Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 1

Sex Trafficking and Illegal Prostitution

Webster University
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 2

Executive Summary

• Issue Presented

The issue presented throughout this article concerns the accumulating rates of sex trafficking, the

second largest criminal industry in the world and affecting more than thirty million people, and

illegal prostitution throughout the United States. By gathering evidence from numerous scholars

and authors, nearly each one of them had a different definition presented within their research of

what sex trafficking truly is (Perkins & Ruiz, 2017). Sex trafficking is known to many as

inhumane. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act describes sex trafficking as “a commercial

sex act [that] is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform

such act has not attained 18 years of age” (Heil & Nichols, 2014). Prostitution is very similar to

sex trafficking, except prostitution is more known for being voluntary and not forced by a

trafficker. Although it may be voluntary, prostitutes usually don’t fall into a good lifestyle when

they chose this path. Many people will argue that if prostitution was legalized worldwide, the

rates of sex trafficking would decrease. I use research and evidence to back up my policy

proposal that will prove the legalization of prostitution won’t deter the rate of sex trafficking as

much as one may think.

• Causation of the Issue

Traffickers, also known as ‘Johns’, use many different techniques and tactics to sell their

‘business’, which are their victims. The use of internet has become the number one area that

they sell victims and gather clients. The issue with sex trafficking is that most of their victims

aren’t even at 18 years of age, just barely teenagers. My policy claims that the United States

needs to implement harsher penalties on sex trafficking and be more aware of what is going on.

Becoming tougher on traffickers will encourage victims to speak up, having faith that their
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 3

perpetrator will be caught. I have included information regarding The Trafficking Victims

Protection Act, The Act of Prohibition on Sex Trafficking, the H.R. 3887, and the Mann Act

upon many other scholarly articles. The causation for sex trafficking is because it’s quick, fast

and usually a large sum of money for barely any work by the trafficker or John. Also, prostitutes

may live with their John or pimp, who will give them a ‘luxurious’ lifestyle such as pedicures

and taking them to hair salons. There are also numerous sex work advocates who have fought

for legal prostitution and who still actively work in the industry.

• Target Population

The target population of sex trafficking is really anyone. The most common are young females,

immigrants, and women. Usually, young women are involved in prostitution, but there can be

men within sex trafficking and prostitution also.

• Defining Reasonable Authority

Creating more awareness of sex trafficking worldwide is the most important step. People aren’t

aware of how frequently this happens and that it happens right outside their own homes.

Professionals must realize that social interaction with these victims is the key for them to want

and accept help. Social workers can play a huge role, as they provide resources and services.

The House of Representatives also could pass policies that are tougher on traffickers and pimps.

• Procedures and Provisions of the Policy

Law enforcement officials should be more aware of prostitution and sex trafficking. By

monitoring the popular areas, traffickers are more likely to be caught. There has to be an increase

in undercover officers to catch these criminals. The court must be able to gather evidence that

crime as committed. If the victim is under the age of 18, it's sex trafficking. Continuous efforts,

education, and awareness will decrease sex trafficking and illegal prostitution rates.
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 4

Sex Trafficking and Illegal Prostitution

Known as the second largest criminal industry worldwide, sex trafficking is known to

affect more than thirty million people and has many different definitions and terms. (Perkins and

Ruiz, 2017). Overall, sex trafficking is illegal and inhumane. As defined by The Trafficking

Victims Protection Act (TVPA), sex trafficking is "a commercial sex act [that] is induced by

force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18

years of age" (Heil & Nichols, 2014). Even if the child is sixteen years of age and agrees to have

sex for a profit, he or she cannot legally be a prostitute because they are not over the age of

eighteen. Prostitution is another issue within the United States that is somewhat very similar to

sex trafficking. The difference between prostitution and sex trafficking is that prostitution is

more likely to be voluntary by the female or victim themselves. Some individuals decide to sell

their bodies to make a profit and to make a living. Sex trafficked victims are forced, drugged,

raped. Prostitutes usually fall into the hole of drugs, gangs and a violent lifestyle also. Many

studies have been done to determine if the legalization of prostitution would limit the rates of sex

trafficking. Nevada is the only U.S. State that has legalized prostitution. They have legal

brothels everywhere new Las Vegas, Nevada. I have incorporated material that covers sex

trafficking, prostitution, issues within the legal system and an abundance of information

regarding this issue.

