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Human Trafficking: A Rural and an Urban Problem

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Chapter 3: Theories and Human Trafficking

Theories inform the way many disciplines approach research, practice, and knowledge building. The field of social work as a whole borrows theories from a number of fields including medicine, psychology, and sociology. In this chapter, a few basic theories common in social work research will be discussed. Specifically, the theories will be explored in relation to human trafficking and human rights violations.

Learning  Objectives

By the end of this chapter, the student will be able to:

  • Recognize common theories applied to human rights violations and human trafficking
  • Apply theories to understand intervention development strategies

Key Words : General Systems Theory, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory,

Conflict theory, functional theory, labeling theory, maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

General systems theory : A theory based on interactions between varying sizes of systems in maintaining equilibrium through inputs, throughouts, outputs, and feedback loops

Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory : A theory used to understand the bidirectional influence of varying levels of ecological systems on an individual

Conflict theory : A theory aimed at understanding oppression and power structures through examining structural conflict

Structural-functional theory : A theory used to understand society by exploring the functional role that all parts play in a society; this theory is also referred to as functionalism and structural functionalism

Labeling theory : A theory that explores the behavioral implications of labeling a person deviant or criminal

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs : A pyramid-style model that sets out the needs of all individuals in a hierarchical manner

Chapter on Theories

In this section, the authors discuss a range of theories to provide a context for human trafficking.  Theories include general systems theory, Bronfennbrenner’s ecological systems theory, conflict theory, structural-functional theory, labeling theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

General Systems Theory & Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory

General systems theory was introduced to the social work field in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and was based on a biological model (Kondrat, 2013). The biologist credited with general systems theory is Bertalanffy, who was concerned about the practice of studying phenomena as isolated entities instead of players in feedback systems and hierarchical orders (Kondrat, 2013). The social work understanding of general systems theory, much like the name suggests, is a theory based on understanding a system–a series of components that interact with and influence one another (Berg-Weger, 2005). General systems theory considers all systems as subsystems of other systems, and considers large systems as environments for other systems, thus always exploring the flow and impact of different systems between and against each other (Forder, 1976). General systems theory has mostly been replaced by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, but is still used in some areas of social work (Kondrat, 2013).

The systems that influence the individual in the social work perspective can be social or physical entities–family, culture, workplace, communities, etc. (Berg-Weger, 2005). The purpose of using general systems theory in social work is to begin understanding the “person in environment”, which is the perception of each individual as a participant influenced by larger physical, social, and environmental systems (Berg-Weger, 2005). Taking a person in environment approach gives social workers more opportunities to intervene—understanding the various systems in place that allow or perpetuate a problem creates more intervention points. However, arguments against the use of general systems theory in social work have included concerns about the model not accounting for values and ideology as well as concerns about application of the model to the complexities of the human experience (Kondrat, 2013; Shriver, 1998). General systems theory assesses the relationship of inputs on the individual, or throughput, and the following consequences, or outputs, in a feedback loop relationship that is aimed at some type of regulation (Skyttner, 1996). General systems theory in social work shifted the focus on interventions to understanding the transactions that happen between an individual and their larger systems (Kondrat, 2013).

There is some debate about the differences between general systems theory and ecological systems theory (Schriver, 1998). A critique of general systems theory in its application to social work is that it focuses on elements of an individual’s life as components of a system, which comes with an assumption of equilibrium–both that the system needs it and that the system can achieve it (Leighninger, 1977). Ecological systems theory also explicitly defines the environmental systems as including nonliving elements, something sometimes assumed but never explicitly stated in general systems theory (Shriver, 1998). Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory mostly replaced general systems theory in the late 1970s and early 1980s and is a continuation of understanding the person in environment (Kondrat, 2013). The ecological systems theory explores the relationship of an individual’s environment on their behavior, whereas general systems theory seeks to understand the changes an individual’s system undergoes when a change in a subsystem is made (Berg-Weger, 2005).

Bronfenbrenner argues that people develop within five systems of influence.  They include the: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). The model is set up as a growing set of nesting circles, with each larger circle encompassing a larger system, and each circle influencing each other bidirectionally. Newer versions of the ecological model sometimes called the chronosystem is a policy-level-system, showing how policy and greater institutional level processes impact a person’s smaller systems (Sallis & Owen, 2015). This means that at the policy and institution levels, changes can influence how a person lives and operates because they have to develop and mature with constraints or supports from these powers. The individual is at the center of these five systems, and the ways in which they all interact to influence the individual is the basis of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory. See Figure A.

thesis about human trafficking

Figure A. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory

https://sites.google.com/site/dsmktylenda/content/bronfenbrenner-s-ecological-theory

In relation to human trafficking and human rights, both general systems theory and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory are often already present and applied when thinking about interventions, even if not explicitly. Clawson and colleagues (2003), completed a needs assessment for trafficking victims and agencies that provide services to victims. In their assessment, they looked at the inputs of current efforts and services available via the throughput of victim care. The outputs, or the current state of victim care as a result of the services available, were analyzed in relation to how they can feed back into informing future efforts and services available to victims. Since it has been several years since the analysis, a general systems theory approach could be taken again to look at current inputs, influenced by previous outputs and feedback loops, on victim care. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory can be seen when evaluating risk factors for human trafficking and human rights violations. Poverty, a history of abuse and neglect, substance use issues, political instability, homelessness, and marginalized identities have been highlighted in other chapters as risk factors for an individual to become a human trafficking victim. Risk factors can be understood within the ecological systems model, which assists social workers in identifying areas for intervention and prevention for at-risk populations.

Conflict Theory & Structural Functional Theory

Conflict theory emerged in the late 19 th century from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (Hutchison, 2013). Conflict theory explores power structures and power disparities–that is, how power differentials affect social inequality (Hutchison, 2013; Parillo, 2012; Rӧssel, 2013). Conflict theory serves as the opposite to functional theory (Shriver, 1998; Parillo, 2012), which will be explored next. Conflict theory operates on the premise that humans are self-interested and competitive by being forced into conflict over scarce resources and wealth (Rӧssel, 2013; Shriver, 1998). Within conflict theory, wealthier classes are able to maintain power over lower-income and ethnic minority groups by allowing oppressed groups to believe that the advancement of another oppressed group will be to their detriment; therefore oppressed groups assist in the oppression of each other in the hopes that they will be the ones to advance (Parillo, 2012). From this perspective, social order exists through coercion of oppressed and less powerful groups by the ruling and more powerful classes (Shriver, 1998). Similarly, social change occurs through a conflict, evoking human response in the political, economic, and cultural spheres (Hutchison, 2013). There is a lot of social work practice that evolves from addressing social injustice through conflict theory. Early social work efforts at eliminating oppression of immigrants, women, and children were based in conflict theory, and efforts continue today through development of empowerment strategies for nondominant groups (Hutchison, 2013). However, critics of conflict theory say that the theory does not account for social unity and shared values, stating the theory is too radical (Parillo, 2012).

