed into law in 2001 by
President Bush, this document increases the punishment of traffickers and provides aid
for victims.
Additionally, according to Wolken while the Bush Administration prioritized
combating global trafficking in persons, several challenges emerged that prevented a
comprehensive and adequate policy. These obstacles included the Administration’s
disregard for the human rights of citizens in the United States and in other countries,
along with a lack of reliable data collected about this problem in the United States
(Wolken, 2006). The focus of the TVPA legislation is the four Ps, prevention, protection,
prosecution, and partnership. In a sense, these four measures work together to preserve
the human rights of everyone. However, the first “P” necessitates the greatest focus, since
the goal of prevention is to stop this crime from occurring, especially in the United
States.
Gallagher, a well-known researcher in the field of human trafficking, has shared a
lot of information regarding the issues between trafficking and human rights. Gallagher
(2009) stated that trafficking goes to the heart of what human rights law is to prevent.
When a person loses his or her dignity and the means to support themselves, and are at
the mercy of another person there is no equality. Gallagher makes it clear that the rights
of victims are lost once they become involved in trafficking. When the government steps
in to rescue victims and provide support, it is equally important that victims not be
stripped further of their rights as they are trying to regain human dignity and become
productive members of society. Since trafficking occurs in an underground environment
that actually happens openly before the public, it requires programs specifically designed
to protect the victims and restore their human rights. Okech, Morreau, and Benson (2011)
clarified that the United States like other countries, face challenges in transforming and
improving its anti-trafficking efforts into more comprehensive programs. It is important
that policymakers find a balance between trafficking, victims, and perpetrators.
Brysk (2011) points out that there are educational, law enforcement and victim
assistance efforts in most countries, via regional programs in North America, Europe, and
Southeast Asia, and through global bodies such as the International Organization for
Migration, the ILO, and UNICEF. Unfortunately, almost a decade of anti-trafficking
programs have done little to reduce the incidence or the harm of this heinous crime, and
may even have diverted attention from root causes of trafficking itself and equally
harmful practices of labor exploitation affecting workers. It becomes obvious that new
programs would improve the outcome for victims. Expansion of training programs need
to incorporate more community involvement, as it is the people in local communities that
tend to see more of what is happening in their environment. When the public is not aware
that crimes like trafficking are in their backyards it is easy for them to miss incidents that
would normally capture their attention.
Crime and Economics
Freeman believes that trafficking in persons (TIP), is the fastest growing criminal
enterprise and has just outpaced arms trafficking to become the second largest such
enterprise after the drug trade (Freeman, 2010). Reviewing human trafficking from a
criminal perspective is probably the best method to use in understanding the actions of
trafficking. Hodge (2008) proposed that criminal networks facilitate transnational
movement in human beings. Stating that according to some estimates, human trafficking
is the fastest growing area of organized crime. Human trafficking has high profits and
low risk that entice traffickers to become involved in trafficking. Victims of trafficking
make a lot of money for traffickers because they require low maintenance and work
repeatedly, unlike any other transnational crime (Hodge, 2008).
Further research conducted by Pressley and Nealon (2013) supports Hodges’
claims by stating that prostitution is the end of all sex trafficking; sex buyers perpetuate a
violent, exploitive industry that fuels organized crime. If no one were buying sex, pimps
would not be supplying backpage.com, hotels, and back alleys with victims. Sex
trafficking is happening in this country, in the backyards of communities. Traffickers
operate like businesses, supply and demand (Pressley & Nealon, 2013).
Rizer and Glaser (2011) said that every time an American spends a dollar on a
trafficked service, he or she is potentially funding the enemy. Some criminal acts depress
a community, yet some crimes such as human trafficking are so penetrating they not only
depressed an individual or a community, but they start to break down the fabric of
society. Trafficking of humans is a crime that, by its nature, breeds more crime. Every
time a trafficked person enters the United States, a crime has been committed. However,
unlike a single instance of armed robbery, which molests the rights of an individual once,
every time a victim forced to have sex or a trafficked worker forced to work in poor
conditions unpaid, another crime is committed (Rizer and Glaser, 2011). This example
provides a simplistic explanation of what really happens with acts of trafficking and why
it is heinous crime.
Stanslas (2010) conducted research and responded to the economic effects of
human trafficking stating that it is a multi-billion-dollar wealth-generating industry for
crime syndicates where the risk to reward ratio outweighs the problem, believing that it is
the third most profitable form of organized crime globally. Identifying that the economic
sides to this criminal enterprise namely supply and demand (push and pull factors) is the
driving factor of trafficking (Stanslas, 2010). Human trafficking is the perfect business
for criminals at all levels when profits are high and the risks of prosecution are low.
According to Kara (2011) there is an economic model based on three common
steps that reflects most human trafficking networks: acquisition, movement, and
exploitation. Human trafficking occurs and flourishes in these simple steps; acquire
victims, move them around to the appropriate markets, and exploit the victims to work
for traffickers out of fear. Now, considering these steps and applying them to what
Vinkovic (2010) reported, it is clear that there are profits gained through forced labor and
sexual exploitation of vulnerable people. Kara and the ILO estimate that the profits made
in human trafficking is in the billions (Kara, 2011, ILO, 2014). The money is the
motivating factor for the traffickers.
Traffickers can be individuals or organized groups that have well developed
systems in place to operate their business. It is also possible that the people involved are
part of organized criminal networks. Sheinis (2012) uses the term “crime-terror nexus” to
imply that both a criminal and a terrorist organization are cooperating with each other in
the furtherance of their respective goals (p. 70). That implication leaves out the
possibility that either type of organization can evolve and develop its own way to conduct
business outside the scope of its normal activities; both views are accurate. Organized
crime and terrorism exist together in different manifestations (Sheinis, 2012). For several
reasons it would make logical sense for people from different criminal backgrounds to
band together in trafficking because, the routes and illegal activities could provide easier
ways for them to operate and hide their illegal activities.
Sheinis further explained that the post 9/11 environment has caused
decentralization in terrorist organizations, a “flattening” of the organizations hierarchy,
wherein each cell assumes more autonomy in its planning and financial responsibilities.
Thus, it may be more common for low and mid-level cells to coordinate efforts (Sheinis,
2012, p.72). Since trafficking is profitable, it could be a source of funding terroristic
actions against the United States. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) reported that funding sources from one criminal activity could fund other
crimes because the money is often difficult to trace (UNODC, 2011). Therefore,
Americans who participate in any form of illegal sexual activity become a part of the
security risk associated with terrorism or criminal activity at large.
Security
Liotta (2002) clarified that different conceptions of security and different security
agendas can be present simultaneously. It is possible for national and human security to
operate at the same time. Balance of national and human security must be identified to
prevent the boomerang effect neither security can receive more attention than the other
can. The combination would provide security for both state and people. There are several
threats to security. This study is reviewing the security threats between human security
and human trafficking. Keefer (2006) identified that there is a link between trafficking
and terrorism:
Today terrorists use the transportation networks of smugglers and traffickers to
move operatives. In many parts of the world, profits from drug trading provide
funds for terrorism, and in certain regions of the world, trafficking is a large and
significant component of that economy. After the attacks on September 11, 2001,
the conditions could be right for terrorists and human smugglers to join forces.
Now emphasis is on targeting alien smuggling organizations that present threats
to our national security. (Keefer, 2006, p. 3)
Human trafficking and smuggling are not interchangeable in meaning; as trafficking
involves the movement of people without their permission and the latter involves the
illegal movement of people who have agreed to relocate to a new country or state for
personal reasons. The same possibility of traffickers joining forces with terrorists does
exist, as profit is a major goal for them.
Liotta further explains that the USA and other powerful developed states may
well witness a blurring of issues involving state security (in which military forces have
traditionally proven the best form of protection) and issues involving “human security”
(in which instruments and agencies other than the military may prove the primary means
of protection) (Liotta, 2002, p. 474). This thought supports including the theory of human
security as a part of the national security strategy as the need to worry less about focusing
on protecting the state and more about protecting individual citizens, which means
protection of individual rights and liberties as well as the way of life to which most have
become accustomed. For Americans, another way to view these comments is to reflect on
the future of the country. Failing to protect the youth of the United States will have
detrimental and lasting effects. The National Security Council has stated that
“transnational organized crime” (TOC) poses a significant and growing threat to national
and international security, with implications for public safety, public health, and
economic stability across the globe. Not only are criminal networks expanding, but they
also are diversifying their activities, resulting in the convergence of threats that were once
distinct and today have explosive and destabilizing effects (National Security Council,
2012). Human trafficking is one of the activity in the TOC category.
According to Nurkic-Kacapor, there are different ways to conduct research on
human trafficking; the security perspective focuses on organized crime and illegal
migration, while the human rights angle looks at the victim protection and prevention
(Nurkic-Kacapor, 2011). Regardless of the focus, security for everyone requires
legislative changes at the local level of government to prevent this crime from expanding.
The traffic of human beings is illegal, representing the violation of many international
and national human rights laws and the traffickers’ maybe criminals who are often
members of some well-organized network (Steriopol, Boboc, and Coman, 2012). As
mentioned in earlier sections of this paper, trafficking does not always involve moving
people from state to state or country to country. When moving across borders security
risks increase as it represents a type of corrupted migration outside of regulatory control
according to Myers. Current research ties some of the human trafficking directly with the
success of other illicit trading activities, particularly the drug trade (Myers, 2011). Okech,
Morreau, and Benson (2011) declared that in the US, the distinction between sexual and
labor trafficking victims across the southern border has complications as border patrol
officers are overworked and require more training. Victims of trafficking when not
identified properly face deportation instead of being rescued (Okech, Morreau, and
Benson, 2011).
Victims of trafficking can occur when a migrant enters the United States or when
an American move to another country. It is also possible that young Americans are
trafficked out of the United States to other countries for their services. When that occurs
it is difficult for them to return to the states if they have no identification for their safe
return unless the traffickers bring them back. Another factor to consider is that traffickers
are willing to transport anyone for money, so that means that they could also be aiding
the transportation of terrorist just as easily as trafficking victims (Sheinis, 2012).
Public Health
Another concern for Americans is the spread of infectious diseases among the
population. Pates and Johnson (2004) reported that in April 2000, the Clinton
administration declared AIDS, a national and global security threat, marking the first time
that the National Security Council had become involved in fighting an infectious disease.
Reducing AIDS related stigma and discrimination, providing healthcare for women, men,
and children from any form of diseases is a national security issue Ending modern day
slavery and reducing the spread of HIV by eradicating human sex trafficking is a national
security issue (McInnes and Rushton, 2010; Pates and Johnson, 2004;).
Michaud, Moss, and Kates (2012) conducted research on the United States global
health. Specifically, reviewing the work of the Department of Defense (DoD). Their
research determined that several offices under DoD have the responsibility for global
health issues. These offices have increasingly emphasized and engaged in global health
activities, including medical research and development, technical assistance and capacity
building, health infrastructure support, and health service delivery (Michaud, Moss, and
Kates, 2012). Unfortunately, this effort did not garner the national attention that it should
have by linking the spread of a dangerous disease to the security of people, but it was a
great step in identifying that there is a connection between human trafficking and public
health. Another study performed by the Action Group stated that as a national and
transnational crime, trafficking and modern day slavery occur within and across borders.
They affect economies, political stability, law enforcement, and public health—
particularly HIV/AIDS (The Action Group, 2008).
Todres (2011) concurs that there are public health concerns where human
trafficking occurs. To address the health issues identification of the problem and the
underlying causes are needed to determine how to prevent harm or reduce the problem.
The health implications of sex and labor trafficking are dramatic and dangerous for
trafficking victims and the communities in which they work and live (Todres, 2011).
