Human trafficking can be defined as the forced relocation of a person with the intent to exploit this individual for a variety of purposes, be it household work or, as this paper will delve further into, forced sexual labor. Linebach et al. (2016) identify violence or suggestions of violence as a chief component of subjugation. Walking hand in hand with human trafficking is prostitution which can be both the aim of trafficking and its unfortunate side effect. This essay will examine the legal and social ramifications of this entanglement, particularly as it relates to those afflicted by these activities.

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Recognizing Human Trafficking

When it comes to intercepting and legally processing these incidents, confusion often arises among law enforcement agents as to the precise nature of the activities in question. According to Barrick et al. (2020), “local law enforcement is uninformed about human trafficking…and lack protocols tailored to trafficking” (p. 2). First and foremost, the situation is exacerbated by the reluctance of those involved to engage in the dialogue with law enforcement agencies. Additionally, fear of retaliation by former captors may discourage trafficking victims from seeking legal remedies. The unwillingness to collaborate may also be caused by either distrust or fear of authorities and the general mental strain associated with the occupation. As a result, law enforcement agents are often ineffective in identifying trafficking victims and rendering them proper aid.

Public Perception and Distinction

The perception of these activities is also subject to considerable social stigma, which equates them to a single type of socially reprehensible occupations. That being said, I would argue that it is necessary to differentiate between the two in terms of legal processing and eschew the divide when it comes to providing assistance. From a legal standpoint, I believe that trafficking victims are unambiguously the victims in the situation and should be treated accordingly, whereas those involved in voluntary prostitution may not necessarily fall into the category. From a more human perspective, both categories typically experience considerable hardship and endure severe psychological fallout that manifests itself as a slew of ailments, from PTSD to depression and rampant anxiety, according to Altun et al. (2017). In this case, I maintain that psychological and other aid should be administered regardless of circumstance. A more robust social campaign aimed at removing the stigma and availing the afflicted dignified access to help could serve to alleviate their hardship at least partially.

Justice System and Human Trafficking

My contention is that the currently standing legal treatment of both activities needs refinement. First of all, an effort should be made to provide legal status for the afflicted that shields them from reprisals by former perpetrators regardless of the victims’ legal standing. This is made more relevant by the fact that a lot of trafficking victims come from abroad, often do not speak the language and lack the knowledge of the legal system, making them even less likely to seek help. The protected status could also be complemented by a rehabilitation infrastructure that provides the victims with opportunities either to reconnect with their relatives or seek lawful employment and residence here. This recourse will work to eliminate the root cause, which either compels one to willing prostitution or makes one susceptible to traffickers who often lure victims in with the promise of employment.

Conclusion

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All things considered, human trafficking and its connection with prostitution remain a controversial topic, as does their perception and possible remedies. As of currently, the public opinion on the issue appears to be prone to stigma, the distinction between the two – to uncertainty and confusion. The resulting ambiguity renders legal process difficult and often ineffective, leaving the victims devoid of a reliable and easily accessible support system free of hostile judgement and prejudice.

References

Altun, S., Abas, M., Zimmerman, C., Howard, L. M., & Oram, S. (2017). Mental health and human trafficking: Responding to survivors’ needs. BJPsych International, 21-23. DOI: 10.1192/s205647400000163x

Barrick, K., Panichelli, M., Lambdin, B