Common Myths About Sex Trafficking (And the Truth)

 

Myth:  Traffickers mark potential victims’ cars with zip ties.

Truth:  Although abduction by a stranger is common in other countries, it rarely happens in the United States.  In the U.S. the most common tactic used by traffickers is grooming.  Trafficking groom their target using emotional and psychological manipulation, and build a perceived trusting relationship,  not parking lot kidnappings.
 

Myth:  They always use white vans with locks and bars.

Truth:  There’s no “trafficker vehicle.”  Many vans with locks are owned by tradespeople trying to protect the tools of their trade. It’s suspicious behavior, not vehicle type, that matters.
 

Myth:  Victims are physically restrained with chains or ropes.

Truth:  Invisible chains like threats, blackmail, and emotional abuse are far more common than physical restraints, which is most often seen Hollywood productions (movies).
 

Myth:  Trafficking only happens on the dark web.

Truth:  Most sex trafficking ads are openly posted on the surface web, the same internet you and your children use every day.
 

Myth:  Trafficking affects undocumented immigrants the most.

Truth:  Most U.S. trafficking victims are American citizens or are in the country legally.
 

Myth:  Buyers are always weird, creepy strangers.

Truth:  Buyers can be anyone, of all ages, races, and professions. They may even be a "friend of the family," or a "family member."  Many frequent buyers are affluent.
 

Myth:  Traffickers always kidnap their victims.

Truth:  Building trust, then betrayal, is a trafficker’s most common tactic — often online, in the safety of the victim’s own home.
 

Myth:  Only girls are trafficked.

Truth:  Boys are also trafficked. Their cases are vastly underreported.
 

Myth:  Only runaway or foster youth are trafficked.

Truth:  Vulnerabilities exist everywhere. Traffickers target anyone they can exploit, including those from stable homes.
 

Myth:  Trafficking only happens in seedy motels.

Truth:  It happens in all types of hotels, even luxury hotels - also, in homes and apartments.
 

Myth:  Victims are always with a male trafficker.

Truth:  Women, known as “Bottoms,” often help traffickers recruit and control other victims.
 

Myth:  She’s “choosing” this life.

Truth:  Victims are trapped!  Traffickers use violence, psychological manipulation, fear, intimidation and threats to harm loved ones in order to maintain full control of their victims. 

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