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revealing her personal potential, professionally
assisting in the realization of civil and social rights
Myths and Facts about Human Trafficking
26.01.2024
Although the problem of human trafficking is very widespread and well-known to people, it is still surrounded by many myths. In this material, we debunk some of them.
Myth №1: people who become victims of human trafficking are always unable to escape and are held against their will
In some cases, this is indeed true, but not always. Often, victims are manipulated into making the "choice" to stay. At the same time, technically they are not being held captive; they can move freely, use communication devices, and even have their passports in their possession.
People may remain in slavery for various reasons: for example, if the victim's family is in a very difficult financial situation, and the "employer" promises to pay the victim the due salary "next time" every month. The victim may also be blackmailed if they have been involved in sexual slavery, threatened that everyone the victim knows will find out and they will never be able to find normal work again.
Victims of human trafficking are so psychologically overwhelmed that they believe there is no way back for them. That's why they may believe that they consciously and voluntarily remain in slavery. This leads to the following myth.
Myth №2: if a victim of human trafficking remains in slavery despite having many opportunities to escape, then they remain there of their own free will and cannot be considered a victim of human trafficking
Recruiters and traffickers have many means of pressure on the victim: deception, blackmail, threats, manipulation, physical, psychological, and sexual violence, and restriction of freedom. Any actions taken by the victim under the influence of these factors cannot be considered a fully informed choice. Therefore, even if a person does not leave slavery when they have the chance, they are still considered a victim of human trafficking and in need of rescue and assistance.
Myth №3: recruiters always use violence to involve a victim in human trafficking
This also happens, but very often traffickers deceive their victims so that they reach the place from which they will not be able to get out themselves. Recruiters don't even have to beat or abduct a person, as they can promise brilliant prospects and a big salary, so the deceived victim will "voluntarily" end up at the destination. People can be lured into human trafficking in quite civilized ways, for example, through social networks, the internet, or simply by striking up a conversation with someone on the street.
Myth No. 4: victims of human trafficking do not know the people who recruit them into slavery
Along with situations where the victim does not know their recruiter, there are cases when people become victims of labor or sexual exploitation due to acquaintances, neighbors, friends, lovers, and even relatives. It's easier to gain the trust of someone you already know, so often people don't question the intentions of those with whom they already have some emotional connection until the very end.
If you have questions about working abroad, safe and legal migration, providing assistance to victims of human trafficking and their relatives, as well as children's safety on the internet, use the information posted on our website!
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