As a male anti-human trafficking assistant under the Carolina Women’s Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I am constantly approached by fellow peers who ask why I chose to align myself with an organization that has no personal relation to myself or my subsequent identities. Why human trafficking? Why focus on gender equity? Why focus on topics that are “not your issue?” Why, why, why…
To preface, here’s some brief trafficking statistics:
- An estimated 2.5-27 million enslaved victims persist worldwide.
- Victims are recruited from 127 countries and exploited in 137.
- Human trafficking is the fastest growing lucrative industry in our global society, accruing billions of dollars annually.
- Approximately 15,000-17,000 victims are trafficked into the United States each year, which is not accounting for those individuals trafficked within domestic borders.
- For every 800 people trafficked, only 1 perpetrator was convicted.
- 52%-58% of trafficking perpetrators are men.
- Though women and children are the main targets for victimization, an exponential increase (often overlooked) in trafficking of men has been seen.
All of a sudden, those silly little “why” questions became far easier to answer.
With males being the dominate perpetrators of human trafficking travesties, as well as an increase in boy and male victims seen both domestically and across international cultures, the role of men in human trafficking mitigation efforts is clearly shown. However, our (men’s) veil of ignorance rendered from a lack of understanding and knowledge assures male complacency. Moreover, the lack of male involvement yields countless issues that further exacerbate this global epidemic, which is counterintuitive towards the end goal of complete eradication.
The Renaissance Male Project released a report on 10 Things Men & Boys Can Do to Stop Human Trafficking, which divulges into our glamorization of pimp culture, the increasing popularity of strip clubs and pornography, misogyny, sexism, the “harmless” and “victimless” effects of prostitution, and more. The efforts to abolish modern day slavery, analogous to other social justice initiatives/movements, rely heavily upon a diverse group of identities, including those that may not directly relate to the cause. The promotion of freedom, prosperity, social equity, and basic human rights is not a gender issue, but rather a human issue.
Stephen Bishop
CWC Anti-Human Trafficking Assistant
*Statistics found from the following sites/organizations: CAST-LA, The Polaris Project, and the UNODC Trafficking in Persons report.
13 Comments
2.5-27 million enslaved victims persist worldwide? I am surprised to say the least. I was not aware of human trafficking being so large-scale in todays world. You are doing a good job.
Your post was a real eye opener…I had no idea that the problem was so severe. Thank you for the wake up call.
Human trafficing is one of the most profitable businesses for criminals. And most victims come from Eastern Europe, because a lot o girls from there try to get out of their home countries in search of better life. As a result they end in human slavery.
Very nice job, keep this way on.
Greatings from spain.
For every 800 people trafficked, only 1 perpetrator was convicted? this is ridiculous!
The numbers of the victims are growing continuously, I’m glad you post this, so that many people, including me will be aware of what is really happening.
52%-58% of trafficking perpetrators are men, I agree as have seen on movie “Taken”
The trafficking statistics are shocking. I guess many of us won’t be aware of this kind of human trafficking.
These numbers are staggering. It is good that this is revealed so people get to be aware of it. It all starts with awareness.
nearly 5-27 million of people are being slaved every year. shame on such people who do such jerky works.
Mohammed Taj
I 100% agree with “Approximately 15,000-17,000 victims are trafficked into the United States each year”
Helpful post. Especially the statistics are valuable.
This is so outrageous! I hope the world will be awaken for what they can’t usually see, like this issue. Just like Heather said, people must be aware of what’s happening in their surrounding. This is a very interesting issue.