Understanding the Role of Force in Human Trafficking
While human trafficking is frequently misrepresented, misunderstood, and sensationalized, this crime has a relatively straightforward definition: Human trafficking occurs when people are exploited for the purposes of sexual and labor servitude. The person being trafficked is given something of value, (think money, food, housing, drugs, etc.) and compelled to work or engage in commercial sex through the means of force, fraud, or coercion.
This January, in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we’re breaking down the three methods traffickers use to exploit their victims: force, fraud, and coercion. Here, we’ll explore the role of force.
Let’s consider Sarah’s* story. While Sarah’s name and the details of her experience have been changed, her story is representative of the survivors AncoraTN serves every day.
Sarah grew up in a small town with very little financial stability. With both parents working multiple jobs, she often felt overlooked and alone.
By the time she was 16, Sarah longed for attention and a sense of love. This made her vulnerable to promises of a “better life” from someone she thought was a trusted friend. This “friend,” a much older man, convinced her to leave home, telling her that there was a job and other opportunities waiting for her in the city. Once she got there, everything changed.
Sarah was stripped of her phone, her identification, and any means to escape. She was forced into performing labor during the day and into sex acts with strangers at night.
Her trafficker used physical violence and psychological manipulation to keep her in line. Any attempt to resist or escape resulted in severe beatings that left scars — visible and invisible.
In this example, Sarah’s traffickers used force, or physical control and abuse, to manipulate and exploit her. This method often involves violence, threats of harm, or physical restraint to keep victims in a state of fear and submission. Traffickers may also:
Physically assault victims to break their will
Confine victims to specific locations to limit their escape
Use weapons or threats of violence against the victim or their loved ones
The use of force is intended to instill fear and maintain power, making it incredibly difficult for victims to seek help or escape their circumstances.
How You Can Help
Education is one of the most powerful tools in combating human trafficking. By sharing information, such as the role of force, you can help raise awareness and empower others to recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations.
We invite you to share AncoraTN’s social media posts (Instagram, Facebook) on this topic with your network. Together, we can spread awareness and strengthen our collective fight against human trafficking.
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at (855) 558-6484 or text “BeFree” to 233733.
AncoraTN is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping human trafficking survivors of all ages heal from their traumas and find hope for their futures. Through prevention programs, community education, and legislative advocacy, we also work to stop human trafficking before it ever begins.
