Social workers are responsible for all kinds of important issues whether it be assisting a family, aiding a community, advocating for a group, and many other possible situations. One problem in particular that plagues our world and needs to be highly addressed is human trafficking. Human trafficking is a very real and dangerous problem that occurs all over the world every day. It qualifies as a current form of slavery and disregards basic human rights (Alvarez & Alessi, 2012).
Human trafficking became such a large issue that it was deemed national security between the years 2003 to 2006 (Okech, Morreau & Benson, 2016). Each year, approximately six to eight hundred thousand people are taken across the borders against their will (Okech et al., 2016). The amount of victims that are taken in their home country is anywhere from two to four million a year (Okech et al., 2016). The majority that is affected by this are women and children and most of the time are used for sexual misconduct (Okech et al., 2016). According to Alvarez and Alessi (2012), an estimation of $31 billion US dollars is made each year from this crime alone. Unless human trafficking is widely addressed, we will not be able to eradicate this problem and the ignorance regarding this issue will only grow.
Okech et al. (2016) claim that globalization is a leading cause of human trafficking. When individuals move to another country in search of a new life or better-paying jobs, it is incredibly easy for traffickers to prey on their weaknesses. There is so much corruption within the systems that are built to protect us, such as law enforcement, government, correction facilities et cetera. The broken parts of our society and our justice system are what encourage and allow illegal activity to continue within our world. Due to this corruption, many traffickers are aided and protected by people in the criminal justice system, therefore getting away with human trafficking (Okech et al., 2016).
Human trafficking takes a toll on every person and family that is affected by this issue. Traffickers consistently break down their victims by using psychological coercion (Hopper & Hidalgo, 2010). Hopper and Hidalgo (2010) report that traffickers hold victims in a toxic environment with harmful threats, strict rules, and intense stress. When a human being is subjected to constant high-stress situations, the mind and body suffer immensely. Hopper and Hidalgo (2010) state that human trafficking victims that cannot control their situation or environment are highly susceptible to disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims of this crime can also experience memory problems, emotional instability, feelings of shame, and a decrease in self-esteem (Hopper & Hidalgo, 2010). An individual subjected to these conditions can suffer various other psychological problems.
When an individual is affected by human trafficking, the family of the victim is affected too. In one study, researchers found that families with young children were especially affected. In some cases, mothers found it difficult for their children to view them as a parental figures due to their extended absence (Busch-Armendariz, Nsonwu & Cook Heffron, 2011). This not only puts a strain on the mother and child’s relationship but also on the caretaker and child’s relationship (Busch-Armendariz, et al., 2011). Human trafficking is detrimental to all families affected by it, and some consequences may last a lifetime.
In order to aid victims of human trafficking, social workers are employed to provide social services one might need to get back on their feet. Busch-Armendariz, Nsonwu and Cook Heffron (2011) declared that the primary goal for victims is to be self-reliant, find financial services, and establish a social support system among peers and family. Social workers administer services that provide victims with things such as food, clothing, housing, therapy, medical care, and other social aids during times of struggle (Busch-Armendariz, et al., 2011). Social workers also provide relief to family members of the victims, such as through mental health counseling. Busch-Armendariz et al. (2011) shared an experience of one participant that was interested in mental health counseling for her son due to the drastic life changes he endured. Social workers can provide all different kinds of social services. It has been proven time and again how effective these programs are in getting people back on the right track.
As a result of this research, I have acquired a lot of new information. I was ignorant as to how widespread human trafficking had become. The amount of money it generates each year is mind-baffling. Before this, I had no idea how advanced the world of human trafficking had become. Hopefully, we can all become more knowledgeable about this problem and find a way to inhibit it from expanding. Becoming educated about this topic has given me experience in the future to always do my research and be properly informed on social issues this world faces. It helped me realize that there are so many horrifying things happening in this world that people know nothing about. If we step up as a nation and create solid actions to disarm this, then we can fight back in hopes of abolishing human trafficking once and for all.