Human Trafficking A Modern Day Form Of Slavery - 1591 Words

Human trafficking is a billion dollar industry and is arguably the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. It exists in every country. It’s victims are both old and young, black and white, and spans every socioeconomic bracket. The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as, ‘a modern-day form of slavery involving the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain’ (What Is Human Trafficking?). While people are trafficked for a majority of reasons, the most common are sexual exploitation and forced labor. It’s estimated that the industry of human trafficking generates $11 billion dollars annually on a global scale (Ngwe, J. E., PhD., Elechi, O. O.). When we hear about human trafficking most of†¦show more content†¦Many factors can be identified that put individuals at risk of being trafficked. While there are some victims that are kidnapped and forcefully trafficked, the vast majorities are made to believ e false promises of a better life. Most victims come from low socioeconomic areas, with few opportunities available for advancement or further education within the community. Human trafficking is rampant in developing countries, especially those experiencing civil wars or any type of political instability. Wanting to escape the turmoil in their own country, many are promised jobs as nannies, maids, and waitresses only to arrive in their destination country to find it to be nothing like what they were promised. Often once they arrive, they are told they owe the trafficker an extra free that must be worked off before their passport and other documents will be returned. Them majority of victims of human trafficking are sourced from Asia, Africa, or Eastern Europe. While Western Europe, North America, as well as Asia, are popular destinations for victims of human trafficking (Ngwe, J. E., PhD., Elechi, O. O.). Another element that puts someone at risk of being trafficked is lack of familial support. Because of this, runaways, homeless, and LGBT youth are at a greater risk of being trafficked (Aronowitz, A. A.). People are trafficked for a variety of purposes. However, the most common type of human trafficking is of a sexual nature. While