Structural-functional theory or functional theory states that every part of a society serves a function in maintaining the solidarity and stability of the whole (Parillo, 2012). Ideally, all the parts of a society maintain equilibrium and a state of balance under perfect conditions (Parillo, 2012). However, when problems arise, it is because a part of the social system has become dysfunctional; usually caused by some type of rapid change, which the other parts of the system are not able to adjust to and compensate for quickly enough (Parillo, 2012). At this point, the society must decide if it will adjust by returning to its pre-conflict state or work to find a new equilibrium (Parillo, 2012). Functional theory acts as the opposite of conflict theory because it operates on the premise that humans are inherently cooperative and caring, each playing their role in maintaining the harmony of the society (Schriver, 1998). Functionalists believe that all problems regarding minority groups can be solved by small adjustments in the social system to return to equilibrium (Parillo, 2012). Critics of functionalist theory, who often prefer conflict theory, argue that the focus on stability ignores the inequalities of class, gender, and race that are often the creators of conflict (Parillo, 2012).

In relation to human trafficking and human rights, conflict theory aims to offer a broad explanation for why and how social inequality, power imbalance, and oppression are able to occur. Sexism, racism, and classism are often contributors to human rights violations, as highlighted in the case of child brides, sex trafficking, organ trafficking, and other forms of victimization. Barner, Okech, and Camp (2014) illustrate how socioeconomic inequality not only between classes on a small scale, but globally between developed and underdeveloped nations fuels sex trafficking, violence, and political strife and civil war. From a similar perspective, embracing a functionalist view requires one to question how and why oppression are able to occur. It also requires one to  examine the utility of human rights violations and their place in maintaining an equilibrium. For example, functionalists would argue in the past that gender roles existed because they played a functional role in systematically meeting the needs of society with men engaging in labor and wage-earning tasks while women were engaging in homemaking and nurturing tasks (Parillo, 2012). Some would still argue this to be the case in modern times. In the case of human rights, in order to address these kinds of violations, it is important to identify the function the violation plays in maintaining a system within society, and then determining what changes need to be made to move to a new form of harmony absent of the violation. Human trafficking in the form of labor trafficking fulfills the need of cheap labor to create more profits; sex trafficking meets the demand for sex from johns and provides money or other things of value to pimps; child soldiers play various roles in meeting the needs of militant groups during armed conflict; and organ trafficking supplies a limited resource to an ever-growing list of needy recipients. Human rights violations as a whole can always be examined from the perspective of the function they play in a larger picture. In order to prevent human rights violations, however, it is important for social workers and other professionals to understand the need the violation fulfills and intervene at a point that prevents the need for the violation to occur.

Labeling Theory

Labeling theory is a sociological theory based in understanding criminal behavior when a criminal is named as such, and emerged in the 1960s and 1970s from two sociologists named Howard Becker and Edwin Lemert (Crewe & Guyot-Diangone, 2016). This theory sought to untangle the inherent criminality of an individual versus the impact of labels on the criminalization of those deemed deviant (Crewe & Guyot-Diangone, 2016; Restivo & Lanier, 2013). Lemert posited that the act of labeling and creating stigma around what is or can be considered deviant behavior only serves to further marginalize and force conformity to criminal status, as internalizing the label and stigma alters one’s view of self and their social roles (Crewe & Guyot-Diangone, 2016). This further marginalization and conformity is called secondary deviance, which is associated with a shift in self-concept and social expectations, increased association with deviant peers, and an alter in the psychic structure (Crewe & Guyot-Diangone, 2016; Restivo & Lanier, 2013). Labeling theory has also been applied to mental illness, where it is called modified labeling theory. Modified labeling theory is essentially the same as labeling theory, in which the labeling of an individual with a mental illness or as mentally ill often has a negative effect and causes social withdrawal (Crewe & Guyot-Diangone, 2016; Davis, Kurzban & Brekke, 2012).

Some forms of human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, involve criminal activity on the victim’s part, and result in the criminalization of the victim rather than the trafficker (Dempsey, 2015). In these cases, the victim may begin to fit into the traditional model of labeling theory and view themselves as a deviant criminal, thus perpetuating their involvement in trafficking because they believe this is a lifestyle they chose. This is evidenced by some victims having extensive criminal backgrounds, serving time for prostitution and drug charges, and thinking of themselves as willing participants in prostitution and drug trafficking (Meshelemiah & Lynch, 2019), before they are rescued and identified as victims. Hoyle, Bosworth, and Dempsey (2011) highlight the power of the label “victim” in a person’s ability to leave their trafficker, seek supportive services, and move forward with their lives. They also explore the notion of an “ideal” victim through the definitions of trafficking that exist and the images of modern-day slavery that are showcased in the world. In some ways, the creation of a victim label through the media that is available is invalidating to those whose lived experience with trafficking may be seen as complicit or not fit the image of slavery (Hoyle, Bosworth, & Dempsey, 2011). Victims may not believe they are deserving of services unless they were “forced enough”, and see other victims who fit the kidnapped and forced narrative as more deserving of services (Brunovskis & Surtees, 2012, p. 34). Labeling theory exemplifies the power of self-perception as well as the perceptions of law enforcement and service agencies in ensuring victims are correctly identified and receive appropriate services.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is one of the most basic theories of social work and informs much of the field’s practice. Maslow’s hierarchy is designed as a pyramid to showcase the importance of needs being met in order to reach optimal wellness. Psychological and safety needs make up the bottom two tiers, and operate as the components of basic needs (Maslow, 1943). Belongingness and love, and esteem needs are the middle two tiers as well as the components for psychological needs (Maslow, 1943). Then, finally, self-actualization tops the pyramid as the component for self-fulfillment needs (Maslow, 1943). In order to reach self-actualization, the most basic of human physical and psychological needs must be met first (Maslow, 1943). If basic needs are not met, like hunger and shelter, the body will focus all efforts on finding these things and the mind will not be able to focus on things of personal interest until basic needs are met (Maslow, 1943). Critics of Maslow’s hierarchy state the model is too simplistic, and fails to account for cultural norms and drives (Gambrel & Cianci, 2003). Additionally, few things in life are linear, and the hierarchy implies a linear route to self-actualization.