Problems this Policy Aims at Solving

Plaguing the United States, and the entire world around us, human sex trafficking has

become a widespread issue that has been publicized and politically noticed more often now than

ever before. Traffickers have found various different routes to take to gather clients, advertise
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 5

their victims, and even promote children. They use websites, such as Backpage.com, word of

mouth on the streets and even advertisements in the community newspaper. (Heil & Nichols,

2014). Policymakers and law enforcement have tirelessly worked to shut down these websites

that promote sex trafficking by advertisements. Although this is a positive aspect of what has

occurred thus far in attempting to lower rates of sex trafficking, traffickers have now found low-

profile online advertising sites, such as change.com, social media websites and even slang terms

on advertisement sites. (Heil & Nichols, 2014). My policy proposal examines sex trafficking

and prostitution. Will legalizing prostitution in all fifty states lower the rate of sex trafficking?

The United States needs to implement harsher penalties on sex trafficking and be more aware of

what is going on. By getting tougher on traffickers, encouraging victims to speak up and step

forward and by determining if the legalization of prostitution would limit illegal sex trades, my

policy will decrease illegal sex trafficking. The main focus of my policy is to aim at convicting

traffickers with harsher penalties. Included is information regarding The Trafficking Victims

Protection Act, The Act of Prohibition on Sex Trafficking, the H.R. 3887, and the Mann Act.

As mentioned, the internet is the number one source traffickers use to sell sex to buyers.

Studies show that in 2008, there were 2,800 reports of advertisements that attempted to sell

women and children for sexual services. (Heil & Nichols, 2014). Trafficking has higher rates in

certain areas, but in many studies that have been conducted, it has been found that trafficking

advertisements occur most frequently online. By using the internet, traffickers have the potential

to get clientele from anywhere in the world. Police and law enforcement are able to access these

websites and gather evidence to help save these victims. Anyone can access the dark web, which

is a website that many illegal things are sold. By law enforcement accessing these websites and
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 6

staying up-to-date with any new information, they may be able to identify a missing person who

has been kidnapped and now is sex-trafficked out.

Heil and Nichols use information from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and

their actions of searching suspicious ads on websites, such as the dark web. An example used

within their research study is the St. Louis officers noticed a young female who was supposedly

nineteen years of age with out-of-state area code. The police pretended to be an interested buyer,

met the trafficker at a local hotel and arrested him and saved the young girl. (Heil & Nichols,

2014). By law enforcement monitoring these websites that sex trafficking is on, they can prevent

a further crime of trafficking. The victim of this trafficker reports that she had been trafficked

out for nearly six months, was emotionally, physically and psychologically abused and the

trafficker even broke her nose when she was not cooperating. There are many reasons

traffickers, also known as Johns, use the internet for their business. Many websites are free of

charge, a lot of them are popular and have many people viewing them, and also using the internet

to promote sex trafficking is actually legal for the John. (Heil & Nichols, 2014). Yes, it is legal

for the John. This is true because the trafficker will use certain language to sell ‘dates' to frame

what is really happening. As mentioned, law enforcement and officials worked endlessly to shut

down websites that promoted the sale of sex trafficking and prostitution, but studies revealed that

these traffickers still sold services on other websites by just using different slang. Some of these

services were sold under therapeutic massages. There have been signs that are pointed out to

determine if it's trafficking though, such as there not being an option to enter a payment method

via the internet. An issue that has been noticed with shutting down these sites is that Johns has

thought up different ideas to advertise their women. One example is that they place fliers around

certain areas of the city for a ‘party'. This flyer will identify a location, time and crowd that will
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 7

be present. When traffickers were able to post women on websites, officials were more likely

able to locate these victims and make arrests on the perpetrators.

