Sex Trafficking In America

Although an issue may not be obvious to the average eye, it is an issue nonetheless, and one that meets this qualification is sex-trafficking/pimp-trafficking in America. Sex-trafficking is essentially the recruitment, harboring, and obtaining of a person with the intention for commercial sex acts. The victims are dehumanized (majority are young girls, some young boys), treated like cattle, and have a high fatality rate. Unfortunately, prosecuting trafficking, can be difficult as victims are psychologically intimidated to act as witnesses and at times for those prosecuted as “pimps”, the jail time and fines are low compared to what is should be. This is an issue that Floridians should make an effort to stop, as Miami is among the top three

In America it is much more covert than other countries and typically involves a friendly figure beguiling vulnerable victims into the “business”. Historically in America, women, having been regarded as third-class citizens if regarding at all, did not have the same economic opportunities, specifically working class women. The demand for sex was highest in regions of America with gender disparities, such as the west, where brothels would crop up, typically headed by a procurer whether it was a “pimp” or “Madame” who would handle the money. In 1910, the White-Slave Traffic Act was enacted with the intention to curb the transport of women (unfortunately, it does not appear to be inclusive of all women) for “immoral” purposes. Sex-trafficking, in the form that it persists today, was not seen as a major issue by politicians until the 1990s. Today, prostitution is criminalized in most U.S. states with few exceptions in locations, but this does not combat the people who behind much of the organized operation. In America, there is a reoccurring theme of young girls from broken homes, whether there is a missing parent or parental-child discord, who

First, sex-workers should be sent to rehabilitation centers and given resources for alternative employment rather than jail in order provided the necessary support needed to break the cycle. The people manipulating the girls/boys will just find another one to replace them-jail time affects those operating under the pimp than the pimp him/herself. Secondly, there should be an increased penalty for human-traffickers, pimps, and clients. From the readings, it appears many pimps believe a little penalty, a little jail time, are just minor inconveniences that come with the territory rather than serving as a behavioral deterrent. Finally, (and this must come from the citizens) we should be aware of the signs of those who may be in these situations as well as provide the support many of the victims are missing. Oftentimes, the people that get caught in this life are looking for emotional/economic support and safety. Overall, awareness among the general public should be raised (prostitutes are not evil, but the situations they are in are, more often than not) and resources provided for those who need