Myth
Human trafficking is always or usually a violent crime.
Reality
While it can be, it normally does not involve kidnapping or physically forcing someone into a situation. In reality, most traffickers use psychological means to trick, manipulate, and threaten children.
Myth
Traffickers target victims they don’t know.
Reality
Many survivors have been trafficked by romantic partners, friends, and by family members, including parents.
Myth
Only women and girls can be victims and survivors of sex trafficking.
Reality
Men and boys are also victimized by sex traffickers. LGBTQ boys and young men are seen as particularly vulnerable to trafficking.
Myth
Human trafficking involves moving, traveling, or transporting a person across state or national borders.
Reality
Human trafficking is often confused with human smuggling, which involves illegal border crossings. The crime of human trafficking does not require any movement whatsoever. Survivors can be recruited and trafficked in their hometowns, even their own homes.
Myth
If the trafficked person consented at first and changed their mind its not considered trafficking.
Reality
Initial consent does not change the fact that a crime took place.
Myth
Victims of Human Trafficking will attempt to seek help if they are in public.
Reality
Victims often do not ask for help even in public spaces. They may fear being watched and followed by their traffickers and fear for their safety and the safety of their families if they are caught trying to leave.
Myth
People being trafficked are physically unable to leave their situations/locked in/held against their will.
Reality
This can be the case, but it is more likely that people in trafficking situations stay because they don't have the $ or transportation to leave or a safe place to go to. Some are afraid for their safety or the safety of their families.
Myth
Labor trafficking is only a problem in developing countries.
Reality
Labor trafficking occurs in the United States and in other developed countries but is reported at lower rates than sex trafficking.
Myth
People in active trafficking situations always want help getting out.
Reality
Every trafficking situation is different. Fear, isolation, guilt, shame, misplaced loyalty and expert manipulation are among the many factors that may keep a person from seeking help or identifying as a victim even if they are being actively trafficked.
Myth
Runaways are more likely to choose a "prostitution lifestyle."
Reality
People ages 16 years and older* can legally consent to sexual activity. Teens between the ages of 13 - 15* can consent to sexual activities with peers within a 4-year age range. No one chooses sexual slavery.
Myth
Human Trafficking only happens in cities.
Reality
Human Trafficking happens right here in Delaware County.
Myth
I've never met or known someone who was a victim of trafficking.
Reality
Unfortunately, you probably do.