Another issue with sex trafficking and prostitution is that many young individuals who

find themselves involved with these two issues usually has been a part of social services. An

example of this is a young child who grew up in numerous foster homes. Some of the victims

are juvenile delinquents who had no parental supervision and wanted to grow up too quickly,

thinking some man could ‘save their life’. If a young girl is getting physically or sexually

abused, her self-worth may not be as it should be. When someone is feeling helpless, they

usually are willing to do anything to fill a gap in their happiness. Gathering a solid grasp on

cracking down on traffickers and Johns is a goal that criminal agencies should aim towards, as

many people are being trafficked out all of the time.

Sexually Transmitted Infections are at an all-time high within the United States. Minsoo

Jung conducted a study regarding South Korean women involved in sex trafficking and

prostitution and the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). Due to the high rates of

STI’s among women in South Korea and many other aspects, the Act of Prohibition on Sex

Trafficking (PST Act) was passed in 2005. (Jung, 2017). Female sex workers were either full-

time female sex workers who are cycled through sex trafficking and there are also women who

work at establishments that offer prostitution as a ‘side-business’, known as brothels, while the

establishment sells alcohol or other forms of entertainment. (Jung, 2017). Jung conducted a

comparative national survey among sixteen women who are connected to sex trafficking more

than being employed at brothels. He used this information in collaboration with the Korea

Federation for HIV/AIDS Prevention. Jung implemented time location sampling, where he

could gather women at certain locations and certain times to participate in his survey. There
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 8

were two surveys conducted, one in 2008 and the other in 2014. In 2008, there were roughly

1,083 respondents and in 2014 nearly 926 respondents. (Jung, 2017). The individual survey was

roughly fifteen minutes each. With permission from the women, lab tests such as urine samples

and blood samples were collected by a physician and laboratory technician. The survey

considered past results of participants who were already infected with active syphilis and/or

gonorrhea. The age range of the participants from both the 2008 study and 2014 study ranged

from twenty to thirty years of age. Nearly seventy-five percent of participants were recent high

school graduates, just barely eighteen years of age. (Jung, 2017). The percentage of women who

had an STI in 2008 was significantly higher than those who had an STI in 2014. Although these

rates dropped within the study, STI's are still a very contagious disease. (Jung, 2017). South

Korea's legislation of the PST Act is believed to have had a significant effect on STI rates. If the

United States could implement some type of measures such as South Korea, there may be a drop

in STI rates.

Causes of being involved with sex trafficking are very severe, as they create numerous

issues with mental health. Victims could have anxiety, not knowing what the client may do to

them. They may resort to substance abuse to forget about what occurs in their daily lives. Or,

they may be addicted to drugs because their John forces drugs on them. Stress disorders may

develop because these victims may not be sure they will make it another day with the conditions

they are forced to live in. Once a victim is identified and returned back to society, they may

have severe post-traumatic-stress-disorder fearing what could happen in their future. Victims

may possess self-harming behaviors due to not wanting to be known as a sex trafficked victim.

As stated, some victims may contract an STI they cannot get cured, such as genital herpes or
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 9

genital warts. Human sex trafficking has been referred to society's new form of slavery, and

there are many reasons, stories, and evidence to back up that statement.

Causes of Sex Trafficking and Prostitution

There are many causes of sex trafficking and prostitution. As mentioned above, my

policy is trying to solve the growing rate of sex trafficking and illegal prostitution by becoming

tougher on sex trafficking and prostitution laws. There are many problems associated with these

two aspects. People are always wanting to make money and have financial support. There are

also many people in the World who are not willing to work for money and want it quickly and

easily. Issues also arise when the prosecution places factual evidence before the courts. It can

be very difficult to actually prove force, fraud or coercion. (Elrod, 2015). Also, victims of sex

trafficking may not want to testify against their pimp, as they feel they are in a relationship with

the pimp. Pimps will keep all of the victims' earnings but pay for them to receive luxuries such

as manicures and pedicures, hair salon visits, free drugs and the feeling of being loved. These

pimps ‘spoil' their victims to keep the victims from turning against them and to keep profit