Most trafficking victims receive little or no form of healthcare treatment. However, there
are certain situations that arise when the trafficker will seek care for the victim or the
victim may seek help on their own. Healthcare workers become part of the solution in
identifying and recusing victims as they could identify victims and refer them to the
proper authorities for assistance. Legislative changes would hold healthcare providers
responsible to report on suspected abuse for victims in the same manner that they do for
child and elder abuse. The involvement of healthcare workers can help policymakers
determine where training is needed to ensure that healthcare personnel have both the
capacity to identify trafficking victims or those potentially vulnerable to trafficking and
the tools and skill set to intervene effectively.
McInnes and Rushton’s (2010) study summarized why infectious diseases are a
security risk. Preventing the spread of infectious diseases throughout local communities
has a huge impact on children and adults. Sex trafficking often promotes unprotected
sexual activities among victims and clients, which has the potential to spread sexually
transmitted diseases. Labor trafficking places victims in poor working conditions which
is equally dangerous involved with labor trafficking are just as harsh, especially for those
working in agriculture. The Department of State clearly agrees with this view. The
Department of State reports that governments, private industry, and civil society have an
opportunity to push for greater environmental protections in tandem with greater
protections for workers, including those victimized by human trafficking, particularly
where labor trafficking is prevalent (Department of State, 2014). Environmental
Protection Agencies are located in every state and have the responsibility of protecting
workers from dangerous environmental elements. Additional research regarding the
relationship between environmental degradation and human trafficking to improve
conditions for labor victims.
International Effects
According to Garza (2011), the United States and Mexico entered into a bilateral
agreement to punish traffickers.to stop the illegal crossing at the border. Prior to this
agreement human smuggling and human trafficking victims were being treated the same.
The main issue with this scenario is that smugglers want to cross the border seeking a
better life. However, trafficking victims cross the border against their will to work
illegally in the United States. No one talks about the people that are crossing illegal as a
part of a criminal act. Today building a wall along the Mexican border has caused a lot of
debate, especially about funding. Building the wall does not address the bigger issue of
human trafficking. Trafficking victims face a dual punishment if traffickers continue their
business.
Gallagher (2006) conducted extensive research regarding human trafficking and
international laws. According to the research, European countries and their institutions
were amongst the first to recognize the threat that traffickers represented to both
individual rights and the public. The UN Protocol and the 2002 Framework Decision on
Combating Trafficking in human Beings are laws put in place to prevent and combat
trafficking in the international community. Gallagher’s early research demonstrated that
the Protocol has been the most acceptable law and that the Framework Decision offered
little and represented a substantial retreat from previous commitments of the EU
(Gallagher, 2006; EU Framework Decision, 2002). Nevertheless, the international
community works diligently to continue to end trafficking throughout the states and
communities.
The United States’ Actions
On December 16, 2002, President Bush identified that there was a reason to be
concerned about human trafficking: public safety and terrorism. On this day, President
Bush signed National Security Directive 22, which identified trafficking in persons as a
transnational threat, which involves grave violations of human rights, and is an affront to
human dignity and the principles for which this country stands (National Security
Presidential Directive 22, 2002). The details of the link between human trafficking and
national security are classified and are, therefore, unavailable to the public, but the fact
that the President of the United States thought that action needed to be taken is enough
for Americans to become more familiar with this crime. According to Logan, Walker,
and Hunt (2009) based on a survey there were several themes identified that distinguish
human trafficking from other crimes. Those themes are a) difficult to identify, prejudice
toward victims, c) victims have many needs, d) there are few resources available, e) fear
for the victims and their family, f) limited justice for victims, and g) the criminal cases
are complex for this crime (p. 16). These themes are possible because victims will not
talk about their situation and that makes them difficult to identify, if victims will not
speak to tell their story victims are prosecuted for other criminal acts by mistake, the
ability to help victims meet their needs is impossible if they are not identifiable nor
willing to work with those who can assist them, and without the victims’ testimony
traffickers are difficult to arrest and prosecute successfully.
The first law passed in the United States to address human trafficking was Public
Law 106-386, enacted as a means to combat trafficking by defining human trafficking,
who is affected, how they are treated, the punishment for traffickers, and the legal actions
that prosecutors may take. The United States government has been involved with the
effort to combat human trafficking for years through collaboration with the United
Nations. The Department of State began the practice of reporting on how the various
countries throughout the world were effectively making changes to stop the practice of
human trafficking in 2001. Public Law 106-386 appointed the Department of State as the
agency to report on human trafficking for all countries annually. The Department of State
releases the “Trafficking in Persons Report,” (TIP) every June for the public. This report
identifies where trafficking occurs, and an estimate of victims in each country, and any
actions that have taken place to hinder or eradicate the practice of human trafficking. As
the world began to understand the injustice of what was happening to people new laws
intended to end this crime and to protect victims are developed. It was not until 2010,
under then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the United States became a part of the
“Trafficking in Persons Report.” It took the United States nine years to become part of an
instrument that it produced and today it is apparent that there is still work to do as this
illegal activity is still thriving in the United States.
The year 2001 was the release of the first TIP report. The Department of State
reported on the status of the United States for the first time in 2010. The TIP reports
provide information gathered from U.S. Embassies, and other government agencies
concerning the progression in the fight to prevent trafficking of people in all countries.
Throughout the report, there are stories of victims and people that work to end
trafficking. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that, “Behind the statistics are the
struggles of real human beings, the tears of families who may never see their children, the
despair and indignity of those suffering under the worst forms of exploitation” (U.S.
Department of State, 2010, p. 1).
The United States has worked with the United Nations for years working toward a
solution for ending human trafficking. The work performed by the United States and the
United Nations reaches areas throughout the globe. The United States actually helps to
fund other countries that need help in combating trafficking (Department of State,
20102016). Countries that do not meet specific criteria do not receive funding from the
United States. The United States uses a three-tier level in the report to address the
progress of each country. The report explains the tiers as Tier 1, which is the highest
level:
The Department places each country in the 2010 TIP Report onto one of three
tiers as mandated by the TVPA. This placement based more on the extent of government
action to combat trafficking than on the size of the problem, although the latter is also an
important factor. The analyses based on the extent of the governments’ efforts to reach
compliance with the TVPA’s minimum standards for the elimination of human
trafficking (Department of State, 2010, p. 22) While Tier 1 is the highest ranking, it does
not mean that a country has no human trafficking problem. On the contrary, a Tier 1
ranking indicates that a government has acknowledged the existence of human
trafficking, has made efforts to address the problem, and meets the TVPA’s minimum
standards.
Each year, governments need to demonstrate appreciable progress in combating
trafficking to maintain a Tier 1 ranking. Indeed, Tier 1 represents a responsibility rather
than a reprieve (Department of State, 2010). Tier 2 includes countries whose
governments do not fully comply with the TVPA’s minimum standards, but are making
significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards.
Additionally, at this level, there are three important factors. First, the number of victims
of severe forms of trafficking is significant or significantly increasing. Second, there is a
failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat severe forms of trafficking
from the previous year. Third, the determination that a country is making significant
efforts to bring itself into compliance with minimum standards based on commitments by
the country to take additional future steps over the next year. Tier 3 includes countries
whose governments do not fully comply with the minimum standards and are not making
significant efforts to do so (Department of State, 2014, p. 43). The United States is a Tier
1 country.
According to the first TIP report published by the U.S. Department of State in
2001, they began monitoring trafficking in persons in 1994, when the issue became part
of the Department’s Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. Originally,
coverage focused on trafficking of women and girls for sexual purposes. However, as
time has passed, a better understanding of the problem has broadened over the years, and
U.S. Embassies worldwide now routinely monitor and report on cases of trafficking in
men, women, and children for forced labor in agriculture, domestic service, construction
work, and sweatshops, as well as trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation (U.S
“Trafficking in Persons Report,” 2001).
At a hearing before the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe in
November 2011, the agenda included trends occurring between human trafficking and
transnational organized crime. In this discussion Commissioner Marco Rubio of Florida,
identified areas that complicate and delay trafficking efforts. Complications include a) a
need to change the approach in the fight against transnational organized crime, putting
people first before drugs and guns, b) human trafficking cases involve loosely affiliated
networks of individuals engaged in the exploitation of human trafficking victims, and c)
investigations outside of the United States is time consuming and does not allow the use
of tools that are used in the United States (Commission on Security and Cooperation in
Europe, 2011).
Another topic discussed at the above hearing involved the growth of labor
trafficking. Traffickers promise victims visas to work in the United States. Once they
enter the United States, the traffickers then confiscate the documents. Traffickers lure
people here and then enslave them to do a variety of different things, whether it is
involved in the sex trade or it is involved as laborers. Victims often do not understand the
visa laws in the United States and feel trapped in situations without a way out
(Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, 2011). Identifying and prosecuting
transnational organized criminal groups is a major focus in the United States and
international arena and has placed a spotlight on the fight against human trafficking.
The TVPA is the law that details what constitutes human trafficking in the United
States. Each state has taken this definition and created versions of this legislation into a
new law within their state to prosecute traffickers. Because there are so many issues that
arise when children are involved in trafficking, governments often pass additional laws to
handle situations that involve this group. It is clear that focusing on eliminating human
trafficking will take more than implementing laws to prosecute traffickers; it will take
involvement of more people to promote the capture of traffickers and to educate people
before they become victims of traffickers.
In July 2011, The Whitehouse released a report on its Strategy to Combat
Transnational Organized Crime. This report identifies the major security threats to the
United States. The report clarifies that Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) poses a
significant and growing threat to national and international security with serious
implications for public safety, public health, democratic institutions, and economic
stability across the globe. The report provides a short description of each activity that is
included as TOC and trafficking is included in that list (The White House, 2011).
The report also recognizes that computers and the Internet play a role in most
transnational crimes today; either as the target or as the weapon used in the crime. As
mentioned earlier in this study, the Internet has aided traffickers in reaching a larger
clientele especially in the sexual exploitation of victims. To accomplish meeting the
needs of their clients, traffickers often build relationships with legitimate business people
such as law enforcement and bankers. Political corruption among people sitting in
prestigious positions aids in the success of trafficking. With the assistance of people
working in legitimate places human smugglers, human traffickers, arm traffickers, drug
traffickers, terrorists, and other criminals secure transportation networks and safe
locations from which to stage smuggling activity or to store bulk cash or narcotics (The
White House, 2011). Identifying these actions and prosecuting all involved prove to be
time consuming and often difficult because there can be several actors in place.
The latest National Security Strategy. Release in February 2015, presented
strategic risks. One of those risks is the significant security consequences associated with
transnational organized crime. Speaking from a human rights perspective, the report
states that the United States will continue to insist that governments uphold their human
rights obligations, build partnerships and coalitions with civil society, religious leaders,
businesses, other governments, and international organizations (The White House, 2015).
The articles reviewed thus far support the general conclusion that human
trafficking leaves dramatic effects on its victims, violates the human rights of those
victims, has a global impact on society, and identifies the most vulnerable group as those
who live in poverty, under educated, or are seeking a better life. The United Nations has
developed more programs concerning human security and development than the United
States but there is still a lot of work to do to expand on that theory. I explored the use of
this theory in the United States’ fight to combat human trafficking. I felt that this theory
would help in furthering the campaign against the human rights violation that the United
States clearly supports as well as clearly demonstrate that these violations are security
threats to people living in the United States. As the research progresses, the link between
human trafficking and security will become clearer to all stakeholders. Focusing on not
only national security, but also viewing trafficking with reference to the theory of human
security provides a new way to view local communities, making people more aware of
what is happening around them. Everyone has a stake in securing his or her environment
and understanding the actions that government takes in providing security.