In terms of human-trafficking, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can help practitioners understand why victims are drawn to and controlled by traffickers. As highlighted in other chapters, risk factors for victims include homelessness, prior neglect and abuse, and poverty. A lack of housing, food, clothing, safety, and financial security cover most of the two rungs of basic needs in Maslow’s hierarchy. Traffickers are able to offer these things to victims, which both draws victims to traffickers as well as makes it difficult to leave (Hopper, 2016; Hopper & Hidalgo, 2006; Stotts & Ramey, 2009). Traffickers also offer intimate relationships and friendships, even if temporarily, meeting some aspects of psychological needs and further bonding victims to them–this is especially true in the case of sex trafficking of minors (Reed, Kennedy, Decker, & Cimino, 2019; Smith, Vardaman, & Snow, 2009). In addressing the recovery and healing of human trafficking victims, service providers must work up the pyramid to be effective; first addressing basic needs like housing, clothing, food, and a sense of security and safety from their trafficker (Gezinski & Karandikar, 2013; Hopper, 2016). Once basic needs have been met, psychological needs can be addressed through group settings, therapeutic interventions, trauma therapy, and a sense of accomplishment in healing. Then survivors, following Maslow’s hierarchy, will be on track to reach self-actualization. See Maslow’s diagram in Figure B.

Figure B. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

The theories covered in this chapter are in no way an exhaustive list of the only theories that can be applied to human trafficking and human rights violations. They are, however, some of the most common theories used in understanding these topics. In many cases, the theoretical approach is not explicitly outlined, or is assumed because of the field of focus. However, it is easy to see how some of these theories are applicable in a variety of contexts when understanding human trafficking and human rights.

Now, let’s shift gears and turn to a “thought” on theories.

THEORY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Using a theoretical framework in academic research, intervention development, and policy-making takes out some of the guessing work about efficacy and risk of failure. Theories are empirically-based and developed on a set of consistent assumptions that set the context and background for existing knowledge. For example, theories about human development and needs can set the groundwork for studies on understanding behavior within a certain stage of development, with or without certain needs being met, or when adverse experiences occur during a stage. Using theory allows researchers to get directly to the questions they need answered without having to do multiple studies to set a background and context. For intervention development and policy-making, theory gives a set of basic assumptions about societal and individual contexts that the interventions and policies must exist and work within.

In relation to human trafficking and human rights work, using theory allows us to have a context for how and why injustice occurs. It provides a basic understanding of the needs of those whose rights have been violated. It allows us to predict how effective interventions and policies will be based on how they fit into the assumptions of the chosen theoretical foundation. Applying theory to understanding human rights is important because it ensures that scholars, activists, policymakers, and more are functioning under the same umbrella of understanding about the extant knowledge, context, and basic assumptions of a phenomenon; this allows us to work toward the same goal through unique disciplinary and interdisciplinary lenses without working backward in re-studying the same foundations. Theory allows human rights advocacy to continually move forward.

Summary of Key Points

  • The social work profession utilizes theories from a variety of fields. Some cover basic human development while some are more complex and can explain criminal and deviant behavior.
  • Utilizing theories that explore power, control, development, and deviant behavior can help social workers and other professionals to develop impactful interventions informed by theory and years of research on the topic.

Supplemental Learning Materials

Lutya, T.M. & Lanier, M. (2012). Chapter 27: An integrated theoretical framework to describe human trafficking of young women and girls for involuntary prostitution. In J. Maddok (Ed.). Public Health – Social and Behavioral Health. (555-570). DOI: 10.5772/37064

Berg-Weger, M. (2005). Social Work & Social Welfare: An Invitation. McGraw-Hill. New York, NY.

Bronfenbrenner, U. (1994). Ecological models of human development. International Encyclopedia of Education, Vol. 3, 2 nd . Ed. Oxford: Elsevier. Retrieved from http://edfa2402resources.yolasite.com/resources/Ecological%20Models%20of%20Human%20Development.pdf

Brunovskis , A., & Surtees, R. (2012). Leaving the past behind? When victims of trafficking decline assistance: Summary report. Fafo AIS (OSLO) & Nexus Institute. Retrieved from https://www.digiblioteket.no/files/get/McxE/20258.pdf

Clawson, H. Small, K., Go, E., & Myles, B. (2003). Needs Assessment for Service Providers and Trafficking Victims. Caliber Associates, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/202469.pdf

Crewe, S.E., & Guyot-Diangone , J. (2016). Stigmatization and labeling. Encyclopedia of Social Work. DOI: 10.1093/ acrefore /9780199975839.013.1043

Davis, L., Kurzban , S., & Brekke , J. (2012). Self-esteem as a mediator of the relationship between role functioning and symptoms for individuals with severe mental illness: A prospective analysis of modified labeling theory. Schizophrenia Research, 37 (1), 185-189. DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2012.02.003

Dempsey, M. M. (2015). Decriminalizing victims of sex trafficking. American Criminal Law Review, 52 (2), 207-230. Retrieved from https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/amcrimlr52&i=227

Forder, A. (1976). Social work and system theory. The British Journal of Social Work, 6 (1), 23-42. DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjsw.a056695

Gambrel, P. & Cianci, R. (2003). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Does it apply in a collectivist culture. Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 8 (2), 143-156. Retrieved from http://proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/docview/203916225?accountid=9783.

Gezinski, L.B. & Karandikar, S. (2013). Exploring needs of sex workers from Kamathipura red-light area of Mumbai, India. Journal of Social Service Research, 39 (4), 552-561. DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2013.794758

Hopper, E. (2016). Trauma-informed psychological assessment of human trafficking survivors. Women & Therapy, 40 (1-2), 12-30. DOI: 10.1080/02703149.2016.1205905

Hoyle, C., Bosworth, M., & Dempsey, M. (2011). Labeling the victims of sex trafficking: Exploring the borderland between rhetoric and reality. Social & Legal Studies, 20 (3), 313-329. DOI: 10.1177/0964663911405394

Hutchison, E. (2013). Social work education: Human behavior and social environment. Encyclopedia of Social Work. DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.616Kondrat, M. E. (2013). Person-in-environment. Encyclopedia of Social Work. DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.285

Leighninger, R. (1977). Systems theory and social work: A reexamination. Journal of Education for Social Work, 13 (3), 44-49. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/stable/23038730

Maslow, A. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50 , 370-396. Retrieved from http://www.researchhistory.org/2012/06/16/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs/

Meshelemiah, J. & Lynch, R. (2019). Sex Trafficking: The Intersection of Race, Drugs, “Dope Boys” – and Emergent Leaders. (Presentation). The Kirwan Institute, Columbus, OH.

