Understanding Forced Criminality in Human Trafficking: A Critical and Often Overlooked Issue

Human trafficking is a horrific and widespread crime that manifests in many forms, but one of its most insidious aspects is forced criminality, a topic often underrepresented in mainstream discussions. A recent Instagram post by The Exodus Road illuminates this complex and troubling phenomenon, revealing how it intersects with human trafficking and why it is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue. (see their post here: Instagram). This issue is close to our hearts at Unveil It Bridal Veils and remains a top priority for funding through The Unveil It Fund (™). We have dedicated this blog entry to elaborate on The Exodus Road’s insightful post and delve deeper into this important aspect of trafficking.

What is Forced Criminality?

As The Exodus Road explained, forced criminality occurs when victims of human trafficking are coerced or manipulated into engaging in illegal activities. This can range from drug trafficking to prostitution or even cyber scams. The trafficker benefits economically or in other ways, while the victim is exploited and often subjected to severe abuse. This form of trafficking has become the fastest-growing type of exploitation globally, thanks to the rise of trafficking operations hidden within cyber scam networks.

For many survivors, forced criminality extends beyond just physical labor or sexual exploitation. It frequently involves being compelled to break the law—an act that can further complicate their efforts to escape. When trafficking victims are arrested for crimes they were forced to commit, they are often treated as criminals, which can lead to even more trauma and isolation. For instance, consider a person trafficked for sex. Instead of being recognized as victims, they may face prostitution charges. Traffickers also impose drug addiction on their victims as a means of control. When arrested for prostitution, it is not unusual for them to be found under the influence or to have illicit substances in their possession, leading to drug possession charges. This misidentification as offenders rather than victims significantly hinders their ability to seek help or obtain proper support.

Challenges in Identifying Forced Criminality

Forced criminality presents numerous challenges for authorities, law enforcement, and even the public in terms of identification and intervention. Survivors often fear law enforcement, as they may believe they will be treated as criminals rather than as victims. This situation is exacerbated by traffickers who frequently create environments that prevent victims from seeking help, further isolating them from available support systems.

Another hurdle is the stigma surrounding individuals involved in the criminal justice system. There is a widespread misunderstanding that those engaged in criminal activities must be inherently guilty, which can make it difficult for law enforcement to distinguish between perpetrators and victims. Survivors who have committed crimes under duress face additional burdens of proof when attempting to demonstrate they were coerced into committing illegal acts. The current legal system offers inadequate protection, and this must change.

How Can We Combat Forced Criminality?

1. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Addressing forced criminality requires a coordinated effort across various sectors, including law enforcement, legal systems, non-profit organizations, and the public. International collaboration is crucial to combat this escalating issue, particularly with the rising use of cyber trafficking methods.

2. Training Law Enforcement: It’s necessary that specialized training, which equips law enforcement officers to recognize the signs of human trafficking- especially forced labor- becomes the standard across agencies. Understanding the nuances of coercion, manipulation, and control is essential for accurately identifying victims and providing them with necessary support at crime scenes and throughout investigations.

3. Creating Safe Reporting Environments: For victims and survivors to come forward, safe spaces are essential. This can only be achieved if we are deliberate in creating environments where survivors are not further victimized by the criminal justice system. Cultivating trust, protecting their privacy, and ensuring their safety are crucial to the success of investigations and support the healing and reintegration process.

4. Public Awareness and Advocacy: It’s not solely the responsibility of professionals to instigate change; everyday citizens can also play a vital role. By learning the signs of trafficking and remaining vigilant in identifying potential cases, we can help prevent further exploitation. In the absence of consistent laws, such as vacatur legislation, victims and survivors are pushed into the shadows, unable to access adequate employment or secure housing. This situation also increases the likelihood of revictimization. Vacatur laws enable survivors to have their criminal records expunged, allowing them to move forward with their lives without the burden of past offenses hindering them.

5. Legal Protections for Survivors: Strengthening legal protection for survivors of trafficking is essential. This includes measures to prevent the criminalization of victims forced into illegal activities and ensuring they have access to the necessary support to rebuild their lives.

   
   

Final Thoughts and Acknowledgments

In conclusion, forced criminality remains a hidden and misunderstood aspect of human trafficking. The rise of cyber trafficking and the widespread exploitation of vulnerable individuals make it more critical than ever to raise awareness, train law enforcement, and implement policies that protect survivors rather than punish them.

Special thanks to The Exodus Road for raising awareness about this important issue and, once again, educating the public with facts. Their post highlights this often-overlooked aspect of human trafficking, and we greatly appreciate their insight. The more we understand and discuss these challenges, the closer we come to eradicating the exploitation of innocent lives.

Unveil It Bridal Veils is dedicated to supporting victims and survivors. We invite you to explore our mission and the donations we provide for legal aid, aftercare services, and education, as well as our contributions to organizations that raise awareness and educate the public through The Unveil It Fund. THE UNVEIL IT FUND | Unveil It Bridal