Summary
After conducting the literature search themes were identified that demonstrated
that there are dangers within communities where human trafficking occurs. Those threats
relate to the physical and mental health of the victims, public health of communities, and
ties to criminal networks. Demand for victims and low risk for traffickers appears to be
the driving force that helps human trafficking to spread throughout the world and prosper.
The global profit generated through human trafficking, which includes both sex and labor
trafficking, estimated to be approximately $32 billion a year keeps traffickers interested
in this crime (Belser 2005). The TIP report produced by the Department of State
demonstrates the progress made by each country in combatting human trafficking.
Additionally, governments all over the world, as well, as state government agencies have
developed various legislation to prosecute traffickers and allow victims to receive help
from various agencies.
This qualitative study should help law enforcement, elected officials, and NGOs
throughout the United States in identifying their next steps in effectively addressing
security threats associated with victims of human trafficking. Additionally, it will provide
the need for better awareness programs that will help citizens raise their awareness of this
crime and how close it is to their communities. Furthermore, the data from my study
should reveal the realities of the threats that exist when human trafficking occurs in local
communities.
Chapter 3 provides a brief overview on how the case studies were constructed.
While human trafficking is, a global issue that has been occurring for years, in this
research the concentration is on the effects it has in the United States. This study allows
stakeholders to understand why it is important to focus on changes closer to home. The
United States has obligated itself to working not only with stakeholders in this country
but also with other countries. This study aimed to contribute to prior research by
identifying ways to help bring attention to human trafficking and the dangers it presents
to people living in local communities.
Chapter 3: Research Method
Introduction
Human trafficking has been occurring for years, stripping victims of their human
rights and growing at a rapid pace (Deane, 2010). The purpose of this qualitative research
study was to explain how human trafficking threatens the security of people living in the
United States. According to the literature review, information revealed may assist
decision makers with knowledge to develop new policies and programs to better assist
victims and capture traffickers. While there has been research on human trafficking, there
has been little research linking security to the ill effects of human trafficking as well, as
how often it is occurring in the United States.
This chapter will provide the research design and rationale, the methodological
approach, the role of the researcher, data collection method, content validity, data
analysis, issues of trustworthiness, ethical procedures, and summary.
Research Design and Rationale
After reviewing the different methodologies, a qualitative methodology was the
selected method for the purpose of this research. According to McNabb, qualitative
research aids in understanding an event, circumstance, or phenomenon. Researchers use
this method to analyze the interaction of people with problems or issues (McNabb, 2008).
Human trafficking has two categories: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Human
trafficking appears in many guises. It might take the form of compelled commercial
sexual exploitation, the prostitution of minors, debt bondage, or forced labor (Department
of State, 2012).
Quantitative research is essentially about collecting numerical data to explain a
particular phenomenon (Muijs, 2004). This study is not concerned with numerical data;
therefore, a qualitative methodology is the best methodology. Qualitative research is
concerned with developing explanations of social phenomena. It helps explain the world
in which we live and how it functions (Hancock, Ockleford, and Windridge, 2009).
Gaining knowledge about helping people in an environment where trafficking is more
likely to occur is imperative to keeping them from becoming victims. One major way to
provide this assistance is to gather information from areas where trafficking occurs and
determine common factors that make people vulnerable to becoming victims.
The study performed addressed the primary guiding question asked: How does
human trafficking threaten the safety of people who live in communities and the security
of those communities throughout the United States? Additionally, there are three
secondary guiding questions: a) how prevalent is human trafficking in communities in the
United States, b) how does combatting human trafficking at the local level affect the
security of the United States, and c) how will education of the local communities’ result
in increased security of the United States.
McNabb has identified two methods of gathering data. The first is archival
studies, which involve the study of historical records and documents to establish an
understanding of the circumstances that characterized an event or period (McNabb,
2008). I collected data from peer-reviewed articles, governmental and non- governmental
reports, and currents news media. I did not interview victims of human trafficking in this
study because it would not necessary to gather their personal experience for this study.
Case Study Design
In this research, a multiple-case study design permits case develop that
demonstrate different ways that security threats are present when security threats exist in
communities where human trafficking occurs. Yin has identified that research that
involves “how” and “why” questions are more explanatory and likely to lead to the use of
case studies, histories, and experiments as the preferred research method (Yin, 2009, p.
9). While there has been research conducted on the topic of human trafficking, there has
been little focus on this topic as a security threat. The objective in this research was to
clarify the link between human trafficking and the security threat that occurs within
communities in which trafficking is prevalent. Yin further defines the use of case study to
be helpful for an empirical inquiry about a contemporary phenomenon (e.g., a “case”), set
within its real-world context--especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and
context are not evident (Yin, 2009, p. 18). Identifying human trafficking can often be
difficult; therefore, presenting this information in the format of case studies is the best
method to use. The primary reason is that the focus is on how often it occurs in
communities in the United States and the effect it has on the lives of the people in the
communities. Using a multiple-case study strategy allows the study of each case as if it
were a singular study. According to Yin (2009) each case must predict similar results or
predicts contrasting results but for anticipatable reasons (p 54). The final analysis
compared the cases to each other to identify if there is a link to the theory of human
security.
Human trafficking is not a new phenomenon in the United States, nor is it limited
to just occurring in the United States. Trafficking is a global issue that has been in
existence for centuries. To provide a foundational background on the topic I developed
five case studies that describe how this topic became important to researchers using
archived data.
The second data-gathering tool I used was media analysis. McNabb (2008)
identified media analysis as a study of current events rather than historical. This method
of analysis utilized human trafficking cases identified in various parts of the United
States. This case study refers to data provided by documentaries, and print media found
in newspapers, articles, and magazines. The use of these tools is appropriate, as they
demonstrate that human trafficking is happening in communities throughout the United
States and not just in other countries. Additionally, it may help readers to understand the
effects that trafficking leaves on families and communities when people ignore what is
happening in their communities.
The case studies utilized the descriptive research design format described by
McNabb. According to McNabb, the descriptive research designs could develop a
snapshot of a particular phenomenon of interest. They provide a description of an event
or define a set of attitudes, opinions, or behaviors observed or measured at a given time
and environment (McNabb, 2008). There are few details regarding human trafficking
made public but the knowledge available allows researchers to report on snapshots of
reported instances. Therefore, the case studies represent different information released for
public use.
One case study consisted of data collected from the Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
reports from the period of 2010-2017 when the United States became a part of the report.
TIP reports mandated in the TVPA and have been prepared since 2001, but the United
States had never been a part of the report until 2010, when Hillary Clinton was the
Secretary of State. Since the focus of this research was concerned with human trafficking
within the borders of the United States, the research examined trends that occurred
following the inclusion of the United States in the TIP report. A review of the
information reported in the TIP reports concerning the United States determine if there
has been any major change in the trafficking of people into/out of the United States. The
TIP reports published annually and providing information on the efforts implemented to
combat trafficking in various countries. While the information in this report shows the
progress that has occurred during the timeframe of 2010-2017, when the United States
became a part of the report, focusing on the United States demonstrates whether these
efforts have actually made any impact on reducing the number of victims that fall prey to
this crime or if the efforts have become static.
The choice to use multiple case studies helped to answer the research questions
presented above by allowing the reader to compare how trafficking can operate openly
and discreetly within their environment. Additionally, this method may help stakeholders
to identify gaps in legislation, roles, and responsibilities within communities, better ways
to share information, and bring focus to prevention rather than providing services for
victims. Using the multiple case study design investigates several cases to gain insight
into a central phenomenon (Creswell, 2009, Yin, 2009).
In the world of human trafficking, sex trafficking gains the most attention. The
reason for this interest stems from the fact that most victims of sex trafficking are under
aged girls. Because of the age of the victims they are often reported under the sub
category of domestic minor sex trafficking. Several of these girls might be runaways
reported by the National Center for Missing and Exploited children. This population
often becomes victims when they have exhausted their means of supporting themselves
on the streets. The second case study is an analysis of a report concerning domestic minor
sex trafficking (DMST) cases that have happened in the United States. There is data
available from a public site (Shared Hope) that provided a rating system by state on how
well they have performed in combatting sex trafficking of minors.
The report based on a project titled, “The Protected Innocence Challenge” and it
is a comprehensive study of existing state laws designed to inspire and equip advocates.
The rating scores used by the organization were A, B, C, D, and F, where A is the highest
score. The states are explored in greater detail to investigate those receiving a grade of D
or less to determine the demand for DMST, provisions for traffickers, protection for child
victims, criminal provisions for facilitators, and the tools used in the investigation and
prosecution of traffickers. Additionally, research concerning media reports of DMST
explore if it is possible to determine where victims are more vulnerable within the state.
The analysis determined whether anything encouraged traffickers to operate under the
radar of local officials. The period for analysis was 2011-2016.
The third case study focused on the role that technology has played in the increase
of human trafficking. . Because the nature of human trafficking is difficult to identify at
first glance, identifying a trafficking case when sex is involved, but as a case of
prostitution. While prostitution is a criminal act in most states, there is a vast difference
between prostitution and trafficking. Women and men perform both criminal acts; several
trafficking acts also involve under age children. The Internet is a valuable tool to solicit
for sexual acts. There are several training programs in place today to train law
enforcement and others on how to identify victims of trafficking, but often times the
cases are misidentified as an act of prostitution.
Today, many states have special law enforcement groups in place to monitor and
investigate crimes that occur with the use of technology. As technology advances to
provide quick and easy access for many services, human trafficking is one of the fastest
services provided to individuals. However, a closer inspection of cases presented in the
media are often short lived in the minds of citizens, as they are only brief stories in print
or viewed through pubic media. In the case of sexual exploitation, it is difficult to
distinguish it from prostitution. So in certain situations law enforcement adds to the
suffering of trafficking victims as they receive punishment twice when they are mistaken
for prostitutes instead of victims. Further investigation through case studies will help
explain how this occurs and why training programs are vital to any awareness initiatives
developed.
The fourth case study addresses the profits derived from human trafficking.
Depending on the source, human trafficking is either the second or the third most
profitable transnational criminal act. With a high demand for free or extremely low-cost
labor and a desire for sexual exploitation, there is money made by traffickers. The motive
for most traffickers is money. This investigation reviewed the possibility of these funds
going toward other illegal activities. From an economical point of view, victims do not
receive wages that they have earned and people looking for work robbed of the
opportunity to provide for their families. Understanding how it affects communities is an
important element in identifying the victims of this crime.
The final case presented focused on the health issues suffered by people in the
United States as trafficking places a vital role in the spread of disease. Victims of
trafficking can develop diseases when people have unprotected sex or work in deplorable
conditions. Victims exposed to these dangers, risk-spreading illness to others. Health
concerns regarding human trafficking within local communities can leave lasting
problems that are costly and difficult to correct.
Each of the case studies presented above were analyzed to determine if any
common elements existed that may be linked to the theory of human security or
victimology as it relates to at least one of the four research questions being researched in
this study. In some cases, there was more than one answer for a question. The goal of
developing each case study was to identify if there were security threats where human
trafficking existed.
Role of the Researcher
My main goal as a researcher of human trafficking is to conduct exploratory
research to determine if there is a link between human trafficking and human security. I
became interested in the topic of human trafficking after attending a security conference
with technical people held in Illinois. When the discussion spoke about Chicago being
part of the trafficking route for victims of human trafficking and human smuggling, I had
never thought of this happening where I lived. Initial searches for information on this
topic led me to two articles that touched on the ability to move victims quickly across
stateliness and borders. At that moment, I knew I wanted to understand this crime more
so that I could become a part of the solution. I did not contact victims in conducting this
research, because it is imperative that their identities remain anonymous for their
protection. To minimize bias, the researcher must set aside any preconceived notions
about the topic under study (Merriam, 2009). I currently have no relationships with any
known victims, but I have a strong desire to gain a better understanding of the population
most vulnerable to traffickers and the effects that those victims and their families suffer.
