Are we seeing the unseen of human trafficking? A retrospective analysis of the CTDC k-anonymized global victim of trafficking data pool in the period 2010–2020

Abstract

Background Human trafficking is considered a hidden global crime with unsubstantiated numbers. Despite the challenges in counting or measuring this crime, reports revealed the presence of around 40.3 million victims worldwide. Human trafficking results in severe detrimental impacts on both mental and physical health. Given the sensitivity and negative consequences of human trafficking on the global system and victims, and considering the scarce research in this area, our current study aimed at describing the (i) Sociodemographic profiles of anonymized victims, (ii) Means of control, and (iii) Purpose of trafficking, utilizing the largest anonymized and publicly available dataset on victims of human trafficking. Methods This is a retrospective secondary analysis of the Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC) data pool in the period from 2010 to 2020. The utilized dataset is called the k-anonymized global victim of trafficking dataset, and it is considered the largest global dataset on victims of human trafficking. Data from the k-anonymized data pool were extracted and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS® version 27.0 for Windows (IBM Corp. Version 27.0. Armonk, NY) for quality check and analysis using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 87003 victims of human trafficking were identified in the period from 2010 to 2020. The most age category encountered among victims was 9–17 years with 10326 victims (11.9%), followed by 30–38 years with 8562 victims (9.8%). Females comprised 70% of the sample with 60938 victims. The United States (n = 51611), Russia (n = 4570), and the Philippines (n = 1988) comprised the most countries of exploitation/trafficking. Additionally, the year 2019 witnessed the greatest number of victims registered for assistance by anti-trafficking agencies with around 21312 victims (24.5%). Concerning means of control, threats, psychological abuse, restriction of the victim’s movement, taking the victim’s earnings, and physical abuse were the most reported means. 42685 victims (49.1%) reported sexual exploitation as the purpose of their trafficking, followed by forced labor with 18176 victims (20.9%). Conclusion Various means and methods can be used by traffickers to control the victims to be trafficked for many purposes, with sexual exploitation and forced labor being the most common ones. Global anti-trafficking efforts should be brought together in solidarity through utilizing the paradigm of protection of victims, prosecution of traffickers, prevention of trafficking, and inter-sectoral partnerships. Despite being a global concern with various reports that tried to capture the number of trafficked victims worldwide, human trafficking still has many unseen aspects that impose a significant challenge and adds to the global burden in combatting this threat.

The Kyoto Conference on Arts, Media & Culture 2023: Official Conference Proceedings

“…Human trafficking is widely considered a hidden global crime, and the number of cases varies drastically among surveys (McDonald, 2014). Nevertheless, research has indicated that labor trafficking is at least as serious a crime as sex trafficking, occurring behind the closed doors of industries and workplaces worldwide (Al-Tammemi et al, 2023). A report by International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free, and International Organization for Migration (IOM) states that there are 17.3 million privately imposed forced labors worldwide and 6.3 million forced commercial sexual exploitations (ILO et al, 2022).…”

Identifying Human Trafficking Victims: A Potential Role for Forensic Dermatology

“…Most victims of human trafficking are not reported; this results from language barriers experienced by the victim and from the victim's fear of both law enforcement and the trafficker. Importantly, individuals who participate in providing medical care can potentially identify and provide resources for human trafficking victims [1][2][3].…”

“…Trafficking in human beings predominantly occurred in women (70%) and children. The most frequent age groups included children ranging from nine to 17 years (11.9%), followed by victims between the ages of 30 to 38 years (9.8%); however, for more than half of the victims (53%), the age was unknown [1].…”

“…Human trafficking victims also suffer from the consequences of detrimental psychological issues (including depression, low self-esteem, fear, shame or guilt, distrust of medical personnel and law enforcement, and isolation from family, friends, and communities), and substance (such as alcohol and drug) abuse. Trafficking in human beings can involve child soldiering, commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor of children and minors, debt bondage or bonded labor, forced labor (in occupations such as agricultural farmworkers, factory workers, or domestic servants) and slavery of adults, forced marriage, organ trafficking, and sex trafficking [1][2][3].…”