Root Cause

Of all the significant challenges listed above, the trafficker’s willful decision to profit by using force, fraud, and/or coercion to lure their victims and force them to work or prostitute is the root cause.There are many causes of human trafficking: poverty, lack of education, immigration policy, drug addiction, fractured families, and lack of good job opportunities. Demand for cheap goods leads to a demand for cheap labor.

How Human Traffickers Succeed

Traffickers ”groom” victims by gaining their trust. They use fake flattery, gifts, and insincere romance. Then the traffickers use a variety of
techniques to “condition” victims, including subjecting them to
starvation, rape, gang rape, physical abuse, threats of violence toward the victim’s family, and/or forced drug and alcohol use.

The trafficked victim is brainwashed into believing they are worthless and that nobody wants them anymore. This makes victims terrified to flee the abductor.

Human trafficking spans all demographics, however, runaway and homeless youth are especially vulnerable to trafficking. They are approached by traffickers at transportation hubs, shelters, and public spaces, such as beaches. When foster children transition out of foster care at age 19, they have no support or financial resources and can easily become a target of sex traffickers. Traffickers have been known to circle group homes looking for victims.

Can It Be Stopped?

Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises. It is a relatively low risk crime with high profit potential. Criminal organizations are increasingly attracted to human trafficking because, unlike drugs, humans can be sold repeatedly.

All forms of human trafficking must be stopped. The resources needed to do this are beyond the reach of our parish.  Therefore, we will work to minimize the suffering of current sex trafficking victims and support their efforts to start a new life.  

Potential Victims

Protecting Your Children

Related Problems: Pornography & Massage Parlors

Sex Trafficking