As a professional, I remained objective throughout the entire research process by not
developing any preconceived notions concerning what I might find as I read various
articles and newspapers in searching for facts concerning the topic of human trafficking.
Data Collection Method
The data obtained for this research came from information that is public and
published by reliable sources. According to Yin (2009) some of the common sources of
evidence used in doing case studies consist of documentation, archival records, and
physical artifacts (p. 101). The data gathered for the study included governmental and
nongovernmental documents, archived records, and websites, peer reviewed journals,
current news media, and books written on the topic of human trafficking. As noted, the
numbers associated with human trafficking are difficult to verify because there is not one
method used to calculate the numbers nor one database that contains all of the data.
However, there is a consensus that the number of victims is large and that this crime
occurs globally. The number of victims was a moot point during this research, but rather
to keep an open mind and report on any data that concerned the harm brought to victims
and those living in the communities in which human trafficking takes place.
Data Analysis
Data analysis in qualitative research consists of preparing and organizing the data
for analysis, then reducing the data into themes through a process of coding finally
representing the data in figures or tables (Creswell, 2013, p. 180). As the data were,
collected notes taken formed ideas. The initial stage of my analysis involved open coding
to determine the best use of the data. An NVivo database stored the coded data where
themes were developed. These themes were utilized to respond to the primary guiding
question and the three secondary question presented in chapter one.
Issues of Trustworthiness
Research on the topic of human trafficking conducted for various reasons mainly
to identify ways to combat this crime. Depending on the researcher, various methods
used to quantify the number of victims it affects, the types of services that they receive or
need, as well as where it occurs. The validity of such data maybe questionable at best
concerning the numbers, but there is definitely proof that trafficking occurs in the United
States. For this research, I relied on data reported by governmental agencies, especially at
the federal level because the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State
are the major governing bodies responsible for reporting on this topic. There was also
data collected by NGOs, newspapers, and articles used because these data sources are in
the business of providing services for victims or reporting on findings concerning
victims. While there may be errors in any of these numbers, I do not believe that they
caused any significant challenges to the research study.
Before any pertinent research began, I completed an IRB form for submission and
approval of this research. The approval number is 12-01-17-0141326. Once the form was
accepted, I formally began the research utilizing the methods and documents identified
above. As I took notes on what I read, I grouped them together by the topic I wanted to
create for each case in a database using NVivo software.
Summary
The purpose of this study was to identify if there is a link between human
trafficking and the security threat that occurs within communities in which trafficking is
prevalent. A multiple-case study design explained various ways in which security threats
enter into local communities. Since victims of human trafficking are difficult to identify
and held in positions in which they cannot openly speak, case studies developed based on
data publicly available for review. The data utilized came from conducting research in
various databases such as Sage Premier, SocIndex, Political Science Complete, ProQuest
Central, various NGO websites, governmental and nongovernmental agency documents
and websites, books, and current news media. The research identified specific topics used
to build the cases presented in the next chapter. Human trafficking is spreading across
American communities with security risks normally ignored because people do not know
what to look for or how to help their local law enforcement agencies. Human trafficking
is a global problem. It is time that citizens of the United States become involved in
helping to protect their families and their communities from this crime. In Chapter 4, five
case studies are presented that allow the reader to determine if they see the threats against
human life that exist when individuals become victims of human trafficking.
Chapter 4: Results
Introduction
The primary guiding question of this study examined how human trafficking
threatens the safety of people who live in the communities and the security of those
communities throughout the United States. When people become victims of human
trafficking, not only are they abused, but others in the community as well, as families lose
loved ones to this criminal act. Three secondary guiding questions were also considered:
(a) how prevalent is human trafficking in communities in the United States? (b) how does
combatting human trafficking at the local level affect the security of the United States?
and (c) how will education of the local communities’ result in increased security of the
United States?
The first three chapters provided background on the human trafficking issue and
the reasons for examining the security risks associated with this crime. Based on the data
collected a plan to determine how to proceed with presenting this information. In this
chapter, a multiple-case design described the link between human trafficking and security
risks. The results of the data analysis follow.
Demographics
Human trafficking is a global problem; however, in this study, the focus was on
trafficking into and out of the United States. Victims of human trafficking are vulnerable
people who are difficult to identify working in local communities. The data gathered to
develop the case studies derived from public information and research conducted by
governmental and nongovernmental agencies and websites, NGOs, peer reviewed
journals, and books.
Data Collection
The case study is preferred in examining contemporary events; but when the
relevant behaviors cannot be manipulated (Yin, 2009). Based on the Belmont report there
are three basic principles: the principles of respect of persons, beneficence, and justice
(Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1979). Victims of human trafficking
classified as a protected class of people covered by the Belmont report; therefore, there
was no attempt to reach out to anyone in this group. There are two specific victim cases
referenced in the development of the case studies, as I was able to extract information
about these victims from current news media data. Data collected from various
government agencies, such as the Department of State, the U.S. Department of Justice,
the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. To
develop these case studies, it was imperative to include knowledge offered by NGOs or
organizations awarded grants from the government to conduct specific research on this
topic. These organizations known as reputable stakeholders in assisting law enforcement
and other governmental agencies in providing services for victims of human trafficking
such as Shared Hope, the Polaris project, and the Institute of Medicine, and the National
Research Council. Human trafficking is a hidden crime in most communities, so to
confirm the security risks in local communities, some current information from the news
media presented.
To conduct this research, data from various library databases using the terms
human trafficking, security and United States. From these search terms, articles were
located for review. The next step was to use governmental agency and NGOs’ websites
for information on human trafficking laws; data pertaining to cases and review actions
taken to prevent trafficking performed or funded by the United States government. While
much research on human trafficking conducted, there is little information that identifies
the security threats to people in the United States. I made notes in a Word document
pertaining to each case. Subsequently, uploaded this data into the NVivo database for
further review and analysis.
Data Analysis
To begin this research, I started with the law developed to combat human
trafficking in the United States. In 2000, the United States enacted the Trafficking
Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), Pub. L. No. 106-386. This legislation
established the framework for the “3 Ps” of the fight against human trafficking:
protection, prevention, and prosecution. In 2010, the Department of State recognized that
there was another “P” that should be added to their paradigm in combatting human
trafficking. Based on lessons learned, it is necessary that key stakeholders work together
with civil society, the corporate sector, and across governments through the “4th P”—
partnership—toward a world in which every man, woman, and child is safe from the
hands of traffickers and can realize their God-given potential (Department of State, 2010,
p. 1). The Department of State has the responsibility to track efforts to combat human
trafficking from a global perspective, and does so by gathering data from all countries
and reporting that information in the annual “Trafficking in Persons Report,” which is
published in June of each year. The first report issued in 2001, but it was not until 2010
that the United States began to report its progress in the report.
Since the inception of this legislation, the law has been reauthorized four times to
date. Each reauthorization strengthens the law. There are several examples of major
changes. First, in 2003, the law mandated that an annual report from the Attorney
General created for the U.S. Congress regarding efforts to implement the TVPA and
added human trafficking crimes as a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
(RICO). Second, in 2005, the government provided extraterritorial jurisdiction over
trafficking offenses committed overseas by persons employed by or accompanying the
federal government and developed grant programs for state and local governments. Third,
in 2008, legislation provided information about workers’ rights to all people applying for
work and education- based visas. Fourth, in 2013, legislation focused on the elimination
of human trafficking from the supply chain of goods. Finally, in 2015, new legislation
implemented legal tools to facilitate the prosecution of customers of sex trafficking
victims and allowed assets forfeited in a human trafficking case used as restitution for
victims (Department of Justice Reauthorization of TVPA, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2013, and
2015). Table 1 provides information on the success of the TVPA and all of the
reauthorizations as published in the Trafficking in Persons 2017 Report.
Table 1
Trafficking In Person Statistics for Prosecutions, Convictions, and Victims Identified
2009 - 2016
Year Prosecutions Convictions Victims Identified New or Amended
Legislation
2009 5,606 (432) 4,166 49,105 33
2010 6,017 (607) 3,619 33,113 17
2011 7,909 (456) 3,969 42,291 (15,205) 15
2012 7,705 (1,153) 4,746 46,570 (17,368) 21
2013 9,460 (1,199) 5,776 44,758 (10,603) 58
2014 10,051 (418) 4,443 44,462 (11,438) 20
2015 19,127 (857) 6,615 77,823 (14,262) 30
2016 14,897 (1,038) 9,071 66,520 (17,465) 25
Note: From “Trafficking in Persons Report June 2017,” by U.S. Department of State, 2017, pp.
34-35. Reprint permission is not required because it is on the public domain
https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/271339.pdf. The above statistics are estimates
derived from data provided by foreign governments and other sources and reviewed by the
Department of State. Aggregate data fluctuates from one year to the next due to the hidden nature
of trafficking crimes, dynamic global events, shifts in government efforts, and a lack of
uniformity in national reporting structures. The numbers in parentheses are those of labor
trafficking prosecutions, convictions, and victims identified.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2003 added to the original
law a new requirement that foreign governments provide the Department of State with data on
trafficking investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences to meet the TVPA’s minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking (Tier 1). The 2004 TIP Report collected this data for
the first time. The 2007 TIP Report showed for the first time a breakout of the number of total
prosecutions and convictions that related to labor trafficking, placed in parentheses.
Table 1 demonstrates that prosecutions fluctuated among other countries as they,
too, revised their laws to combat human trafficking over the years. While the focus of this
study is concentrated on what is happening within the borders of the United States, It is
also important to understand that other countries are working just as hard to eliminate this
global crime.
To explore and explain the effects that human trafficking has on people in the
United States, the following themes were identified by collecting data from governmental
agency websites, the Walden library databases, and NGO websites that display
information that they have released on their websites to demonstrate the state of
trafficking within the U.S. borders. Based on the research, five case studies were
developed and presented in this chapter. These cases include: a) the “Trafficking in
Persons Report” from 2010-2017, b) information regarding domestic sex trafficking
victims (a vulnerable group of children under the age of 18), c) technology advances in
trafficking, d) possibility of the funds made from this crime being used to fund other
illegal activities, and e) a view of the public health issues that arise from trafficking. Each
case utilizes a descriptive research design format.
The data collection for this study using secondary data for the above areas of
interest using two methods. The first is the use of archival studies, which involves the
study of historical records and documents to establish an understanding of where and
how human trafficking is affecting communities. The second data-gathering tool was
media analysis. McNabb has identified media analysis as a study of current events rather
than historical (McNabb, 2008). Using both of these tools made the incidents of human
trafficking more relatable and understandable for people, in the absence of actually
interviewing the victims themselves.
As I reviewed the data collected, the information that I found in the first case
study that involved a review of the Trafficking in Persons Report had established
concrete themes for addressing the needs for combatting human trafficking. The research
questions at this point identified with at least one of the 4Ps’—prevention, protection,
prosecution and partnership, as presented in Table 2.
Table 2
Attributes and Themes
Research Questions Attributes Themes
How does human trafficking threaten the
safety of people who live in the
communities and the security of those
communities throughout the United States?
Education
Environment
Policy
Vulnerability
Partnership
Prevention
Protection
Prosecution
How prevalent is human trafficking in
communities in the United States?
Demand Prevention
How does combatting human trafficking at
the local level affect the security of the
United States?
Education
Environment
Policy
Victim Needs
Prevention
Protection
Prosecution
Partnership
How will education of the local
communities result in increased security of
the United States?