Parillo, V. (2012). Strangers to these Shores (10 th Ed.). Pearson Education, Inc. Boston, Mass.

Reed, S., Kennedy, M., Decker, M., & Cimino, A. (2019). Friends, family, and boyfriends: An analysis of relationship pathways into commercial sexual exploitation. Child Abuse & Neglect, 90 , pg 1-12. DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.016

Restivo, E., & Lanier, M. (2013). Measuring the contextual effects and mitigating factors of labeling theory. Justice Quarterly. DOI: 10.1080/07418825.2012.756115

Rӧssel, J. (2013). Conflict theory. Oxford Bibliographies in Sociology. DOI: 10.1093/OBO/9780199756384-0035

Sallis, J. F., & Owen, N. (2015). Chapter 3: Ecological models of health behavior. In K. Glanz, B. K. Rimer, & K. Viswanath (Eds.), Health behavior: Theory, research, and practice (5th ed.) (pp. 43-65). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Shriver, J. (1998). Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Shifting Paradigms in Essential Knowledge for Social Work Practice (2 nd Ed.). Allyn & Bacon. Needham Heights, Mass.Skyttner, L. (1996). General Systems Theory: Origin and hallmarks. Kybernetes , 25 (6), 16-22. DOI: 10.1108/03684929610126283

Smith, L., Vardaman, S., & Snow, M. (2009). The National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking America’s Prostituted Children. Shared Hope International. Retrieved from http://sharedhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/SHI_National_Report_on_DMST_2009.pdf

Stotts, E., & Ramey, L. (2009). Human trafficking: A call for counselor awareness and training. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development, 48 (Spring), 36-47. DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-1939.2009.tb00066.x

The Cause and Consequence of Human Trafficking: Human Rights Violations Copyright © 2019 by Jacquelyn Meshelemiah is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Human Trafficking Essay Topics, Outline, & Example [2024]

“People for sale” is a phrase that describes exactly what human trafficking is. It also makes for an attention-grabbing title for an essay on this subject. You are going to talk about a severe problem, so it’s crucial to hook the reader from the get-go.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

A human trafficking essay is an assignment where you discuss causes, effects, or potential solutions to the problem of modern slavery. A well-written essay can help raise awareness of this complicated issue.

In this article by our custom writing experts, you will find:

  • 220 human trafficking essay topics;
  • a writing guide;
  • an essay sample;
  • helpful info on human trafficking.
  • 🔝 Top 10 Topics
  • ❓ What Is Human Trafficking?
  • ✍️ Topics for Any Essay Type
  • 📝 Essay Outline
  • 📑 Essay Sample
  • ✏️ Frequent Questions

🔝 Top 10 Human Trafficking Essay Topics

  • History of slavery.
  • Slavery in literature.
  • Human trafficking awareness.
  • Modern slavery: legislation.
  • Cultural background of traffickers.
  • Globalization and human trafficking.
  • Human trafficking vs. human rights.
  • Modern slavery and kidnapping.
  • Human trafficking rates by country.
  • Human trafficking effects on the economy.

❓ What Is Human Trafficking?

The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime determines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or receipt of persons for the purpose of sexual slavery, exploitation, forced labor, organs removal, etc.

The picture shows the definition of human trafficking.

According to the recent reports of the Council of Europe,  human trafficking rates have reached epidemic proportions . Millions of people are being trafficked for different reasons, primarily for sexual exploitation and forced labor. Women and children are the primary victims of human trafficking , which makes the problem especially acute.

One of the most worrying factors that directly impact the increase in trafficking rates is the growing number of refugees and migrants. It’s the largest seen since WWII, and it has intensified during the last years.

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Types of Human Trafficking

Before you start writing your essay, it’s essential to review the forms of human trafficking. Knowing them will help you see the bigger picture. Here are the most common ones.

Additionally, victims of human smuggling and child trafficking are often involved in various kinds of labor. While sexual exploitation is one of the major reasons for trafficking, it’s not the only one. These are also serious problems that you can focus on in your essay.

According to Polaris Project, there are 25 types of modern slavery . Among them are:

  • Manufacturing in sweatshops;
  • Agricultural work;
  • Food and cleaning services;
  • Beauty and massage salons.

Note that each of these practices has unique traits. It means there are specific methods of recruitment and control associated with them. Make sure to take all essential features of human trafficking into account when writing your essay.

The History of Human Trafficking

If we go back in time, we can see that human trafficking has a long history. Here are some of its milestones:

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As you now know, human trafficking is inextricably linked to other crimes against human rights. And the eradication of this phenomenon depends on both governments and ordinary citizens.

What Is Being Done to Stop Human Trafficking

In recent decades, a lot has been done to curb slavery. The United Nations General Assembly has established the World Day against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 . It was done to raise awareness of the situation and promote and protect victims’ rights.

One of the essential frameworks used to combat human trafficking is the 3P: prosecution, protection, and prevention .

Sometimes “ partnership ” is added as the fourth P. Since human trafficking became a pandemic, it requires a combined effort of people working together to overcome this problem. You can learn more about the 3P paradigm from this article by the US Department of State .

You may ask, “What can I do?” Here are some ways in which anyone can help fight human trafficking:

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  • In each country, there is a hotline where you can report on a known case of human trafficking or an attempt at recruiting.
  • Be attentive to various kinds of controversial proposals and promises of a better life.
  • Try to avoid bad company.

These recommendations may seem simple, but they can help you stay away from danger, spread awareness, and even save lives.

Before you start writing a human trafficking essay, you need to find a compelling topic. Check out the following list of topics and prompts and choose a subject that interests you.

✍️ Human Trafficking Topics for Any Essay Type

Human Trafficking Argumentative Essay Topics

  • We should let survivors inform the public about the dangers of trafficking .
  • State laws should protect the rights of trafficking survivors.
  • Victim behavior is not the reason for the actions of criminals.
  • Present medical facts about the ability of humans to survive a trauma .
  • What psychological techniques do criminals use to lure victims?
  • School is a safe haven for children from disadvantaged families.
  • High social status is not a guarantee of protection against traffickers.
  • Deception as a tool for controlling victims of modern slavery .
  • Family can provide significant support to a victim of human trafficking .
  • Physical violence and threats are the chief tools for controlling traffickers.
  • Health workers should follow safety rules when rescuing trafficking victims .
  • Countries providing financial advantages for anonymous economic activities should be held accountable.
  • Psychologists should comply with ethical standards when assisting victims of trafficking.
  • Countries with high trafficking rates should develop maps showing hotspots.
  • Victims of modern slavery are not to blame: justification from the criminal perspective.
  • Whom should we hold responsible for what happens to the victims in captivity?
  • Will economic support for vulnerable groups help reduce the level of human trafficking?
  • Prolonged captivity reduces the chances of adaptation after release.
  • Exercise and physical activity help victims of trafficking to overcome trauma .
  • Medication alone is ineffective in combating PTSD among trafficking victims.