flowing in. The victims may not feel like they have ever had a sense of love, support or family

connection. By being a part of illegal prostitution or sex trafficking, they are intertwined with

other victims the pimp has control over and the pimp. Created are a sense of belonging, love and

the feeling of being wanted. Some victims do not want to give up the life the pimp has created

for them because they would rather live the brainwashed lifestyle instead of receiving help. In

contrast, pimps may threaten their victims that if they rat on them they will kill the victim and his

or her family. This is a scare tactic used by many traffickers, threatening victims of their horrific
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 10

business. Victims may also be addicted to drugs, making it difficult to make any decisions

themselves at all.

Also, as mentioned in John Elrod’s article, sex-work advocates who are involved in the

commercial sex industry may claim that they are exercising their right to work in an agency of

their choice. (Elrod, 2015). Sex-work advocates usually do not see the connection between

prostitution and sex trafficking, although the connection is very apparent to others. These sex-

work advocates fight for a woman’s right to make her own decision to sell sex for a profit. As

long as these advocates continue to fight, there will always be an illegal prostitution issue within

the United States.

Many people, including sex-work advocates, have fought for legal prostitution within the United

States. Two authors state their opinions on the legalization of prostitution and the benefits that

could rise, Ronald Weitzer and Shay Rego. Rego suggests that since sex work is one of the most

dangerous jobs, legalizing it would decrease the number of attacks on women and death rates.

Also, Rego suggests that the legalization of prostitution would decrease the rate of sexual assault

cases and the percentage of spread sexually transmitted diseases. First of all, the rate of sexual

assaults will not decrease with the legalization of prostitution. By engaging in sexual activity by

one who plans to assault another individual does not want to pay money or a fee to receive their

perception of pleasure. Statistics show that nearly fifty percent of female rape victims are

assaulted by an intimate partner while nearly forty-one percent are sexually assaulted by an

acquaintance. (National Sexual Violence Resource Center). Based on evidence regarding

reported sexual assault cases, it makes me wonder if these scholars truly studied rape reports and

believe that legalizing prostitution will decrease this issue. Nearly eighty percent of rape victims

knew the perpetrator. (NSVRC). Those who purchase sexual favors probably do not know the
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 11

female or male they are receiving services from. Also, if Rego believes that there would be a

decrease in sexually transmitted diseases, there would be an increase in services with the

legalization of prostitution which would more than likely lead to an increase in sexually

transmitted disease rates. Rego also suggests within his article that the rates of sex trafficking

would decrease with this legalization. Incorporated is a reference to the article Human

Trafficking and Regulating Prostitution by Samuel Lee and Petra Persson.

Lee and Persson conducted research regarding voluntary prostitutes and coerced

prostitutes to try and gage where they can be changed so that the rate of trafficking can decrease

since criminalization of buying and selling sex has so far proven to be very ineffective. Lee and

Persson mention how many people view prostitution as structural violence, due to the

exploitation occurring because of societal biases and inequalities. (Lee & Persson, 2018). Also

mentioned is weak agency, which represents someone still inflicting self-harm although they are

voluntarily participating in the act. Lee and Persson's last and final point are that there are

moralistic arguments of the legalization of prostitution. Legalizing prostitution can cause values

and norms to change within society, creating the image that selling sex is something that is

acceptable to do.

Ronald Weitzer, professor and criminologist at George Washington University, provides

information on red-light districts and sex work. (Publishers Weekly, 2011). The three cities of

focus for Weitzer were Antwerp, Belgium, Frankfurt, Germany, and Amsterdam, the

Netherlands. He incorporates information regarding different types of prostitution and how we

can target each in a certain way. Since there are different types, such as independent escorts

compared to streetwalkers, Weitzer claims that there are different paths to take to eliminate each.
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 12

Weitzer argues that prostitution can be organized, claiming that “in-door prostitutes” suffer less

compare to those who work the streets. (Weitzer, 2011).