Collaboration
Coordination
Education
Environment
Involvement
Policy
Victim Needs
Prevention
Protection
Prosecution
Partnership
Evidence of Trustworthiness
The numbers associated with human trafficking are all considered approximations
of the crime; thus, the numbers might be questionable. There is no single database or
methodology for which reviewing and analyzing data collected and stored. In this study
the credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability based on information
that had been collected and reported on based on federal governmental agencies and
organizations that work with the government charged with combatting this crime or
recording statistical data for the public. The focus is not so much on the numbers of
trafficked victims as it is on the fact that vulnerable people are being trafficked, and those
victims placed in dangerous situations. The U.S. Department of State, charged with
reporting on the status of human trafficking for all countries annually, has acknowledged
that the United States is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and
children subjected to trafficking in persons.
The results presented below uses a multiple-case study design to explain how
human trafficking affects the security of vulnerable people who become victims of
trafficking. Because there is a lack of understanding about the security risks faced by
society when human trafficking occurs in communities throughout the United States, the
theoretical framework of human security and victimology was to address the security
risks associated with trafficking. To present the security risks of human trafficking, five
case studies describe and explain what is happening in the United States in five areas; the
Trafficking in Persons report (TIP), domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST), the use of
technology, profits made from trafficking, and the health consequences of human
trafficking.
Results
Below the findings of five case studies developed to explain the security threats of
human trafficking in local communities. Each case explains the dangers that people
endure as victims of human trafficking.
Case Study 1: Review of “Trafficking in Persons Report” 2010-2017
This chapter began with a brief definition of the law written to protect victims of
human trafficking in the United States, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
(TVPA). The first case study provides a brief background of the Trafficking in Persons
(TIP) Report. The Department of State has stated that they began monitoring this crime in
1994, when the issue began to surface in the Department’s Annual Country Reports on
Human Rights Practices. Originally, coverage focused on trafficking of women and girls
for sexual purposes (U.S. Department of State, 2001). In 2001, the first Trafficking in
Persons Report presented by the U.S. Department of State based on the passage of the
TVPA in 2000. The Department of State has the responsibility to report on the abuses of
human trafficking for all countries in the TVPA, but it was not until 2010 that they began
to include the efforts of the United States. The Department of State now prepares the
report using information from U.S. Embassies, government officials, nongovernmental
and international organizations, published reports, news articles, academic studies, and
research trips to every region of the world (U.S. Department of State, 2017).
The United States has focused its platform on the “3P” paradigm of prevention,
protection, and prosecution. Based on what the Department of State learned over the
years, in 2010, they added a forth “P,” partnership, by working together with civil
society, the corporate sector, and across governments in an effort to protect men, women,
and children from the hands of traffickers (U.S. Department of State, 2010). Every report
produced also ranks the progress of each country by using a tier system. The Tier system
described by the Department of State follows:
•Tier 1: countries whose governments fully meet the TVPA the minimum
standards,
•Tier 2: countries whose governments do not fully meet the TVPA’s minimum
standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance
with those standards,
•Tier 2 watch list: countries whose governments do not fully meet the TVPA’s
minimum standards, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into
compliance with those standards and has several victims, show no improvement
from the previous year or has made marginal improvements,
•Tier 3: countries whose governments do not fully meet the minimum standards
and are not making significant efforts to do so (U.S. Department of State, 2017, p.
45). The United States has always ranked as a Tier 1 country.
The period for this case study includes the years 2010-2017 with concentration on
the efforts made by the United States. In 2010 when the United States became a part of
the report, adults and children in forced labor, bonded labor, and forced prostitution
around the world was 12.3 million and the prevalence of trafficking victims in the world
was 1.8 per 1,000 inhabitants (U.S. Department of State, 2010). This number is a global
figure, but as mentioned earlier in this research all numbers are estimates and the reports
do not contain specific estimates for the United States (U.S. Department of State, 2010).
State and local government agencies have established their own anti-trafficking statutes
and strategies to end this crime.
Based on the information in the reports for the past seven years, there are people
harmed by traffickers. Every change that occurred during this period falls under the
criteria of at least one of the “4Ps,” prevention, protection, prosecution, or partnership.
One issue faced by stakeholders everywhere is victim identification. The United States
identified as a source, transit, and destination country and the people who become victims
here are more than likely in forced labor, debt bondage, and forced prostitution.
Trafficking occurs primarily for labor and most commonly in domestic servitude,
agriculture, manufacturing, janitorial services, hotel services, construction, health and
elder care, hair and nail salons, and strip clubs (U.S. Department of State, 2010) . These
working establishments are common places or services that most Americans use on a
regular basis, but never think about who is performing the service. Some of these people
are operating in plain sight, but they are difficult to identify because they are silent to
those of us that may meet them. In agricultural and manufacturing jobs, these victims are
often working in deplorable conditions. Each year the TIP Report has identified victims
working in conditions that are so deplorable, it causes the victims to experience harm or
become sick from the conditions in which they work and sleep. Thus, there is a need to
improve the tools used to identify victims of human trafficking as well as provide better
methods of bringing awareness of this issue to the average person. The ideal situation
would be to prevent people from becoming victims in these occupations. The sooner
victims are identified, the sooner they may be rescued and begin their journey in gaining
control over their lives again.
The 2010 TIP Report touched on the issues surrounding domestic workers, and
noted that this classification of victims does not have protection under prevailing labor
laws, perceiving their work as something other than regular employment (U.S.
Department of State, 2010). Two years later, in 2013, the report was still commenting on
domestic workers, mostly women and girls, and mostly working in private homes, a
popular place for victims because it takes place behind closed doors where workers are
isolated (U.S. Department of State, 2013). This situation aids in the problem of
identifying and protecting victims. Most research has focused mostly on the sexual
exploitation of women and girls. During the last four years, the TIP Reports have clearly
focused on human trafficking actions beyond sexual exploitation. In the 2015 TIP, report
states:
The fluid nature of the crime means traffickers can target vulnerable workers
anywhere to fill labor shortages everywhere along a supply chain. In the
electronics sector, for example, human trafficking may exist in the extraction
stages (mining for raw material), in the component manufacturing stage (where
separate pieces are produced of combined), and in the production stage (where the
goods are assembled and packaged in a factory). (Department of State, 2015,
p.13)
This quote provides one example, but the truth is that human trafficking exists in many
trades, that rely upon low-skilled or unskilled labor. The jobs that are dirty, dangerous,
and difficult are typically low paying and undervalued by society and are suited for
traffickers to place victims in those positions (U.S. Department of State, 2015).
The TIP Reports provide information on what is happening globally concerning
the efforts of countries to combat human trafficking. The United States creates and
modifies laws and policies to combat human trafficking. State laws form the basis of
most criminal actions in the United States. All U.S. states and territories have
antitrafficking criminal statutes. Federal law has established a limited number of
programs that target prevention. These programs form two categories. The first category
refers to programs aimed at raising awareness about the problem of human trafficking
among key stakeholders and the public. The second category of programs are aimed at
enhancing the governments and other stakeholders’ capacity to identify potential cases of
human trafficking, thereby facilitating early intervention and prevention of future cases
(Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, 2013, p. 152).
In the last published report in 2017, noted the progress made, yet traffickers
around the world continue to exploit millions of victims in forced labor and sexual
trafficking. The report acknowledges that this multi-billion-dollar industry destroys
families and communities, weakens rule of law, strengthens criminal networks, and
offends universal concepts of human decency (U.S. Department of State, 2017). It is clear
that, despite all of the efforts made by governments at all levels; vulnerable people are
not secure and need the assistance of all stakeholders.
The federal government uses the TIP report as a method to communicate the
progress made globally but, to this day, there is still no central point of collecting the data
for analysis concerning the number of victims and the resources required to make them
whole. The reauthorization of the TVPA in 2005 and 2008 amended the law to include
uniform data collection for trafficking crimes or numbers of victims among federal, state,
and local law agencies, but this has not occurred. Throughout the past seven years, the
Federal Government has made several attempts to update the laws that govern human
trafficking, provide funds to organizations that act as service providers, develop training
programs for law enforcement, health care providers, social service providers, and
educators, launch public awareness campaigns, and assist some private sector
organizations in improving their ability to identify victims. To date, there is no report
from the government that tells us how successful these changes have been.
Training has taken on a major role in the fight against human trafficking. The
Federal Government has implemented training for federal employees, local law
enforcement agencies, health care providers, and NGOs, etc. In 2010, DHS formed the
Blue Campaign, a combined effort to provide public awareness, training, victim
assistance, and criminal investigations. This is just one of the various training programs
in place today. Several training programs are in place by NGOs, and various
governmental agencies at all levels, but there is no way to know if the materials are
comparable or effective if each organization is developing its own training programs.
While it is often necessary to adapt training materials to a specific audience, it is just as
important to ensure that the message is the same.
The Federal Government has been working to develop partnerships with state and
local governments, faith based organizations, NGOs, and corporations to ensure that
training needs for employees are available and that funding for assisting victims to
transition back into society are available. The TIP Reports have disclosed various
information regarding sex and labor trafficking. However, one issue has always appeared
in their reports since 2001, and that topic deals with youth who become victims of human
trafficking. The next case study describes in more detail the dangers that youth face when
they become victims.
Case Study 2: Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST)
Human trafficking has two categories; sex trafficking and labor trafficking. The
vulnerable population of sex trafficking include women, men, children (of all genders),
and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LBGT) community. There have been
several studies conducted on victims of sex trafficking. The second case focuses on a
sub-category of sex trafficking known as domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST).
Domestic minor sex trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, enticing,
transporting, maintaining or providing for minor children for the purpose of sexual
exploitation (Shared Hope, 2013). Children in this classification are under the age of
eighteen and can be any gender and any orientation.
When considering the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking, under the TVPA,
the victim’s age is the critical issue—there is no requirement to prove that force, fraud, or
coercion was used to secure the victim’s actions if the victim is a minor (Victims of
Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, 2000). Experts estimate that at least
100,000 juveniles become victims through prostitution in America each year (Shared
Hope International, 2011). Shared Hope International provides an annual report for
review by the public and all stakeholders based on the Protected Innocence Challenge
Legislative Framework that outlines the fundamental laws that establish a comprehensive
response to domestic minor sex trafficking. The Framework analyzes 41 legal
components for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. These laws align
under six areas: (a) criminalization of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, (b) criminal
provisions addressing demand, (c) criminal provisions for traffickers, (d) criminal
provisions for facilitators, (e) protective provisions for the child victim, and (f) criminal
justice tools for investigation and prosecution. The Protected Innocence Challenge
Legislative Framework provides a consistent measure of state progress regarding child
sex trafficking laws but these laws must be dynamic to account for promising practices
informing and shaping system responses to juvenile sex trafficking victims. Members of
Shared Hope believe that to ignore these developments would not benefit youth and
harmful at worst—and would undermine the ultimate goal of research in action. The
Framework is able to adapt to incorporate the expanded knowledge that comes from
implementation (Shared Hope International, 2017).
Based on the above criteria, Shared Hope utilizes a grading system for each state
and the District of Columbia of A, B, C, D, or F to rate how well each is doing in their
effort to combat DMST. The Protected Innocence Legislative Framework assigns a point
value of 0 to 2.5 based on a written point allocation scheme accounting for the critical
elements of each of the components of law. The points totaled for each of the six areas of
law to determine the total score, which translates to the corresponding letter grade. The
corresponding letter grades are A 90-102.5, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, and F <60
(Shared Hope International, 2017). Using the grades for each state for the period
20112017, Figure 1 reflects only the states that received a grade of D or F during this
period.These states needed the most improvements in the fight against Domestic Minor
Sex Trafficking (DMST). It is important to remember that these data are only a reflection
of the laws in place for that state governing DMST (Shared Hope International, 2017).