Human Trafficking Argumentative Essay Prompts & Tips

  • Who is responsible for human trafficking—the government, police , or society? There is no sufficient progress in stopping human trafficking . This is mainly due to the absence of an unequivocal opinion about who is responsible for the situation. Give your own ideas in this essay.
  • The need to inform the public about human trafficking . Demonstrate the necessity to convey this information to the masses. You can also suggest ways of doing it.
  • Immediate assistance for the victims of modern slavery . Show why it is important to provide psychological aid to rescued victims. What is the role of nurses and community organizations in it?
  • Psychological help to victims of human trafficking: group therapy . Group therapy is based on awareness and acceptance of trauma. These actions are the basis of PTSD treatment . Decide whether it’s the optimal solution for victims’ psychological rehabilitation.
  • Countries with widespread human trafficking should develop appropriate laws. Legislation changes are a crucial element of an integrated approach. In this essay, provide a list of existing laws and possible new regulations.
  • The devastating impact of modern slavery. Describe the disastrous consequences that victims of human trafficking face. Find stories describing their lives in various media. How did they become victims? What happened to them after release from captivity?
  • Tightening police measures as a way to stop human trafficking . Women and children are especially vulnerable targets for traffickers. Demonstrate the need to enable the police to protect them better.
  • The high rate of trafficking indicates a high crime rate in a country. Determine which countries have the highest human trafficking rates. What are the related crimes observed there? Is there a correlation?
  • The use of technology to catch criminals and traffickers. In this essay, discuss technologies that can help officials stop traffickers. For instance, satellite imagery allows identifying places of victims’ detention.
  • International financial law is one of the best ways to stop human trafficking . Would the right to disclose anonymous bank accounts help reduce such crimes? What new laws and agreements are required to allow this?

For an argumentative essay, you need to conduct extensive research and present evidence to support your claim (check out our argumentative essay guide to learn more.) Here are the main steps:

Human Trafficking Persuasive Essay Topics

  • An anti-trafficking tax will help decrease the modern slavery rates.
  • Is preventing new cases of slavery more critical than saving victims?
  • Modern slavery is a serious problem that the CIA should address.
  • Ignoring human trafficking is the same as neglecting Nazism .
  • Forced labor is an economic problem as it is caused by poverty.
  • Border control no longer solves the problem of forced labor.
  • Should producers of weapons pay an anti-trafficking tax?
  • Imprisonment for paying for escort services will stop human trafficking .
  • Will stricter gun control laws help stop human trafficking?
  • Victims of human trafficking should receive lifetime financial compensation.
  • Human trafficking is a national problem that requires coordination of efforts.
  • Treatment of human trafficking victims is a responsibility of society as well as psychologists.
  • Two-year state-funded hospital treatment will help survivors to cope with the trauma .
  • Are social networks a determining factor in the spread of human trafficking?
  • Assess gender disparity in using the labor of human trafficking victims.
  • Did the political polarization of society lead to an increase in people smuggling?
  • Immigration laws are an effective means of combating modern slavery.
  • Human traffickers’ family members capable of domestic violence should share responsibility with criminals.
  • Civil and human rights protection laws do not sufficiently address human trafficking.
  • People smuggling is not a crime from the criminals’ perspective: is this statement true?

Tips & Persuasive Essay Prompts Related to Human Trafficking

  • The President must take personal responsibility. The problem of human trafficking is more acute than ever. It requires the immediate intervention of the President and Vice President. For example, they can declare the upcoming year the year of the fight against human trafficking.
  • Criminals guilty of human trafficking should be kept in special prisons . The government should create special jails for rapists and human traffickers with a stricter regime. Moreover, we should prevent these criminals from becoming part of society again. Is this proposal fair?
  • Trafficking should be punished with life imprisonment . Today, life imprisonment is mainly reserved for murder. Should human trafficking be penalized to the fullest extent?
  • Can self-defense lessons help to avoid the risk of being captured by traffickers? Do you agree that schools should introduce a martial arts training system?
  • State laws should permit surveillance in regions with high trafficking rates. Debate whether security is more important than the right to anonymity. Should the government allow the police to access people’s data ?
  • Public organizations that help the survivors should take official responsibility. If non-governmental associations take it, they can receive financial support. It will help them cooperate more effectively with the police. Do you agree?
  • The existence of human trafficking in a country: deontology, utilitarianism and egoism. The United States is officially a democracy . However, the human trafficking rates show that America is close to a feudal society. Criminal ties among the upper class also enforce it.
  • Fines as a way to motivate social workers and patrol officers to fight human trafficking. Many activists and police officers work in areas with high human trafficking rates. Do you agree that governments should fine them? Would a system of moderate fines motivate them to be more responsible?
  • People who cannot pay rent are easy targets for traffickers. The government should prevent homelessness to combat human trafficking. For instance, it can compensate for the rent of vulnerable demographics.
  • Homelessness as the main reason for being captured by traffickers. Homelessness deprives a person of protection. States with the highest human trafficking rates should start building shelters for the homeless. The state should provide them with food, clothing, jobs, and education. This way, traffickers won’t capture them into slavery.

A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to share your opinion. You can do it by citing facts and statistics (check out our persuasive essay guide for more info.) Here’s how to write it:

Human Trafficking Informative Essay Topics

  • How do international organizations fight modern slavery?
  • Human trafficking in developed African countries.
  • Outline the demography of human trafficking in the US .
  • How does society stigmatize trafficking survivors ?
  • Fair trade as a way to combat modern slavery.
  • Sex trafficking from a feminist perspective.
  • The role of photography in the fight against forced labor.
  • Fighting human trafficking on the dark web .
  • Media coverage of human trafficking : ethical aspects.
  • Review how anyone can help combat human trafficking .
  • Association of human trafficking with social insecurity.
  • How can medical institutions provide safety to victims of trafficking?
  • Review the political and economic effects of human trafficking in the US.
  • What lessons can the US learn from the trafficking situation in Eastern Europe?
  • Forced labor and higher education in the US: programs for survivors.
  • What US laws protect victims of slavery and define criminal activities?
  • Review government statistics on forced labor in the US over the last five years.
  • Which American states have the highest human trafficking rates?
  • Modern slavery in the Arab world : from ancient times to modern days.
  • Using technology to combat forced labor: the latest solutions.

