Pimping is often glamorized in popular culture, yet there is nothing captivating about a young girl being held against her will and used for sex, turning her profits over to someone who manipulates her while possibly being transported to another state where she doesn’t know a single person.
Unfortunately, this happens daily.
Human trafficking, deemed a modern form of slavery, isn’t only a third-world problem, but is an issue that hits home. Human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world, generating roughly $150.2 billion worldwide. The U.S. Department of State says some 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked in the U.S. each year. This kind of exploitation also happens in Indiana, primarily to women and girls.
Statistics show the average age of entry into the sex trade — closely linked to human trafficking — can be as young as 12 years old. The average age of death of those involved in prostitution is 34, with homicide as the most common cause of death.
“Anyone can be a victim of trafficking, but characteristics that put someone at high risk would be a runaway, someone who is already involved in drug addiction, high poverty, broken families or girls who have already been locked up or in trouble for something else. And unfortunately simply being a youth is a risk factor,” said Jessica Evans, executive director of Purchased, an Indianapolis-based ministry that raises awareness regarding modern day slavery through education, fundraisers and presentations.
According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, within 48 hours of being on the street, at least one-third of runaways are approached for recruitment into the sex industry. An estimated one out of every six runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2014 were likely child sex trafficking victims.
Evans said typically human trafficking manifests itself as an older man “dating” a younger girl. They offer her gifts, affection and protection against potential dangers. They gain her trust and, unbeknownst to her, groom her for what is to come. She then slowly transitions into modern slavery.
“Then it’s, ‘Will you do this one thing for me.’ Once she’s involved, it’s hard to get out,” said Evans.
Pimps also use the promise of a job or the threat of physical violence to lure vulnerable girls.
Evans adds that it’s difficult to find solid numbers of girls in Indiana who are being trafficked due to the constant transporting of girls from area to area, or girls who may not identify their situation as exploitative. Further complicating the issue is the rise in boys being trafficked. Local organizations are working to not only raise awareness, but also decrease incidents of human trafficking. Local organization Restored has victim services, and the Polaris Project, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has a global safety net where agencies worldwide can develop cross-border collaborations to combat trafficking and strengthen aid for survivors.
Evans said Purchased will begin implementing its program in a local middle school this month. There, they will discuss what pimp recruitment looks like, healthy relationships and how drug addiction plays a role in human trafficking, and Purchased will provide resources for students. Purchased also has a new mentorship initiative for girls who have been trafficked.
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is deeply invested in stopping human trafficking.
“Human traffickers target the most vulnerable in our society — young girls who may have already been sexually abused or have run away from home,” said Zoeller, who serves on the National Association of Attorneys General Standing Committee Against Human Trafficking and is a part of the Indiana Protection of Abused and Trafficked Humans Task Force. “These victims could be our neighbors or our kids’ classmates, and they have likely come into contact with someone who could have helped if they recognized the signs.”
One of Zoeller’s major focuses is reducing the demand for commercial sex, which fuels trafficking. This initiative is called “Not Buying It,” which launched in early 2015.
Child pornography is also often involved in cases of trafficking. Zoeller is advocating this legislative session for tougher penalties against criminals who perpetrate some of the worst crimes against children, including those who sell or purchase children for sex and those who manufacture child pornography.
He also aims to educate the public to recognize the signs of a human trafficking victim, which include avoiding eye contact, having few personal possessions, appearing to be under the control of someone else, sometimes having been “branded” with a tattoo (if trafficked by a gang or organized crime) or being unaware of their whereabouts.
“Sometimes there’s a tribe of girls. Oftentimes they don’t self-identify as victims, because there’s a sense of family among other girls who are also trafficked. It’s an interesting loyalty,” said Evans.
Evans adds that police officers are also receiving additional training to spot trafficked workers instead of arresting them for prostitution.
In addition to the public knowing the red flags, Evans and others who advocate for youth who are taken from their families and sexually exploited for profit urge the public to join them during the month of January for National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
“During Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we want all Hoosiers to know that trafficking exists here, that prevention is possible and that they can be a part of the solution. Know the signs and call authorities if you suspect trafficking,” said Evans. “Purchased also offers opportunities for volunteering, mentorship, awareness events and financial support for those who want to be even more engaged.”
For additional information, email the Indiana Attorney General’s office at humantraffickinginfo@atg.in.gov; visit Purchased.org; or call the Indianapolis Trafficked Persons Assistance Program 24-hour hotline at (800) 928-6403, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888 or the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (800) 800-5556.