Figure 1. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST).
Montana is the most improved in updating their laws concerning DMST, as they
have improved their grade from F in 2011 to an A in 2017. New York and Vermont
remain unchanged from 2011-2017, maintaining their grades of D. Maine, New Mexico,
Pennsylvania, and South Dakota moved up one grade from F to D during the same
period. Based on these results further research may be conducted at a state level to
determine what aspects of the law need to be addressed to raise the grades for these
states. In the case of eliminating and reducing DMST in these states, more than changes
in the law might be necessary. Legislation introduced at the state level is critical in the
fight to stop DMST, as improper actions result in criminalization of youth and where
victims receive assistance in restitution. It is possible that stakeholders need to engage
with this issue, so that it becomes a part of the conversations in these states, where the
safety of youth resides.
In 2011, the Governing Board of the National Research Council approved a
project to address the commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the
United States. This report had several professionals from various fields of study involved
as reviewers. The report revealed that youth in the United States are not having their
needs met by either criminal justice or child protection systems. The focus of the report
was primarily on trafficking for purposes of prostitution, exploitation of a minor through
prostitution, and survival sex. They identified numerous factors at the individual,
community, and system levels that contribute to a lack of understanding and awareness of
commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of minors in the United States
(Institute of Medicine (IOM) and National Research Council (NRC), 2013, p.2). An
example of issues with the court system currently making headlines is the story of
Cyntoia Brown. Ms. Brown was 16 years old, when a stranger found her on the streets
after her then boyfriend/pimp had just beaten her. Forty-three-year-old Johnny Allen
allegedly solicited her. Cyntoia had been a chronic runaway since 13 and was no stranger
to drugs and prostitution. In September 2006, she sentenced to life in prison for killing
Johnny Allen hours after he had picked her up. Some believe that she did not receive a
fair trial, suggesting she was a victim of DMST. The example above is yet another issue
that should concern everyone because it is difficult to determine if her previous issues
affected her mental state on that day or if she really feared that this man was going to
harm her.
As with any research regarding human trafficking there are no verifiable numbers
that can identify this population of vulnerable youth. There is more research conducted
on this population throughout the United States at the state and local level. However, like
the issues found with research on the topic of human trafficking the victims are difficult
to identify and there is no central collection point for this data within a state. The research
conducted by the IOM and NRC acknowledged that previous research has investigated
subpopulations or subsets of victims. When addressing domestic minor sex trafficking in
the United States, there are several challenges in trying to determine the prevalence of
this crime. Those issues include not having standards in collecting and reporting in each
state, clear and reasonable definitions in the state law for DMST, and sex trafficking of
minors. Estimates that rely solely on interactions with law enforcement; crime victim
surveys; and arrest records inherently under inclusive; and the lack of understanding and
awareness that there is a problem concerning minors in the United States; where sexual
exploitation is a problem (Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, 2013).
At the heart of DMST is a question surrounding why youth become victims of
DMST. The study conducted by IOM and NRC provided an ecological model helpful in
addressing this question. Table 3 below displays the major risk categories for youth as
identified by IOM and NRC in their research:
Table 3
Major Risk Categories
Ecological model adapted to illustrate the possible risk factors for commercial sexual
exploitation and sex trafficking of minors.
Societal Risk
Factors
Community Risk
Factors
Relationship Risk
Factors
Individual Risk Factors
•Lack of •
awareness of •
commercial •
sexual •
exploitation •
and sex
trafficking
•Sexualization of
children
•Lack of
resources
Peer pressure •
Social norms
Social isolation
Gang involvement
Under resourced
schools,
neighborhoods,
and communities
Family •
conflict,
disruption, or
dysfunction •
•
•
History of child
abuse, neglect, or
maltreatment
Homeless,
runaway, or
“thrown-away”
LGBT
History of being
systems-involved
(e.g., juvenile
justice, criminal
justice, foster care)
Note: LGBT = lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
•Stigma and
discrimination
Note. From “Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the
United States: A Guide for Providers of Victim and Support Services,” by IOM/NRC Committee
on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States: E.W.
Clayton, R.D. Krugman, T. Chaffee, A. Diaz, A. English, B. Guthrie, S. Lambert, M. Latonero,
N. McClain, C.M. Rennison, J. Todres, and P. Toth, 2013, p. 79. Reprint permission is not
required because it is on the public domain.
Table 3 suggests four major risk categories of how young people in the United
States may find themselves in the position of being a victim of DMST. There is currently
not a lot of research in this area, nor does this study intend to address these specific risks
in detail, but it is clear that this group is vulnerable in their environment if any of the
above situations are contributing factors. Societal, community, relationship, and
individual risks all represent personal security threats to youth. Personal security threats
are inherent in each of the risk categories in this diagram. Any youth living in an abusive
home environment, placed in a government system, has been sexually abused, or has run
away from home is more than likely to place their trust in anyone that offers them help.
Traffickers are on the lookout for this population so these youths are prime targets for
becoming victims of DMST. The IOM/NRC study identified that the multiple systems
that engage youth (health care, education, juvenile justice, etc.) have few models for
intervening with youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking
(Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, 2013). The 2011 TIP report
included the story of a child sex trafficking survivor:
Alissa, 16, met an older man at a convenience store in Dallas and after a few dates
accepted his invitation to move in with him. Soon Alissa’s new boyfriend
convinced her to be an escort for him, accompanying men on dates and having
sex with them for money. He took her to an area known for street prostitution and
forced her to hand over all of her earnings. He made Alissa get a tattoo of his
nicknames, branding her as his property, and he posted prostitution
advertisements with her picture on an Internet site. He rented hotel rooms around
Dallas and forced Alissa to have sex with men who responded to the ads. The
man, who kept an assault rifle in the closet of his apartment, threatened Alissa and
physically assaulted her on multiple occasions. The man later pled guilty to
trafficking Alissa. (U.S. Department of State, 2011, p.18)
While the report does not mention if this victim was homeless or a runaway, it appears
that she might fall into one of those categories. It was just that easy for her to become a
DMST victim.
Law enforcement is often in contact with victims of DMST. Many times when
youth are arrested for prostitution, they are processed in the criminal justice system as
criminals. These youths have been improperly identified. According to Raino and Harper
(2016), as long as juvenile victims continue to be treated as perpetrators under
prostitution laws, there cannot be a shift in cultural attitudes to stop stigmatizing juvenile
victims as “child prostitutes.” It is also necessary to start acknowledging child sex
trafficking—the buying and selling of children for sex—as a serious crime against
children (Raino and Harper, 2016, p.5). Training and victim identification is critical in
addressing how law enforcement and health care providers treat youth. Victims of DMST
and human trafficking need more than just physical aid, they often need psychological
help as well.
Case Study 3: Technology Advances in Trafficking
As discussed earlier in this study, it is difficult to identify human trafficking
victims. There are several reasons that this occurs, and one tied to the use of technology.
Society’s interest in instant gratification saves time, provides convenience, and allows
people to communicate in several ways. Where human trafficking and DMST is
concerned, it opens new opportunities for traffickers to recruit, sell, and move victims
easier. The next case study takes a closer look at how technology assist traffickers in
luring young victims into this crime and the challenges that law enforcement and other
stakeholders face in ending this crime.
One of the luxuries that often makes life easier for people and businesses is the
ease to access services and products from around the world. Advances in the world of
technology have opened doors that were mere dreams a century ago. Everyone is
accustomed to using the various technical tools that have been developed to shop, work,
find work, and relax so that his or her time is used wisely. Unfortunately, criminals have
learned to use technology to their benefit. Human trafficking and DMST survives
globally because the traffickers have learned to use technology to support their business.
Technology allows traffickers to recruit people from any place in the world, reach a
wider audience, and transfer money from one place to another quickly. Having this
ability allows traffickers to become a part of the global market place.
Most people in society today either own or have access to a computer, tablet, or
smartphone. These are powerful tools, as they allow people to conduct business,
communicate around the world, and make purchases, often within the comforts of their
home. Using this technical equipment has not only provided ease for people but has also
allowed criminals to change the way in which they conduct illegal activities. One area in
which they have used the technical equipment listed above is in DMST and human
trafficking. With the advancement of technological innovations, stakeholders in the fight
against human trafficking find themselves struggling in their battle to stay on top; new
learning equipment uses and software applications. Mark Latonero, from the University
of Southern California (USC) Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and
Policy, has begun research concerning the use of technology in human trafficking.
In Latonero’s first report on this topic in 2011, he identified that trafficking online
presented the anti-trafficking community with an unprecedented window to observe,
track, and monitor the conduct of both the supply and demand sides of the trafficking
trade (Latonero, 2011). One of the first issues identified was the use of on-line websites
through which youth, especially girls, were advertised for sale for sex. The Internet has
provided a means of fast communication between a people. People interact with
businesses every day to make purchases, pay bills, conduct business, work from home,
etc. many vendors place ads on the Internet because it provides them to reach a global
audience.
Traffickers use the Internet for the same purpose. Several websites contain adult
content. Some of those ads are legitimate companies and some are not. Traffickers are
known to use legal businesses to run their illegal practices. Law enforcement and other
organizations are now fighting to shut down adult sections that encourage human
trafficking. Craigslist was the first organization to feel the pressure for operating an Adult
Services section. Several law enforcement and State Attorneys General rallied behind the
use of such ads being used to exploit girls for sex. Craigslist eventually closed their Adult
Services section. However, by that time traffickers had identified other websites through
which they could continue their business.
Backpage became one of those sites, where traffickers could continue business as
usual. Unlike Craigslist, Backpage was not so easily swayed to change anything about
their website to protect victims of trafficking. In March of 2016, the U.S. Senate Legal
Counsel filed a civil action in federal court in Washington, DC to enforce a subpoena on
Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer and require the company turn over responsive documents
relevant to the Senate investigation into the company’s business practices. He did not
show for the hearing and Backpage.com alleged that it was protected by the first
Amendment and did not have to turn over the requested documents. During this time,
over 400 cases of child sex trafficking across 47 states had been linked to their website
(Shesgreen, 2017). During the February congressional hearing, the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), reported that during the first four months of
2016, 1,800 missing child cases reported had involved possible child sex trafficking.
NCMEC stated that 71% of the child sex trafficking reports it received involved ads
posted on Backpage.com (Feasley, 2016).
There was a sex trafficking case that involved Backpage.com reported in
December of 2016, in Markham, Illinois. Desiree Robinson was found murdered in a
garage on December 24, 2016, killed by the person she had met to engage in sex. She was
a 16-year-old runaway that found herself pimped out by a man that she thought would
help her financially. Her pimp had placed an ad on Backpage.com depicting Robinson
posted on Dec. 10, 2016, which read:
Hi, Guys My Name Is Nicki I'm New in town for a short stay and looking for
upscale Gentlemen to have a great time with I am independent No Law
Enforcement or Police of Any kind. No Pimps All Donations are for my time
(Companionship) All My Pics are 100% Real So Why Wait Call or Text Me now".
(Jackman and O’Connell, 2017, p. 5)
Since Desiree’s death, her mother has filed a lawsuit in Cook County that alleges that
Backpage.com created an online marketplace for child sex traffickers and contends the
company facilitated child sex trafficking by assisting traffickers in the wording of their
advertisements to avoid detection by law enforcement (Zoesko, 2017).
The actions of Backpage have opened the door for changes to current legislation.
The Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017 is moving slowly through Congress, as an
Amendment to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to ensure that websites
that knowingly or recklessly facilitate sex trafficking can be held liable. Surprisingly, at
the beginning of this fight there were some tech companies, like Google, supporting
Backpage. Google seemed to have a vague, poorly grounded fear that closing the
loophole would open the way to frivolous lawsuits and investigations and lead to a
slippery slope that would damage its interests and the freedom of the Internet (Kristof,
2017). Google has since gained a better understanding and now supports the government
in this change. Backpage is not the only website where young girls are sold openly. This
is just one example of this issue that has been publicly argued in the news. Latonero,
conducted research on the websites that posted sex for sale and quickly identified that the
task to conduct this type of research was not possible for anyone to do manually. He
states, “As the size of data set increases, it approaches limits that exceed the human
capacity to comprehend, thus making automated data collection, filtering, flagging,
aggregating, and storing via computer processing a necessity” (Latonero, 2011).
Moving beyond on-line websites that post ads for sex, there is social media. Many
people around the world (especially young people) use social media to communicate and
network with family and friends, in addition to meeting new people and entering into
relationships. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Xbox Live, and chat rooms can also lead to
sex trafficking. Youth are the most vulnerable on these sites because they discuss so
much about their feelings in these public forums. Traffickers look for the ones that appear
to be down and out, seeking friendships, or upset with their home live to befriend. When
young people feel that they have no one in their corner, anyone that listens can easily
become a trusted friend. Any of these platforms can be used with smartphones,
computers, or tablets so it is difficult for parents or law enforcement to track their usage.
An example of this situation was reported in the New Haven Register. The U.S.
Attorneys General presented this example in the trial of Edward Thomas. Edward
Thomas, 41, of New York, was convicted of sex trafficking minors in 2015. He
reportedly used Facebook, Instagram, and text messages to communicate with minor
victims and advertise them for sex work in Connecticut. He is serving a 17.5-year
sentence in federal prison for sex trafficking minors in Milford (Hearst Communications,
2017).
Latonero (2012) believes that information collected from cellphones and mobile
networks can provide a trail of information and evidence that can be a powerful tool in
identifying, tracking, and prosecuting traffickers. Mobile technologies can also be used to
reach vulnerable communities and raise public awareness. Another way to view the
advancement in technology where human trafficking is involved, is that it aids the
trafficker in growing his business, but it can also be used for anti-trafficking efforts and
should be considered by law enforcement, policymakers, and activists as they develop
strategies to combat human trafficking in the United States and worldwide (Latonero,
2012).
Case Study 4: Possible Uses of the Money made in Human Trafficking
Throughout conducting research for this study, it has been recognized that there is
much money earned by traffickers (Belser, 2005, U.S. Department of State, 2017). Just
like there is no way to justify the number of victims, there is also no way to account for
the money made in human trafficking because it is an illegal underground business. That
is easy to understand because unlike a product or service sold only once, people can be
sold over and over again. The human trafficking business functions just like any other
legitimate business, it is all about supply and demand. This case study addresses how
some of that money may be disbursed.
Several researchers and organizations that have tried to estimate how much
money human traffickers earn. The number is not as important in combatting this crime
as saving the victims of the crime. Because preventing human trafficking from occurring
is the priority for stakeholders, and protecting and rescuing any victims from the crime,
there has been virtually no research into where the money goes that is made from the
crime. At best, traffickers have a cost for this crime as they often have to relocate their
victims quickly and, in some cases, the trafficker has to pay off others along the way for
fake documentation or entry into a market. Additionally, they also have to provide
minimum cost of maintaining the victims in a condition where they can work for them.
Financial institutions in the United States have an obligation to review
transactions that are abnormal for an account. In evaluating whether certain transactions
are suspicious and/or related to human smuggling or trafficking, financial institutions are
encouraged to share information with one another, as appropriate, under Section 314(b)
of the USA PATRIOT Act. 5. This Section “establishes a voluntary information sharing
mechanism allowing financial institutions to share information with one another
regarding possible terrorist activity or money laundering and provides financial
institutions with the benefit of a safe harbor from liability that might not otherwise exist
with respect to the sharing of such information.”
Thus, suspected money laundering involving the proceeds of human smuggling or
human trafficking activity could be shared amongst financial institutions under Section
314(b) (United States Department of the Treasury, 2014). The criminal act does not stop
traffickers from using the money made to fund other illegal activities, it simply means
that they are finding other methods to either turn illegal money into legitimate business
ventures or funding other illegal activities without leaving clear trails of the use of the
money.
Case Study 5: Public Health Issues that Arise from Human Trafficking
The last case study in this research addresses the reality that victims of human
trafficking face health issues that may be physical, mental, or both. Some of these health
issues are irreversible for the victims and sometimes changes the lives of the people in
the community. Health risks are associated for both forms of human trafficking, sex and
labor. Women, men, and children are trafficked into many forms of labor and vulnerable
to a range of occupational health risks, which vary by sector. The risks can include poor
ventilation and sanitation; extended hours; repetitive-motion activities; poor training in
use of heavy or high-risk equipment; chemical hazards; lack of protective equipment;
heat or cold extremes; and airborne and bacterial contaminants. Exposure to such risk
factors can result in exhaustion, dehydration, repetitive-motion syndromes, heat stroke or
stress, hypothermia, frostbite, accidental injuries, respiratory problems and skin
infections (Zimmerman and Hossain, 2011, and IOM/UNGIFT, 2009).
The 2017 TIP Report explained that the health issues which victims of human
trafficking endure often include unsanitary and dangerous work environments, poor
living conditions, substandard nutrition, exposure to sexually transmitted and other
communicable diseases, and the denial of access to any health care. Victims of trafficking
also frequently suffer physical and mental abuse resulting in physical, sexual, and
psychological trauma.
For both children and adults, unsanitary and crowded living conditions, coupled
with poor nutrition, foster a host of adverse health conditions. In forced labor cases, long
hours and hazardous working conditions including poor training, proximity to dangerous
chemicals, lack of personal protective equipment, and financial or physical punishment,
including sexual assault, can cause or contribute injuries and illnesses. Sex trafficking
victims are exposed to pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually
transmitted infections. Human traffickers may force pregnant victims to undergo
abortions, usually in unsafe conditions, posing further trauma and health risks. In addition
to physical harm suffered, the range of recurrent emotional and psychological abuse
victims often experience can lead to a host of disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and
panic attacks (United States Department of State, 2017).
Aside from the victims who are harmed, there is also harm brought to the
communities in which these victims work and live. Unaddressed health issues, which
may have been treatable if detected early, can become more aggressive and severely
degenerate the individual’s health. Even after leaving a trafficking situation, survivors
face health risks and consequences that last for many years. Chronic health conditions
may become more serious for survivors of trafficking because they do not have access to
adequate health care and medical treatment. Untreated conditions, especially contagious
illnesses, can threaten the health of the individual victims, as well as the collective health
condition of their communities (United States Department of State, 2017). The men and
women who participate in the sexual exploitation of these victims are directly responsible
for any diseases that they carry home to loved ones because of their careless adventures
with strangers.
Healthcare providers are important in the fourth P, partnership, in this fight
against human trafficking. To help combatting this crime they need training in the
identification of victims to direct them for the appropriate treatment, which may include
physical and mental treatment. Assisting victims in their healthcare is a major step in
them transitioning from victim to survivor. This takes a lot of time, so healthcare
providers collaborating with organizations to help the victim’s journey makes sense.
Summary
This study was conducted to explain and understand how human trafficking
threatens the safety of people who live in the communities and the security of those
communities throughout the United States. In the United States the paradigm followed is
the “4Ps,” prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership. Five case studies were
developed to determine if this question could be answered. Based on the findings, victims
of human trafficking, regardless of age, gender, or geographical location, are threaten
personally by the act of trafficking. The Department of State uses as their tool the TIP
report to communicate on the global impact that human trafficking has on the lives of its
victims
A review of the data demonstrated that victims lose their personal security while
working in unsafe places, exposed to various health issues, and lose their human rights
and the ability to receive fair wages for the work they perform. The use of technology,
and possibly the use of profits made from human trafficking, help to spread trafficking
throughout communities and affect the personal security of those that live and work in
those communities. These issues faced by victims and communities support the issue that
human trafficking threatens the safety of people throughout the United States as well as,
globally.
Several transnational crimes harm people every day. This research focused on the
crime of human trafficking and the ways in which it harms people throughout the United
States. This chapter reviewed some of the issues that arise when people become victims
of human trafficking. The next chapter provides interpretations of what was identified in
the case studies in this chapter, limitations while conducting this research,
recommendations for addressing those issues and implications for further research in
addressing the prevention of human trafficking and assisting victims in becoming
survivors of this crime.
Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Introduction
The purpose of the study was to explain how human trafficking threatens the
security of people living in the United States. Using a qualitative, multi-case-study design
helped determine that women, men, and children were recruited, sold, and abused
throughout the United States. The 13th amendment ended slavery in December of 1865 in
the United States; however, today the United States and other countries face what has
been termed “modern day slavery,” or human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims
Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 is the federal law that guides the fight against human
trafficking in the United States. As changes occur, this law has been amended several
times. As demonstrated in the case studies presented in this study, the nature of this crime
becomes more sophisticated everyday (Department of State, 2017). All states have
developed and implemented anti-trafficking laws to aid in the fight against human
trafficking, which allows prosecution of traffickers, and to assist victims of trafficking in
their recovery phase (National Congress of State Legislatures, 2017).
The theoretical framework of this study relied upon two theories, the human
security theory, and the theory of victimology. The theory on human security was
selected for this study based on the argument made by the Commission on Human
Security (CHS) as they identified that a new paradigm was needed to meet today’s
security needs. According to CHS, human security complements state security, enhances
human rights, and strengthens human development. It seeks to protect people against a
broad range of threats to individuals and communities and, further, to empower them to
act on their own behalf Commission on Human security, 2003, p.2). In addition to human
security, Mendelsohn’s theory of victimology is helpful for this research. The theory of
victimology is an emerging theory used to assist victims in their recovery. In the United
States, prosecutors are beginning to collect assets from traffickers to assist victims in
treatment and to assist them in gaining their lives back.
For centuries, the United States has focused on national security, which normally
includes the military and protection of the states. In this new age, there is need to provide
security at a lower level, the person, since more criminal acts are occurring at this level.
State and local law enforcement face these crimes on a daily basis. Therefore, the idea of
security must shift to a new paradigm, especially when combatting human trafficking.
Ensuring that individuals are safe in their environments and are secure in enjoying their
freedom and human rights, must become part of the United States’ national security
strategy.
After collecting, analyzing, and coding data, key findings showed that the United
States method of focusing on the 4Ps—prevention, protection, prosecution, and
partnering—is an appropriate method that needs to be exercised at the state and local
levels of government, to secure individuals from the abuses of human trafficking. This
chapter reviews the interpretation of the findings, limitations of the study,
recommendations, implications, and end with the conclusion of this study.
Interpretation of the Findings
The findings from this research are presented in a format aligned with the “4Ps”
believed to be appropriate in addressing human trafficking.
Theme 1: Prevention. The purpose of the study was to explain how human
trafficking threatens the security of people living in the United States. Networks just like
any other global business often run illegal transnational operation. Often, when people
think of human trafficking they think of women and girls working in the sex trade. Sex
trafficking succeeds mostly because of the demand for young girls. As exposed in the
examples presented earlier in this study, these young people maybe misidentified,
prosecuted for improper crimes, and abused further.
However, this study has also recognized the fact that labor trafficking occurs just
as often as sex trafficking. Labor trafficking goes unnoticed for reasons such as, it
involves domestic workers kept behind closed doors, occurs at the lowest levels of
production of goods, or in industries in which the average American does not want the
job, because of the hazardous conditions or filthiness of the work. Poor working
conditions and unprotected sexual acts can be the cause for the spread of infectious
diseases in a community. Human trafficking has no boundaries; as Bales and Soodalter
have identified, and confirmed by the TIP Reports that slaves to human trafficking are
found in all 50 states (Bales and Soodalter, 2006).
