The Internet and Sex Trafficking

According to Future Without Violence, approximately 21 million adults and children worldwide are trapped in the clutches of forced labor, bonded slavery, or sex slavery. Tragically, a staggering 95 percent of these victims are women and young girls.

There is hope for victims of sex trafficking. In some cases, they can seek justice through civil litigation and receive compensation for their suffering. Individuals who have been subjected to human sex trafficking, such as those exploited on Backpage.com, may have grounds to pursue legal action against those who profited from their suffering.

What Is Online Sex Trafficking?

Internet sex trafficking occurs when perpetrators exploit the web to ensnare, solicit, or trade victims. The internet has contributed to an alarming increase in the demand for sex trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Sex traffickers prey on vulnerabilities, using them to lure vulnerable victims. Worse than hotels, the internet provides sex traffickers with anonymity, making it harder for law enforcement to apprehend and charge them when they are discovered.

The United States Congress passed H.R. 7181 in late March 2018. The bill was intended to curb internet sex trafficking. In short, the bill holds websites accountable if they knowingly facilitate the abuse of sex trafficking victims, leading to the closure of certain website sections like Craigslist’s personal ads.

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How Traffickers Engage With Victims Online

Those engaged in black market activities see humans as one of the most profitable commodities since they can be sold multiple times. To gain the trust of their targets, offenders employ a variety of tactics, such as:

Expressing admiration for the victim
Promising stardom through acting, modeling, or other performing arts
Offering to financially support a victim in need of money
Luring victims with promises of a “fresh start” or a “new life”

Preying on the desperation of these victims, predators will often convince victims to meet them in a distant city where they are isolated from friends and family. Traffickers strip them of identification and means of communication with their homes, subjecting them to cruel physical punishment until the victims comply.

In extreme cases, traffickers will resort to harm against the victim’s family. Additionally, they often force victims to consume drugs before selling them to potential buyers.

Sex Trafficking on Social Media

Once confined to luring victims on the streets, sex traffickers now exploit the ever-expanding reach of social media. With social media platforms often embraced by teenagers, these predators become early adopters of such platforms, posing significant challenges for law enforcement in combating internet sex trafficking.

According to the Administration for Children and Families, there had been a 125% increase in recruitment through Facebook and a 95% increase on Instagram. Often, predators will target individuals who share their hardships and frustrations on the platforms. Traffickers leverage this information and take advantage of the individual’s vulnerabilities.

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Legal Remedies for Victims

Criminal cases often are lengthy to prosecute, which is why civil lawsuits are an important choice for victims of human trafficking. People or entities that can be held liable include:

Handlers
Venues where the transaction occurred
Customers or buyers
Websites, social media platforms, and other tech-based apps
Any person or group that knew or should have known about the incident

Victims shouldn’t solely rely on the criminal system to bring them justice. Unfortunately, the internet provides anonymity to offenders making it difficult, if not impossible, to prosecute offenders. Thankfully, civil litigation can help hold those who were involved in the crime accountable.

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Attorneys at Van Law Firm Can Win You Justice

If you or someone you know has been a victim of commercial sex trafficking, don’t hesitate to reach out to the law offices of Van Law Firm. Our track record includes successfully settling millions of dollars in sex abuse cases, including human trafficking cases.

We understand the fear and apprehension involved in coming forward. Rest assured that our consultations are always free and kept strictly confidential, and we offer payment on a contingency basis. This means that our lawyer’s fees are deducted from your winnings only if you receive a settlement.

In cases as sensitive as these, we fully comprehend the importance of maintaining 100% confidentiality and professionalism throughout the process. Our legal team will listen and work hard alongside you to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today!