January is nationally recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and January 11 marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. This month serves as a critical time to educate ourselves and others about the realities of human trafficking and to support solutions that effectively combat this horrific abuse of power.
Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that can occur in any labor sector, affecting people of all ages, genders, races, and nationalities. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as “the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” Yet, despite its complexity, trafficking is often misunderstood and sensationalized, with myths and misinformation clouding public understanding and harming survivors.
Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW), alongside other leading anti-trafficking and human rights organizations, fights to end human trafficking and exploitation through the decriminalization of consensual adult sex work. Decriminalization enables law enforcement to focus resources on genuine trafficking cases and provides avenues for survivors to seek help without fear of criminalization.
The Reality of Human Trafficking
Contrary to Hollywood’s portrayal of trafficking in popular movies like Taken and The Sound of Freedom, which depict dramatic rescues and shadowy kidnappings, the reality of human trafficking looks very different. Studies and experts in the field tell us that the majority of survivors are trafficked by people they know — family members, romantic partners, or employers. Vulnerabilities such as poverty, homelessness, LGBTQ+ identity, or immigration status frequently play a central role in creating conditions for exploitation.
Additionally, while public discourse and legislation often focus on sex trafficking, labor trafficking is far more pervasive. From agricultural fields to domestic work, trafficking occurs in sectors where labor protections are weak or non-existent. Addressing these systemic vulnerabilities is key to preventing all types of trafficking.
Why Decriminalization Matters
One of the most damaging misconceptions is the conflation of consensual adult sex work with human trafficking. This confusion often results in sex workers being treated as criminals, making it harder to identify and support actual trafficking survivors. Federal law distinguishes between sex work and trafficking, yet many local and state laws fail to do so. Decriminalizing consensual adult sex work allows survivors to access legal protections, health services, and justice without fear of arrest.
Debunking Common Myths About Human Trafficking
Misinformation and fear-mongering distort the realities of human trafficking. Here are some common myths and the truths behind them:
Myth #1: Human trafficking always involves physical force or kidnapping.
Reality: Trafficking often relies on psychological manipulation, fraud, or coercion rather than physical force. Many victims are exploited by people they know, such as family members or romantic partners.
Myth #2: Most human trafficking victims are trafficked for sex.
Reality: Labor trafficking is more prevalent globally, accounting for approximately 74% of cases, compared to 17% for sex trafficking. Yet, public attention overwhelmingly focuses on sex trafficking.
Myth #3: Trafficking only affects women and girls.
Reality: Human trafficking affects people of all genders, ages, and nationalities. Men, boys, and LGBTQ+ individuals are also trafficked, often in underreported industries like agriculture or construction.
Myth #4: Arresting sex workers helps fight trafficking.
Reality: Arresting sex workers pushes consensual work underground, making it harder to identify trafficking victims. Decriminalization fosters trust between law enforcement and communities, ensuring resources are focused on exploitation rather than consensual activities.
Myth #5: Human trafficking primarily happens at big events like the Super Bowl.
Reality: There is no evidence that trafficking rates spike during these times. Framing trafficking as tied to specific events obscures its everyday, pervasive nature. Additionally, increased police presence and sting operations during these events often result in the arrest and criminalization of consensual adult sex workers, rather than identifying and assisting trafficking victims.
Moving Forward
To effectively combat human trafficking, we must focus on addressing its root causes: poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to housing and healthcare. At DSW, we will continue to advocate for policies that protect human rights, dismantle harmful myths, and create pathways for survivors to heal and thrive.
This Human Trafficking Awareness Month, join us in challenging harmful narratives, supporting evidence-based solutions, and committing to a world free of exploitation.
To learn more about trafficking, how to combat it, and assist survivors, we encourage you to check out some of the leading anti-trafficking organizations in the country, Freedom Network USA and National Survivor Network.
