"What we do see is that the
trafficking of children is becoming an income revenue stream for organized
crime, for gangs. So where they would typically be selling guns and drugs, they
are now turning to the selling of children." - Dalia Racine
Human trafficking and drugs are closely intertwined. Many gangs are turning from trafficking drugs to the trafficking of women and girls because it is more profitable. Drugs can only be sold once and then it’s gone, but a girl a girl can be sold over and over. Following are some of the ways that pimps or traffickers will use drugs:
Recruitment through Drug Use
Finding victims who are already addicted to drugs – these women are
easily manipulated by the promise of drugs.
Since we don’t typically think of an addict as a victim, this makes them
an easy target. Addicts may also become
involved in the sex industry as a way to finance their drug addiction and often
trade their body for drugs.
Condition through Drugs
Sex traffickers use a variety of ways to “condition” their victims,
including starvation, rape, gang rape, physical abuse, beating, confinement,
threats of violence toward the victim and victim’s family, and forced drug use.
The trafficker may force feed her drugs to lower her defenses and her ability
to resist unwanted sexual interactions.
Control through Drugs
Traffickers use drugs to manipulate the victim. If she is addicted to drugs and her supplier
is her pimp, it makes it harder for her to leave. If they need a fix, the pimp will give it to
them for sexual favors. Because of fear and pain of withdrawals, many victims
of exploitation will engage in acts they would otherwise never consider doing.
Drug Abuse as Coping Mechanism
to respond to the trauma
Just like domestic violence, sexual abuse, and physical abuse, people
who are trafficked will often use drugs to cope with the life style. Drugs help them to numb themselves or to
escape their pain.
Children sold for Drugs by their parent or guardian
35 percent of child victims are sold by family members who are addicts
in need of feeding their drug addiction
Most women (around 90%) involved
in prostitution say they want out, but feel they have no other options for
survival. Key factors that make it hard
for them to leave:
39% No training or
qualifications for another job
50% They are dependent on Drugs or alcohol
50% Coercion/Manipulation
52% Debts they have incurred
67% Have
a criminal record making it hard to find legitimate employment