Socioeconomics can play a role in these vulnerabilities , and often does .
“ Socioeconomic challenges for children such as homelessness or housing instability , growing up in the foster care system , lack of food , poverty , substance abuse , history of abuse or neglect , children ’ s dependence on others to obtain basic necessities , etc . are all considered vulnerabilities in youth-based trafficking ,” Dial says . “ A trafficker will exploit any vulnerability to manipulate a potential victim .”
Substance use also can be a driver for traffickers to engage in trafficking victims to support the victim ’ s habits . The trafficker could also cross-traffic the victim , forcing them to commit other crimes such as shoplifting , panhandling or selling drugs .
“ Human trafficking is a low-risk crime for traffickers because victims are not likely to identify or self-report as a victim of human trafficking or exploitation due to factors including trauma bonding or threats made by force , fraud or coercion ,” says Dial . “ A trafficker may be a guardian who is exploiting their child to pay for drugs , or it may be someone who has been drugged continuously to make that person easier to manipulate / control and then exploit them for commercial sex . A trafficker may also be a part of a bigger criminal organization or gang affiliated as it is another way to make money .”
There are many misconceptions or myths related to human trafficking . One is that it doesn ’ t happen to people with a higher socioeconomic status . In fact , sometimes , those with a higher socioeconomic status are the perpetrators .
“ People in a higher socioeconomic status like to think these crimes will not happen to them or their community , but this is not a factor when it comes to these crimes ,” FBI Special Agent Jankowski says . “ No matter where you or your children are in society , you are just as vulnerable to these crimes as anyone else . From rich to poor , these crimes happen to all members of every society .”
Know the Signs
Human trafficking victims may present these signs . One sign alone is not indicative of human trafficking , but multiple indicators may be a cause for concern .
• They lack the freedom to leave their work or living conditions .
• They are often escorted when they travel or kept under surveillance with their communications limited or restricted .
• They may exhibit signs of abuse such as bruises , cuts , burns , scars , prolonged lack of health care or malnourishment , poor hygiene or poor dental hygiene .
• They may exhibit fear , anxiety , depression , nervousness , hostility , flashbacks or drug or alcohol addiction .
• They may avoid eye contact .
• They may not have control of their own money or identification documents .
• They may have few personal possessions .
• They may have inconsistencies in their story . Responses may seem scripted or rehearsed .
• They may be branded with tattoos , clothing or jewelry to indicate someone else ’ s ownership .
Source : WV Fusion Center
Another misconception is that males are generally always the perpetrators and not victims . A victim , just like a trafficker , can be anyone . Traffickers have been mothers and fathers , church leaders , coaches and probation officers . Likewise , buyers can also be anyone , with many being married with families at home .
“ Boys represent the fastest growing segment of identified human trafficking victims ,” says U . S . Attorney William Ihlenfeld II of the Northern District of West Virginia . “ This can adversely affect the screening of male victims and protection for them when they escape . Males are less likely to self-identify as victims due to a fear of being stigmatized .”
U . S . Attorney William Thompson of the Southern District of West Virginia adds another myth — that a child is not a trafficking victim if their parents gave consent .
“ It ’ s also a myth that it ’ s not trafficking if the trafficker showed some instances of kindness or generosity , or if the child views their trafficker as a caregiver or has not attempted to escape ,” Thompson says .
West Virginia is on par with other states as far as human trafficking in the traditional sense ; however , one major issue happening in this state is online trafficking .
“ A majority of the crimes against children do start online ,” FBI Special Agent Baushke says . “ Technology is constantly changing and forever becoming more complex , and predators online are taking advantage of that to deceive our youth
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM FALL 2023 41