Advocates’ Experiences With Media and the Impact of Media on Human Trafficking Advocacy

Abstract

The present qualitative study explores advocates' opinions of misinformation about human trafficking in the media and describes advocates' strategies to counter the misinformation presented by the media. Thus, 15 advocates who work against human trafficking in Chicago-based nonprofit organizations participated in semistructured interviews about their opinions and strategies. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The present study identifies specific misperceptions of human trafficking in the media, highlights advocates' opinions of this misinformation, and discusses advocates' strategies to counteract inaccurate media, adding support to the role of media advocacy. Advocates note how media images shape and perpetuate stereotypes of trafficking through glamorizing sex work and sensationalizing stories that are most often international depictions of trafficking. Advocates report media generally shares only a piece of the story, simplifying the stories of survivors and the issue of human trafficking. Advocates critique media perpetuating these misperceptions for how they may contribute to policies and programs which fail to address structural factors that create vulnerabilities to be trafficked and the multisystem needs of survivors. However, advocates also note misperceptions can be counteracted by producing sensitive, informed media through social platforms. Advocates share their strategies counteracting misinformation through engaging in informative conversations, utilizing social media to educate, and promoting media messages of survivor agency. Research, clinical, and policy implications are also discussed. The present study emphasizes the importance of decision makers and service providers being critical consumers of media and to assess how media portrayals may (or may not) inform their understanding and response to the issue.

Human trafficking awareness and reporting: insights from Tennessee police websites and Twitter

“…focus on sex trafficking of minors) (e.g. Houston-Kolnik et al, 2020). The types of stories reported and how they are discussed in the media can be influenced by reporters who have their own biases or misinformation on what these offenses can "look like" (Reichert et al, 2018).…”

Child Sex Trafficking: Strategies for Identification, Counseling, and Advocacy

“…Victim identification represents one of the most challenging aspects of working with child sex trafficking survivors (Litam, 2017 ). The importance of educating counselors on strategies that promote victim identification, improve trauma informed practices (Gonzalez et al, 2020 ; Litam 2017 , 2019 ; Litam & Lam, 2020 ) and challenge human trafficking myths (Cunningham & Cromer, 2016 ; Houston-Kolnik et al, 2017 ; Litam & Lam, 2020 ) is an important strategy to remove barriers to working with this vulnerable population.…”

“…For example, when child sex trafficking survivors do not fit images of victims portrayed in the media, they are left marginalized and often unidentified (Gerassi et al, 2018 ; U.S. Department of Education, 2015 ; Uy, 2001). Notably, sex trafficking victims in media are portrayed as young, innocent, vulnerable children (Menaker & Franklin, 2013), with visible evidence of physical abuse or confinement (Houston-Kolnick et al, 2017 ). Child sex trafficking represents a complex, multidimensional issue and is influenced by many interpersonal and systemic factors (Rodriguez-Lopez, 2018; Uy, 2011 ).…”

“…Professional counselors may also advocate on behalf of sex trafficked children by remaining abreast on public policy updates and engaging in legislative advocacy. For example, counselors may contact their state senators to share their experiences in working with child sex trafficking survivors to challenge notions that child sex trafficking does not occur in the U.S. (Houston-Kolnick et al, 2017 ). Educating lawmakers on the importance of creating policies that address the issue of sex trafficking and provide resources to survivors is of paramount importance.…”

“…Human trafficking myths are false beliefs that deny or justify the sale or trade of human beings, denigrate victims, excuse traffickers, and obfuscate the true nature of human trafficking (Cunningham & Cromer, 2016 ). Examples of human trafficking myths include false beliefs that sex trafficking is only an international problem (Houston-Kolnick et al, 2017 ), people who engage in sex work are immoral or dirty (Litam, 2019 ), sex trafficking is always a violent crime (Gerassi, 2015), and that victims are helpless and want to be rescued (Hartinger-Saunders et al, 2016 ; Jordan et al, 2013 ; Litam, 2017 ; Litam & Lam, 2020 ; Reid & Jones, 2011 ). Human trafficking myths have been identified in professional counselors (Litam & Lam, 2020 ), and negative attitudes about trafficked survivors have been linked to lower levels of empathy and higher rates of rape myth acceptance (Litam, 2019 ).…”