Tips & Informative Writing Prompts for Human Trafficking Essays

  • Measures that governments can take to reduce human trafficking . Review legal and informative measures to combat modern slavery. You can base this essay on reports from official government agencies.
  • Human trafficking: types, symptoms , and effects. For this essay, present the kinds of trafficking according to the official categorization. It includes divisions according to age, gender, and type of forced labor. You can also describe the symptoms commonly found in victims.
  • The history of human trafficking : from ancient times to the 21 st century. Start by describing ancient cultures that used forced labor. Alternatively, you may focus on the history of slavery in the US . Include the latest statistics on reported cases of human trafficking.
  • Human trafficking and fundamental humanistic values. Outline humanistic values that are violated by forced labor. Back it up with arguments drawn from the works of famous humanists.
  • What are the consequences of human trafficking for victims? Describe the trauma that people develop while in captivity. Use reports from national and global organizations. What physiological symptoms are associated with adaptation after release?
  • How does the US deal with the problem of reporting on forced labor? Present ways of communicating the risks of human trafficking. Base this essay on government anti-trafficking reports. Include a list of trafficker indicators and other red flags.
  • Environments that put a person in danger of becoming a victim of human trafficking. These include unemployment , homelessness, and the absence of immigration status. You can base this essay on data from governmental reports.
  • Informing the population as means of reducing human trafficking rates. Does informing people actually reduce the number of potential victims? Review the best informing strategies used by community organizations.
  • Why are migrants the most vulnerable population group in terms of human trafficking? In this essay, provide information on migrants’ life circumstances. Mention the aspects that make them the most vulnerable demographic. Examples include unemployment and insecurity before the law. You can also present the most common schemes by which traffickers capture migrants.
  • New approaches to mitigating the effects of modern slavery in psychotherapy . Describe what methods therapists use to help slavery victims. You can present a list of optimal practices for restoring the integrity of survivors’ personalities. For this essay on human trafficking, use scientific articles and reports from practicing therapists.

An informative essay should educate the reader on something they didn’t know before. Have a look at this outline:

Topics for an Expository Essay on Human Trafficking

  • Assess social adaptation methods for victims of sexual slavery.
  • Social adaptation of men who worked for traffickers in captivity.
  • Police memo: evidence sufficient to detain a trafficker.
  • Describe how to identify a trafficker based on 7 criteria.
  • Power of the image: photo reports on human trafficking.
  • Anonymous story of a sexual slavery survivor.
  • Present a psychological and demographic portrait of a trafficker.
  • Describe the conditions of human traffickers’ detention.
  • Dealing with trauma in children who have been in labor slavery.
  • Human trafficking in the Southern and Northern states.
  • How to restore citizenship and documents after release from captivity.
  • How can human trafficking survivors get free medical care ?
  • Who is more effective in stopping human trafficking : government agencies or community organizations?
  • Being in captivity during the war , in forced labor, or sexual slavery: psychological consequences.
  • Gender differences in human trafficking victims’ labor.
  • Modern slavery’s connection to the criminal underworld in the Northern states.
  • Enumerate the reasons why homeless people can end up in captivity.
  • How many years does adaptation take for human trafficking survivors?
  • Explore the modern meaning of the word “slavery.”
  • Discuss ways of psychological support for the families of slavery victims.

Modern Day Slavery Writing Prompts & Tips for Expository Essays

  • Human trafficking and modern slavery: real stories told by the media. Review several articles about falling into slavery. You can focus on press coverage from the 2010s. The stories of survivors will speak for themselves.
  • Non-governmental organizations of the USA assisting victims: the power of community . Present five influential organizations from California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Nevada. Assess the personal contributions of staff. What is the role of local communities?
  • How to help a friend if they’ve become a victim of human trafficking . In this essay, list tactics and strategies for assisting forced labor victims. Pay particular attention to compliance with safety regulations.
  • What is it like to be a forced labor victim? A more creative task is to describe the situation from the inside. Can victims try to escape and free themselves from slavery? What is the role of psychological pressure from traffickers? How can an ordinary person cope with such a monstrous challenge?
  • Prostitution, forced labor, and organ trafficking : a comparison. In addition, describe what forms of modern slavery prevail in different countries.
  • Therapy methods in human trafficking survivors. Review what therapy practices are the most suitable for working with the survivors.
  • An overview of common human trafficking schemes. These often involve vulnerable demographics, including illegal immigrants and adolescents from underprivileged communities.
  • In what conditions do human trafficking victims live? In this paper, explain how life in captivity affects one’s mental health . Determine the connections between trauma and the body’s response to it.
  • Ways of integration of human trafficking survivors. Review the best strategies for their adaptation to everyday life. Give examples of social adaptation that include education and employment.
  • Human trafficking in the Southern and Border States. Study the situation in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and Arizona. Then, describe how to solve the problem. Don’t forget to emphasize the role of social work with illegal migrants.

An expository essay includes a thesis statement, evidence, and a logical conclusion. You can also use elements of creative writing in your paper (feel free to read our expository essay guide for more info.) Here are the main steps:

Human Trafficking Research Paper Topics

  • Survival in an unfamiliar city: is an escape from slavery possible?
  • What prevents citizens from recognizing victims of human trafficking?
  • Are monthly payments for human trafficking survivors justified?
  • Dietary adaptation for malnourished forced labor survivors.
  • How do the police investigate slavery markets?
  • Economic levers to combat human trafficking: practical approaches.
  • Describe global criminal connections that lead to modern slavery.
  • Being in captivity leads to psychological trauma inherited by victims’ children.
  • The use of figureheads on social media is a successful tactic against traffickers.
  • Five app projects that will help avoid becoming a human trafficking victim.
  • We should ban goods produced by forced labor worldwide.
  • Human trafficking transportation problems as an opportunity to catch criminals.
  • Research the use of symbolic language in informing victims of human trafficking.
  • Funding for the installation of video surveillance systems to catch traffickers.
  • People from what socio-economic background are the most vulnerable to child labour and exploitation?
  • How can we combat human trafficking during a pandemic ?
  • Ethics of business and economic relations as a way to combat slavery.
  • Informing vulnerable groups about human trafficking and attracting them to cooperation.
  • Coordinated interaction of police departments is the key to success in combating people smuggling.

