Human trafficking is a ‘hidden’ crime. The majority of cases go unreported.
Human Trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery and a federal crime. It is defined as the trade in humans, most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation induced by force, fraud, or coercion.
Human trafficking is the fastest growing business of organized crime.
It is estimated more than 40.3 million people are enslaved worldwide today and almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin or destination.
The Facts
The A-M-P Model, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, states that trafficking in persons has three core elements:
1. The Act (what is done)
Recruitment, transport, harboring, receipt of persons
2. The Means (how it is done)
Threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control of the victim
3. The Purpose (why it is done)
For the purpose of exploitation, which includes sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery or similar practices
Human trafficking networks operate through a range of venues including:
- Business Fronts (massage parlors, karaoke bars, escort services, hotels)
- Residential Units (brothels, delivery’ services)
- On the street
- Domestic households/Farms/Businesses
Methods of recruitment include:
- False promises of employment, marriage, love and support
- Kidnapping or abduction
- Internet chat rooms
Methods of control include:
- Physical isolation
- Language barriers
- Debt bondage
- Physical abuse (rape, assault)
- Threats to family or deportation
- Stealing and withholding of identifying documents
Effect Seen On North Carolina
Charlotte serves as an artery for human trafficking as our city is located at the junction of two major interstates with a direct route from shipping ports.
- North Carolina is ranked as a top-10 state for human trafficking with Charlotte being the top destination
- It's estimated that more than 1,700 girls are trafficked in North Carolina each year
- 2,200 children in North Carolina are considered homeless and statistics show that 1 in 3 will be picked up by a pimp and sold within the first 48 hours of becoming homeless
