Why Unproven Trafficking Stories Are Harmful
You may have witnessed human trafficking in plain slight without noticing it at all. This crime is extremely hard to track because many cases go undiscovered and are often unreported. It is also hard to find consistent statistics on this issue, which perpetuates the spread of misinformation. To be a part of the solution to human trafficking, it is important to learn about the warning signs to help survivors and to stop circulating misinformation, which could turn into harmful conspiracy theories.
According to the International Labour Organization, there are an estimated 40.3 million victims of trafficking worldwide. This includes 25 million people in forced labor and 15 million people in forced marriages. However, the estimate is merely a rough guess, and the total number of people in trafficking situations could be higher. Traffickers silence the suffering of victims by maintaining complete control over them through violence, coercion and blackmail. This prevents them from speaking out and being rescued. Moreover, when trafficking cases are reported, they may be misunderstood as a lesser crime or charged as an entirely different crime.
In addition, statistics change depending on the organizations providing them because of their unique missions and specializations. All the while, differences in statistics can differ based on the year reports were derived and the scope of the research, as regional statistics cannot be generalized to the entire country or world. It is always important to note the year in which reports were published to gain up-to-date information on human trafficking. Check whether infographics and visual graphics include the year and source of the data being presented to obtain a better insight into their validity.
spreading misinformation perpetuates damaging stereotypes, harms survivors & diverts valuable resources.
The consequences of consuming and spreading misinformation are harmful. Unfounded conspiracy theories circulating on the internet can lead to online harassment, privacy intrusion of victims and false accusations. Not only does this obscure the facts and delay justice, but it also further exploits the privacy of survivors—either correctly or falsely identified— by spreading rumors about their past.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline was completely flooded with calls from people not experiencing or witnessing human trafficking during the Wayfair scandal. Although the callers thought they were doing good by reporting a child sex trafficking scheme, they prevented the provision of aid to those who actually needed it. In this way, well-intentioned communities can overwhelm organizations they intend to help. With limited Hotline operators, victims in crises had to endure long wait times, which meant the difference between getting the help they needed to escape or having to hang up before they were able to talk to anyone.
Spreading unproven trafficking stories obscure the realities of human trafficking. It makes it harder to distinguish what is true human trafficking when it is in front of us. All the while, it makes it harder to fight this crime when we don’t understand what it is. To be part of the solution, learn the real warning signs of human trafficking to report cases. Many survivors have stated that their intervention was dependent on someone recognizing the signs that they were a victim of human trafficking. In addition, you can help by not participating in the circulation of misinformation.
Stay engaged with Dressember’s blog to stay updated on human trafficking news and data. Learning from valid sources will help prevent the spread of unproven trafficking stories.
About the Author
Elle Magaña Mireles is a Latinx sustainable fashion advocate based in Chicago, IL. She believes clothing can be a gateway to creating a more just and humane world by bringing about global, positive change. In her free time, she writes for her sustainable fashion blog called Just Irenic, spends quality time in nature, and takes courses on social justice.