Legislation plays a big role in the prevention of human trafficking. The federal
government has developed the strategy of fighting this crime by facilitating their efforts
in what is termed the “4Ps” - prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership.,
Throughout this research it became clear that the states have adopted this same approach
in saving victims of human trafficking. Prevention is the first step in combatting
trafficking because the more stakeholders learn and understand about this heinous crime,
the fewer victims there are to rescue.
Educating the public in general raises awareness that this issue surrounds them
and enables people the opportunity to become involved. Parents of teens especially need
to learn more about the various applications and websites frequently visited by their
children. While parental controls are in place for young children, the most vulnerable
group, teenagers, tend to fall prey to human trafficking at a faster rate. Technology plays
a vital role in advocating sexual exploitation. Hodge (2008) states that the Internet fosters
the exploitation of young women and girls in areas where prostitution is either legal or
more likely to be tolerated without question.
Theme 2: Protection. Protection is the next theme that became evident in the
findings. The number one barrier in protecting individuals from becoming victims is the
ability to identify at risk individuals. Through this research, all levels of government,
service providers, and health care workers state that it is difficult to identify victims.
Training becomes imperative for those in a position to protect those who become victims
of human trafficking. Misidentification of victims can cause further harm by the systems
and laws trying to protect them from traffickers. The story of Cyntoia Brown is just one
example of what could happen to any young person. No one knows for sure what the
circumstances were that has her serving a life sentence for murder, but if she really was
being pimped out when she was sixteen, that means that she received punishment twice
for conduct not of her choosing.
Since state laws govern the crime of human trafficking, it is important that local
law enforcement receive training to recognize signs of human trafficking. Domestic
Minor Sex Trafficking is modern-day slavery of children, and those most vulnerable to
becoming victims in this country are American children (Kotria, 2010). Two examples
were provided in this study along with information from peer-reviewed journals. These
young people did not fully understand the situation they faced, so they were not likely to
ask for help even when the opportunity presented itself. Victim identification is difficult
in any form of trafficking, but especially for this group. Once identified, victims of
trafficking require the help from law enforcement and social services to protect them
from further abuse. Education is required for all stakeholders to do a better job of
protecting victims.
Theme 3: Prosecution. The TVPA is the law developed at the federal level of
government to combat human trafficking. Because it is normally the state that prosecutes
traffickers accused of this crime it is imperative that they have prosecution laws in place
to assist the victims in restitution and to prosecute the traffickers. Traffickers often enter
into this business because the risk of being caught is low. Prosecution is often difficult
because the victims are afraid to testify or tend to disappear. Another reason it is difficult
to prosecute is because technology is so sophisticated that some digital trails that could
lead to traffickers are removed or encrypted, thereby making it harder for law
enforcement to gain access to data needed to do their jobs.
State Attorneys General have become a major voice in assisting local law enforcement
in prosecuting traffickers. This fight though, involves not just the trafficker, but also the
tech companies that host the websites where sex is sold and the companies that have
developed social media apps that reach global communities. Partnerships are currently
being developed among the technical sector, businesses, and government to address this
issue. Again, for this to be successful, not only are partnerships required to share
information, but it will also require constant training of those in positions to prosecute
offenders.
Theme 4: Partnership. In 2010, the Department of State determined that success
in the fight against human trafficking would not occur until partnerships formed with
stakeholders from various areas. Today, it is more important than ever. Stakeholders can
be any organization in any industry or any community in any geographical location.
Communication is vital to sharing data. There are several platforms where people gather
to discuss their barriers and successes in combatting trafficking. However, it is just as
important that the information be disseminated to local levels where victims receive
assistance once found. Those who are on the front lines rescuing the victims, those
writing new laws, those who are prosecuting traffickers, and those helping victims to
become survivors must find creative ways to share what they know. Training is the tool
of choice at this stage as it allows stakeholders to teach and learn from each other. To
utilize the “4Ps” to benefit people from becoming victims of human trafficking, laws,
policies, funding, training, and awareness campaigns must constantly be reviewed and
updated to incorporate the changes surrounding human trafficking.
The conceptual framework for this study was based on the theories of human
security and victimology. The United States military is the first line of defense when
states are engaged during war or any acts of terrorism. However, just as important is the
protection of the people that live within the states. The United Nations suggests that
governments integrate human security into their security plans to compliment state
security. The United Nations Human Security Unit explains why this change in security
is necessary:
First, human security is a response to the complexity and the interrelatedness of
both old and new security threats—from chronic and persistent poverty to ethnic
violence, human trafficking, climate change, health pandemics, international
terrorism, and sudden economic and financial downturns. Second, human security
is required as a comprehensive approach that uses the wide range of new
opportunities to tackle such threats in an integrated manner. Human security
threats cannot be tackled through conventional mechanisms alone. Instead, they
require a new consensus that acknowledges the linkages and the
interdependencies between development, human rights, and national security.
(Human Security Unit, 2009, p. 5)
In addition to human security, Mendelsohn’s theory of victimology is referenced
as a method to address anyone that may become of human trafficking. Victimology
focuses on the study of victims’ behavior after the incident and through recovery. The
governmental agencies try to assist the victim during this process (Dussich, 2006). Based
on the results of the research, human security is needed for individuals to prevent them
from becoming victims. However, if they are unfortunate to become victims then those in
a position to help them can benefit from understanding how to do so if they integrate
victimology into their strategic plans for recovery.
Limitations of the Study
This research was ultimately limited due to the data available for public review
concerning victims of human trafficking, particularly information regarding the
prosecution of traffickers in which details of the crime would have been exposed.
Because this study was about the security threats in communities in which trafficking
occurs, information regarding those prosecuted would have provided information about
the way they trap vulnerable people into the trafficking lifestyle. Additionally, because
arrests occur with local law enforcement, information regarding how they address human
trafficking would have been helpful especially since there is a problem with victim
identification. The population involved in human trafficking is a protected class and
would have required special approval from the IRB committee. Additionally, there is no
central database containing detailed information about victims of human trafficking, as
each organization that helps to combat this crime have developed its own methodologies
for tracking such information. Further research would benefit from including
organizations, specifically in the practice of locating or assisting victims of human
trafficking, to obtain their feedback on areas of improvement in collecting and reporting
on information regarding victims.
Recommendations for Future Research
This research was a qualitative, multi-case study designed to address a gap in the
literature regarding human trafficking and security threats to people in the United States.
The results of this research have begun to fill the knowledge gap concerning the security
issues that arise from human trafficking. To expand on this research, a study could be
conducted as part of an educational program as a state project in each state. This program
would serve the organizations in that state by providing areas for improvement and in the
implementation of policy changes and would be beneficial in developing methods of
victim identification.
Implications
The findings of this research have several implications for positive social change.
•Elected officials should build more partnerships between local government,
NGOs, businesses, community leaders, and social service providers to work
within smaller communities to educate and share their knowledge about the
topic.
•Educators could implement a curriculum where this topic can be discussed as
a part of the physical education core, as it would address safety issues for
teens. Social workers within school systems would learn more about this topic
and make be available for students to contact if they had further questions or
concerns regarding this subject. This would build trust within and between
communities. Additionally, students attending schools to become social
service workers should be taught how to identify victims as a part of their
curriculum.
•State and local governments should provide funding for law enforcement to
have training in technology and victim identification.
•State budgets could provide funding sources for organizations that assist
victims of trafficking.
•State and local lawmakers provide a way for policy changes to take place that
would include the voice of victims to ensure that the changes open doors for
preventing more victims from falling prey to human trafficking.
•Local law enforcement should increase community involvement holding
informational trainings at local churches, libraries, and community centers.
•State government should develop a methodology that permits sharing of data
collected to identify victims and the treatment that they need and are receiving
to improve their recovery.
•State and local law enforcement should oversee policy changes to account for
the DMST, to prevent them from prosecution in the criminal justice system.
Conclusion
Human trafficking is a crime that has harmed many people. This criminal activity
is not easy to eliminate. This research was performed to identify if there was a security
threat to individuals when human trafficking is occurring in communities. All women,
men, and children have the right to personal security within the communities in which
they live and work. Criminal laws must become stronger to let traffickers know that their
actions have a high risk associated when they choose to abuse other humans. Often when
research is conducted on any topic quantifying the numbers is a top priority. Research
concerning human trafficking requires a different focus because one victim is too many.
Everyone deserves the right to live with dignity and without fear of losing his or her
freedom or being assaulted. This research identified two major issues that keep human
trafficking flourishing: a) difficulty in victim identification and b) a need to provide the
appropriate training and tools for law enforcement in addressing this issue. There are
other barriers in combatting human trafficking, such as keeping up with technological
changes, providing funding for service providers of victims, and states having the ability
to keep laws updated to reflect societal changes. All of these issues need to be addressed,
understanding that geographical locations may vary how to address these issues.
The question of how prevalent human trafficking is in the United States is a
question not directly answered in this study. The research was able to identify that human
trafficking occurs in the United States, but there is really no way to determine how
prevalent it is. There are several reasons for this response. There is no central point of
collecting data on human trafficking. There is no uniform method concerning how the
data are collected. Changes in society and technology are so rapid that there is no way to
determine what the best method may be. Rapid changes in society require that each day
there is more to learn about this topic. Without collaboration among multiple
stakeholders, it is difficult to quantify how often and where it occurs. As each
governmental agency and organizations that have taken on various roles in this fight
continue to work within their smaller communities, the information might be relevant for
their communities. However, at a national level reporting on human trafficking using
verifiable numbers is probably an impossible task.
Combatting human trafficking at the local level is important in this fight to
prevent this crime. Victims are in local communities in which people live and work.
Sometimes those victims are family members, friends, or people living in typical
communities. First responders, law enforcement, health care providers, educators, and
social service workers are often the first people that encounter victims. Prosecutions take
place at the local level based on state laws for prosecution of sex and DMST trafficking.
State legislators elected to represent the people in local communities have a responsibility
to protect the people that voted them into office. Victims of human trafficking find
themselves in a situation having no voice or rights and in addition being abused
physically and mentally by the trafficker. Changes must take place at the lowest level,
which in this case is the local level, so that the issues that service providers, law
enforcement, and other stakeholders face can be addressed by the state and federal levels
of government. Each local community will probably face different issues. Therefore,
there is no one answer to eradicating human trafficking.
Educating people, especially young people, in local communities about human
trafficking can help in preventing and protecting victims from engaging in this crime.
Many people in modern society believe that this crime happens in other countries but not
in the United States. There is a difference between human smuggling and human
trafficking but many people do not understand the difference. A basic difference is that a
person that wants to be transported to another place looking for a better life often initiates
human smuggling. Human trafficking involves people being forced or coerced into a life
that they were not seeking and become victims controlled by their trafficker. Awareness
campaigns exist in most states, but there is no way to know if this message is reaching the
vulnerable populations that need this information. Most research focuses on human
trafficking that occurs in areas where stakeholders believe that people may be less
fortunate or less educated than others may. Again no one knows for sure, so, it is time
that any form of educating people about this crime needs to spread throughout states
regardless of the type of people living in a community. Throughout this study, it has been
identified that there is a need for continued training on this topic for all stakeholders, but
especially law enforcement because victim identification is difficult. As people become
knowledgeable about human trafficking and the dangers it presents, the chances of
reducing the number of victims becomes greater and this reduction raises the personal
security of individuals living in communities at least from becoming a victim of human
trafficking.
The reality is that people that become victims of human trafficking are often
mentally and physically abused. They often will not completely heal from their abuse.
They may recover from the physical abuse at some point but they will never forget the
trauma that they have experienced. Everyone deserves the right to feel safe in his or her
environment.