Simon Hedlin has a similar article to the authors stated above, as he explores within his

article if prostitution law reform and curb sex trafficking. Hedlin bases his research off of three

aspects within his study. First of all, instead of focusing on the criminalization of selling sex he

concentrates on whether or not buying sex is legal or illegal. He incorporates a dataset used by

the European Union to determine if prostitution had a prevalence of sex trafficking. (Hedlin,

2017). Lastly, he provides a “Difference-in-Differences” analysis that has limited data from the

Norwegian reform. As Hedlin claims, his evidence is theoretical results that are usually based on

assumptions without proven facts and lack of evidence. He claims that there needs to be more

qualitative and quantitative research performed regarding prostitution and sex trafficking.

Target Population. Many individuals who are trafficked out are very young in age. The

target population of victims is, of course, younger people due to their vulnerability and fewer life

experiences. Younger individuals also are not fully developed mentally or physically, therefore

they do not make the best decisions. Skilled traffickers also know to look for those who have

had past abuse. They may search Facebook for a young girl who posts about her terrible home

life, or the young boy who walks home late at night alone because he has little-to-no parental

supervision. As mentioned within Elizabeth B. Perkins and Carey Ruiz's research study,

adolescents who have drug-addicted parents are also more likely to fall into the sex trafficking

world. As mentioned, there is a lack of supervision, there could be Johns coming in and out of

homes for drugs, and children may ‘run' away from home due to frustration or the feeling of not

being protected by their parent. Perkins and Ruiz also mentioned that Child Protective Services
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 13

involvement with a child makes them more likely to be involved with a trafficker, pimp or John.

Going into foster homes and group homes, traffickers know they can target those locations.

Children want the feeling of being loved and protected, and they get brainwashed into believing

that their pimp can do those things.

Wim Huisman and Edward R. Kleemans conduct research regarding sex trafficking in the

Netherlands with legalized prostitution. (2014). Discussed is the debate of legalized prostitution

limiting the number of victims that endure sex trafficking. Some believe that legalization of

prostitution may provide more insight into the life of a prostitute and can provide more

information law officials can use in court. Others believe that the legalization of prostitution

may lead to more illegal sex trafficking. Research has proven that, with the legalization of

prostitution, sex trafficking still is evident and thriving. (Huisman & Kleemans, 2014).

Manipulation of victims, social relationships, violence, and threats are some factors that may

keep victims from speaking up about what they are faced with on a daily basis. Due to human

sex trafficking cases being lengthier and more complex than other regular criminal investigation

cases, they are more drawn out and more difficult to prove due to lack of evidence.

Dominique E. Roe-Sepowitz, James Gallagher, Kristine E. Hickle, Martha Perez Loubert

and John Tutelman all contribute studies to Project ROSE: An Arrest Alternative for Victims of

Sex Trafficking and Prostitution. (2014). This article covers information regarding victims of

sex-trafficking and older adults who are prostituted out for profit. It is often difficult to determine

if sex trafficking victims are sex-workers or not. The main two groups I am aiming my policy

proposal at is sex trafficked victims and prostitutes. Based on the evidence I have gathered from

my sources, I do believe it would be beneficial information for anyone. Many victims come

from broken homes, have been sexually or physically abused, or have had a difficult upbringing.
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 14

Spreading awareness of these issues will educate more people and may change the path they take

in life.

Focusing on sex-workers and prostitutes, they may feel challenged to leave the business

they are in due to threats and potential danger for themselves and their loved ones. Also, they

may be addicted to drugs and have no means to access drugs without their pimp. Considering

that one prostitute isn't the only victim usually in a home, there are other women who are able to

connect with one another about the situations. This creates a sense of ‘community' for some,

giving them a support system. Breaking away from their support system could demolish their

sense of stability within life. Mental health issues could worsen as they are taken from what

they've known, creating larger issues for that individual. Gaining an education and employment

could be difficult also, as a victim could have been a part of sex trafficking for years without any

high school education or work experience. Officials need to find ways to create a smoother

flowing transition for these victims exiting sex trafficking. There has to be actual motivation a

willingness for there to change. Support services should be implemented into a victims' life as

soon as they are removed from prostitution. Implementing these services as quick as possible

can result in better life outcomes for the victim in the future.