Human Trafficking Research Paper Prompts & Tips

  • Deficiencies in US law determine success or failure in the fight against human trafficking. US legislation on human trafficking includes several rules. International acts and agreements also guide it. Nonetheless, the US laws, especially in the leading states, require urgent revision.
  • Human trafficking as modern slavery: history repeating itself. Draw analogies between the trends and schemes from the past and the present. What historical practices can be effective in combating slavery? In particular, this concerns the anti-slavery movement and public awareness.
  • Domestic human trafficking in the US shows increasing tendencies. Here, analyze the growth of domestic human trafficking cases. Demonstrate the need to create new approaches to catch criminals.
  • Technology companies can stop human trafficking. The luring of victims often occurs on social media . Should social networking companies be penalized for failing to act against criminals?
  • Can social media campaigns help protect potential victims? It’s necessary to create a program that will inform users about the dangers of trafficking . This method of targeted communication can be very effective.
  • City officials should be ready to engage in the fight against modern slavery. Provide examples of American cities that are actively fighting human trafficking. What approaches and practices can be adopted throughout the US?
  • Medical institutions are the main asset in combating human trafficking. More than three-quarters of victims receive medical care while in captivity. Health workers have the legal right to place a patient in a hospital and protect them from contact with criminals. This approach has been successful in many states.
  • The police have insufficient funding to combat human trafficking. The police are conducting successful investigations, and there are many cases of solved human trafficking crimes. The state can grant more money to the police to uncover more trafficking schemes. It will allow using more advanced technologies in search of criminals.

The picture shows a fact about trafficking laws in different states.

  • Hotlines should be more accessible to victims of trafficking. Hotlines are highly effective in combating human trafficking. They are easy to find on the Internet, but captive victims rarely have access to the network. How can we improve this situation?
  • Families of trafficking victims and their participation in the search. Demonstrate the need to establish a format for families’ closer cooperation with the police. Would it help to conduct police investigations more effectively? Should we allow families to conduct their own investigations?
  • The US is responsible for the success of international cooperation against human trafficking.

To write a research paper, you study the available information, analyze it, and make conclusions. Here’s a human trafficking research paper outline:

Causes of Human Trafficking Essay Topics

  • Discuss psychological factors of human trafficking.
  • What personal reasons make people become traffickers?
  • Greed as a major reason for human trafficking.
  • What are the major causes of sex trafficking ?
  • Substantial profit as one of the human trafficking root causes.
  • Explore the reasons for forced marriages.
  • How does social media promote people trafficking?
  • Commercialized sex and its contribution to human trafficking.
  • Does authoritarianism promote human trafficking?
  • Compare the cases of human trafficking in the United States and Thailand.
  • Explore the court cases of traffickers. Does the judicial system cope with its duties?
  • Why are weak anti-trafficking policies the primary cause of people’s exploitation ?
  • Discuss the role of government in human trafficking.
  • Investigate the reforms on human trafficking. How effective are these measures?
  • Lack of relevant laws leads to more trafficking cases. Do you agree?
  • Should legal punishments apply to victims as well as traffickers?
  • Why is ethnicity one of the main factors of people trafficking ?
  • Explore the connection between drug addiction and slavery.
  • Violent force and threats as major leverages of traffickers.
  • Naivety leads to becoming a victim of traffickers. Provide your arguments.

Causes of Human Trafficking Essay Prompts & Tips

  • What are the leading causes of human trafficking ? Your essay may start with the definition of people trafficking. Think about social and economic factors. Dig into history to find the reasons. Most importantly, look at this issue from various angles.
  • Explore poverty as one of the reasons for human trafficking. How does poverty influence people? Can it force them to behave illegally? What are people ready to do for money?
  • Migration : is it a cause or a consequence of human trafficking? Some people are so eager to immigrate to developed countries that they can do anything. They are even ready to sell their children to get money or sell themselves into slavery. At the same time, others become traffickers to move to another country.
  • Discuss the connection between human trafficking and education. Think about the following: If a person lacks education, they lack knowledge about their rights. They can be deluded more easily. Following this logic, these individuals can become desired prey for traffickers.
  • What is the role of war in human trafficking? Do armed conflicts provoke or prevent the spread of slavery? How do they facilitate the development of this problem? Is smuggling flourishing in countries that are at war? These are excellent questions to start with.
  • What are the effects of cheap labor demand ? Supply and demand are two pillars of economics. If there were no need for a cheap working force, traffickers wouldn’t exploit people so easily. They force their victims to work almost for free while selling the goods at a high price.
  • Investigate institutional racism as a root cause of people trafficking. Who is the most vulnerable social class ? Naturally, these are marginalized groups. They lack protection at a constitutional level. That’s why they can become victims of traffickers.
  • Cultural and social causes of human trafficking. For some nations, selling children, slavery, smuggling, and bonded labor are commonplace. In some countries, such as Uzbekistan, people are forced to work in the cotton fields by the authorities. If you do research, you will see many similar examples worldwide.
  • How do natural disasters facilitate human trafficking? The consequences of some natural disasters force people to migrate and find alternative ways to earn money. Some of them have no other option but to let themselves be exploited. 
  • How does the absence of safe migration conditions assist people trafficking?  Many people from developing countries want to move to the United States to achieve their American Dream . Traffickers delude fortune seekers, promising well-paid jobs and help in crossing the border.

Discussing human trafficking in a cause-and-effect essay is an excellent way to investigate this issue in detail. You can learn how to write it from our article on cause-and-effect essays . Here’s a recap:

Solutions to Human Trafficking Essay Topics

  • How can employers help stop human trafficking?
  • Producing films about slavery : is it a problem solution?
  • How can we stop human trafficking by learning the indicators?
  • How can people protect themselves from traffickers when going abroad?
  • Why should employers stop using cheap labor?
  • Compare and contrast solutions to labor and sex trafficking .
  • The role of parents and caregivers in preventing forced labor.
  • How can civic awareness stop human trafficking ?
  • What is more important: to persecute traffickers or to protect victims?
  • In what ways can attorneys help stop people smuggling ? 
  • Can creating a reliable online platform for job searching help reduce slavery?
  • Educational curriculum : should students be taught how to indicate and prevent human trafficking?
  • Investigate the list of goods produced by child exploitation as a form of human trafficking. How does this information influence people’s choices?
  • Forewarned is forearmed: discuss the effectiveness of anti-trafficking non-profit websites .
  • How can stricter validity checks on job-searching websites solve the issue of modern slavery?
  • Can the implementation of severe punishments for human trafficking help to curb the problem?
  • Legalization of prostitution as a way of preventing sex trafficking.
  • How can timely identification of human trafficking indicators save the lives of the victims? 
  • Fighting against poverty and unemployment as a means of preventing people smuggling.
  • Watching documentaries about modern slavery as a problem solution.

