Common Misconceptions about Human Trafficking

Misconception #1: Human trafficking entails the movement/transportation of humans.

Truth #1: The majority of trafficking of human trafficking is intra-regional or domestic[1].

The definition of trafficking is often conflated with the definition of traffic. Trafficking relates more to exploitation people and profiting while violating human rights rather than forcibly transporting people.

Misconception #2: Human trafficking is much worse outside of the United States.

Truth #2: In 2021, there have been 1507 cases of human trafficking in CA alone[2]. Nevada has the current highest rate of trafficking amongst US states with 7.50 cases per 100,000 people[2].

Human trafficking severity does not necessarily correspond to the wealth of a nation. For example, Qatar is a very wealthy nation, yet it only recently had its first conviction of forced labor[3].

Misconception #3: Human trafficking is another term for sex trafficking/sexual exploitation.

Truth #3: While around ~80% is sexual exploitation, the second most common form involves forced labor (~20%)[1].

Trafficking is not just men sexually exploiting young women. In 30% of the countries studied by the UN, most of the traffickers are women[1]. These women are often driven by financial motives and are involved in sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, and human smuggling[4].

References:

1. Global report on trafficking in persons. United Nations: Office on Drugs and Crime. (2009). Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html.

2. Human trafficking statistics by state 2021. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/human-trafficking-statistics-by-state.

3. AlSharif, F. (2021, July 10). Is Qatar doing enough to fight human trafficking? - doha news: Qatar. Doha News. Retrieved September 29, 2021, from https://www.dohanews.co/is-qatar-doing-enough-to-fight-human-trafficking/.

4. Wijkman, M., & Kleemans, E. (2019). Female offenders of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Crime, Law and Social Change, 72(1), 53–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10611-019-09840-x