Responsible Authority. There are many different individuals responsible for limiting the

rates of sex trafficking. When a large group of individuals works together to eliminate

something, the more the word gets out about the issue. Making more people aware of sex

trafficking and just how common it is will help people pay more attention to this issue and know

how victims are led into the sex trafficking world, where they may be kidnapped, how to identify

a victim and how to prevent this issue altogether. It is important for professionals to realize that
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 15

social interaction about sex trafficking is a key factor in helping these victims. Mental health

professionals should aim at trying to get to know the client that has been trafficked, as each

individual reacts differently to what they are told. An example used within Perkins and Ruiz's

study is a girl who is told she is a victim by a counselor. Some young girls may feel liberated at

being called a victim, while others may feel a sense of disempowerment. (Perkins & Ruiz, 2017).

Realizing that these individuals who are rescued from sex trafficking have to find their new

personal identity is very important and something that everyone should accept instead of trying

to push socialization tactics on them. Julie Orme and Fariyal Ross-Sheriff claim that within their

article Sex Trafficking Policies, programs, and Services that social workers should have a bigger

impact on sex trafficking victims that what they already possess. Orme and Ross-Sheriff suggest

that social workers should work towards providing more prevention programs and should

promote cultural norms. Also, advocating for stronger policies can benefit victims.

Penalties for traffickers, buyers and those who promote sex trafficking and illegal

prostitution are already extreme. A trafficker can face up to twenty years in confinement in

federal prison if caught. Adding in more factors of the victims, such as death, abuse, violence,

and many more possibilities can result in an even longer term to face. Some inmates are to serve

life in prison for the extreme measures they took as a sex trafficker. When children, which

counts as an individual under the age of eighteen, is involved in sex trafficking then penalties get

stricter. If an individual is caught trying to attempt to sell out a victim or purchase their services,

they will face criminal charges as well.

The House of Representatives passed the H.R. 3887 in 2007 in hopes of increasing courts

ability to identify traffickers and pimps and to bring them to face their criminal charges. This

bill failed in the Senate, but the idea of the bill is very important and with some strengthening, it
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 16

could be passed. After the house did pass this bill, a numerous amount of third parties interacted

with it, including sex-work advocates and the DOJ. The DOJ declined the bill due to

"unnecessary alteration to its "successful anti-trafficking strategy" that had previously been

implemented" and also claimed that the prosecution of traffickers would detract if this bill was

passed. (Elrod, 2015). The sex-work advocates protested that they have a right to willingly sell

sex for profit and that there is a major difference in sex trafficking and consensual prostitution.

Elrod includes ideas to add to the already-existing Mann Act—18 U.S.C. § 2422(a). (Elrod,

2015). Congress would best serve this new legal regime. Elrod included more information to fill

gaps that were present in the H.R. 3887 by including inducement and enticement within his new

idea. Similar to Elrod's idea, Congress would be best to implement any new bill associated with

sex trafficking and illegal prostitution. Congress will be responsible for carrying out a stronger

policy aiming at convicting traffickers with harsher penalties. Agencies that work together can

also be more successful at limiting sex trafficking and illegal prostitution rates. Bordering states

should be in communication regarding these issues as many victims are transported from

different areas and do not stay in one place for very long. Multi-agency cooperation regarding

sex trafficking within criminal investigation procedures would greatly benefit the United States.

(Huisman & Kleemans, 2014).

Provisions and Procedures of the Policy. The current sex-trafficking oriented legislation

at both the federal and state levels have implemented laws and consequences to this issue. But,

the effectiveness of these regulations has become questionable. (Elrod, 2015). There are already

many acts that have been put in place to attempt to protect victims from human sex trafficking.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was implemented in 2000 as a piece of
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 17

legislation that was intended to demolish sex trafficking globally. (Elrod, 2015). The TVPA has

three primary aspects; prosecuting traffickers, protesting human trafficking victims, and

preventing human trafficking worldwide. (Elrod, 2015). If these three aspects of the TVPA were

successful, then sex trafficking and illegal prostitution would no longer be an issue. That is why

I believe that our country needs to get tougher on sex traffickers and illegal prostitution.

Narrowing down on a policy to try and eliminate one negative aspect of sex trafficking at a time

may be more successful than such a broad policy. The focus of my policy is to crack down on

traffickers with more harsh penalties. As mentioned, sex trafficking is forced labor. Within the

U.S. Code, there are federal laws and legislation passed by Congress relating to the TVPA.

Similarly, to South Korea, the United States also has Preventing Sex Trafficking and

Strengthening Families Act of 2014. This act has to do more with children involved with Child

Protective Services, who are involved in the foster system. The Justice for Victims of

Trafficking Act was passed in 2015 which focuses on services that are available for victims of

this issue while promoting information regarding the criminal liability of buyers and promoters

of illegal prostitution. This is led by the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. The

TVPA has taken great measures to increase prosecution of traffickers, but is it aggressive

enough?

The provisions of my policy, which is centered around being tougher on traffickers and

those involved with the purchasing of services, there are certain conditions that must be met in

order for it to be effective. First of all, courts have to have evidence that the crime was

committed. Evidence of forcible sex for profit, evidence that victims initially did not willingly

come into the business, and evidence of sex trafficking and/or illegal prostitution. If a victim is

under the age of eighteen, there is immediate information that prosecutors can use. Traffickers
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 18

know that their victims are underage, and if a victim could admit that he or she engaged in sexual

behaviors for a profit then the trafficker is committing a crime due to the age of the victim. The

victim could claim that he or she willingly engaged in the sexual activity, but since they are

younger than eighteen years of age the trafficker or pimp is still guilty. Law enforcement must

be tougher on cracking down these crimes. It is very difficult to prove that one is illegally being

trafficked, but with more undercover cops examining areas of high trafficking, there could be

some improvement. Although they already do, law enforcement could increase the number of

undercover officers who act as interested buyers to crack down on victims. With an increase in

security, traffickers will become aware that law enforcement is onto them. Drugs are usually

within the vicinity of where prostitution and sex trafficking are taking place. Similarly, using

under over officers to purchase drugs could lead to uncovering traffickers. The undercover law

enforcement officials could also be successful at saving individuals from sex trafficking.

‘Purchasing' sex from traffickers gives them the opportunity to be alone with the victims,

convincing them to leave as they do not have to opportunity often. Officers can provide the

victims with immediate help and assistance, taking them to the hospital to receive any medical

procedures that may need to be completed as well as mental health evaluations to put services in

place. Some survivors of sex trafficking are lost without any home or family, so having shelters

with openings at all times is important for these survivors to go until they can figure out where to

live.

Using the evidence that the undercover officers will discover, prosecutors must carry out

legal criminal actions to be faced by these traffickers and pimps. Making them face some type of

penalty will prove to others that this is not okay. Congress, law enforcement agencies and

officials should advertise the harm that sex trafficking does to individuals, and with the
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 19

increasing rates, it has become an issue for the United States. Law enforcement must be

continuous in their efforts to track down these traffickers and the victims. Persuading the victims

to leave as the opportunity comes is important also. The more victims that speak up, the more

information and evidence law enforcement will have and will be able to provide to the courts.

Congress can use more evidence and information in strengthening legislation and their laws

towards prostitution and sex trafficking. Regulatory enforcement by cities is very important as

criminal investigations on traffickers is dependent upon this. (Huisman & Kleemans, 2014).

Continuously monitoring areas that are well known for prostitution is very important, as placing

traffickers of that area with criminal liabilities may help at easing the rate of sex trafficking.
Prostitution and Sex Trafficking 20

References

Perkins, E., & Ruiz, C. (2017). Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking in a Rural State: Interviews with

Adjudicated Female Juveniles. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 34(2), 171–180.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-016-0455-3

Huisman, W., & Kleemans, E. (2014). The challenges of fighting sex trafficking in the legalized

prostitution market of the Netherlands. Crime, Law & Social Change, 61(2), 215–228.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10611-013-9512-4

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