Solutions to Human Trafficking Essay Prompts & Tips

  • What are the primary solutions to human trafficking? Think about the following: How can this problem be solved on personal and national levels? It’s crucial to mention self-awareness , education, volunteering , and the role of charity organizations. You may also address the necessity to change the law.
  • Human trafficking: an international approach. The issue of modern slavery is a global problem. That’s why it should be dealt with at the international level. The authorities all over the world should unite to fight against people trafficking.
  • Compare and contrast the effectiveness of volunteering and adopting new policies. On the one hand, volunteers attract public attention to the issue of human trafficking. On the other hand, we should protect marginalized groups at the constitutional level. Otherwise, human trafficking will remain flourishing in the future.
  • Coverage of human trafficking cases in social media . Is it a good idea for the victims to share their stories on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook ? How can it help prevent this issue? Could it lead to the stigmatization of these people by others? You can start by brainstorming these ideas.
  • Discuss whether fundraising is an effective solution to human trafficking. Ponder on how holding a fundraiser helps bring awareness to the problem of modern slavery. What are some other benefits of fundraising, such as financial assistance?
  • Donations help prevent human trafficking. Do you agree? Every person can donate some money, clothes, or even shelter for the victims of human trafficking. Business owners may ensure employment opportunities, giving these people a chance for a better future. Focus on the importance of psychological and legal assistance .
  • How does the media help prevent human trafficking? The media attracts people’s attention to the problem. They become more aware and careful. The cases of victims are widely discussed, leading to more fundraising and volunteering .
  • Explore the anti-trafficking legislation in the United States. Discuss its strengths and drawbacks. What could be changed or done better? Is it effective? How are the rights of marginalized groups protected? These ideas are only the tip of the iceberg.
  • Education opportunities for disadvantaged groups as a way of preventing human trafficking. Should the government provide marginalized people with free education? How can it affect human trafficking? Discuss it in your essay.  
  • Why is a boycott an effective way of preventing human trafficking? If others start rejecting the goods produced by the victims of human trafficking, traffickers won’t get such huge profits. Everyone can make their contribution to the fight against this issue.

A problem-solution essay is particularly suitable for discussing modern slavery. Explore the facts and suggest how to stop this inhumane practice. Here’s how to write about problems and their solutions:

If you haven’t found a suitable topic, feel free to use our topic generator .

📝 Human Trafficking Essay Outline

Before you start writing, let’s have a look at some aspects to consider in your college essay on human trafficking. Here’s the basic template:

The picture shows the outline of a human trafficking essay.

Human Trafficking Essay Introduction: How to Write

The most important part of an essay introduction is a hook. A perfect attention grabber for a human trafficking paper would demonstrate the seriousness of the problem right away. It, in turn, would make your audience eager to read on.

Have a look at some of the ideas for your essay’s hook:

  • Cite statistical data related to the current situation with human trafficking.
  • Start with a stirring quote to appeal to readers’ emotions.
  • Pose a question related to your essay’s topic. Make the reader want to learn the answer.

Besides the hook, it’s logical to start your essay with some background information. This way, even an unprepared reader will understand your essay’s thesis. Think of what your audience may not know about your topic. It will help you determine what to include in this part of the introduction.

Here are some strategies:

  • Tell about the countries and regions with the highest trafficking rates—for example, Thailand, the Philippines, India, South Africa, and Eastern Europe.
  • Mention reasons behind this problem: unemployment, social discrimination, political instability, armed conflicts, etc.
  • Give a solid definition of human trafficking or its specific type. It’s better to formulate your own one rather than take it from a dictionary.

It’s important to notice that your hook and background information should be relevant to your topic. Make sure these elements help to further the understanding of your essay’s main point.

Human Trafficking Essay Thesis

A thesis statement is your essay’s main point formulated in one sentence. It outlines the paper’s direction and provides an answer to the problem stated in the title. You place it at the end of the introduction.

A good thesis statement for a human trafficking essay usually presents the solution to a problem. However, the thesis’ contents depend on your essay’s type. For example, in an informative essay, you don’t need to prove or suggest anything. Instead, you say what you’re going to explain and how you’ll do it.

Once you’ve written the thesis statement, how do you determine whether it’s strong? Well, one way is to answer the questions from the following checklist.

If your answer to all three questions is “yes,” you can be sure of your thesis’s effectiveness.

Finally, don’t forget that the rest of your essay should support your thesis. If necessary, you can rework your statement to better suit the body paragraphs, or vice versa.

Human Trafficking Essay: Main Body

How do you make your essay on human trafficking credible and persuasive? Naturally, you want to add evidence. Here’s how to incorporate it into your paper:

  • It’s better to start collecting your evidence before you start writing. Once you’ve found all the necessary information, it will be easier for you to structure the paragraphs. The point is to focus each section on a single aspect.
  • Start each paragraph with a topic sentence. It should present the main idea that you will then support with evidence. Ideally, your audience should be able to follow your logic by reading the topic sentences alone.
  • Finally, add your evidence. It can be statistics, facts from scholarly articles, quotes, or even anecdotes. Follow it with your explanation of this information. Say how it relates to the topic and supports your thesis.

Human Trafficking Essay Conclusion: Dos & Don’ts

A strong conclusion is a crucial part of any writing. In this final part, you synthesize your essay in a few sentences while adding a twist to it. If a conclusion is done right, it can leave a lasting impression on your readers.

This dos and don’ts list will help you write a perfect conclusion for a human trafficking essay. Check it out:

Don’t forget to introduce statistics in your essay on human trafficking. It’s available on numerous websites of governmental and non-governmental organizations dealing with the problem. You can find more ideas for your paper in our article about writing a child labor essay.

📑 Human Trafficking Essay Examples

We’ve prepared an outstanding sample essay on human trafficking that you can use as inspiration. You’re welcome to download the PDF file below:

Human trafficking is a global problem. It deprives millions worldwide of their freedom and dignity. Traffickers use various tactics to lure children, men, and women into the trap. For that reason, precaution measures should be taken. It is crucial to educate as many people as possible on the issue to ensure everyone’s safety.

Share your thoughts about human trafficking with us! Why do you think slavery is still in demand? If you were a politician, what would you do to prevent it? Tell us your suggestion in comments below!

Learn more on this topic:

  • Canadian Identity Essay: Essay Topics and Writing Guide
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✏️  Human Trafficking Essay FAQ

Human trafficking is a topical issue in society because it’s an inhumane practice that affects millions of people worldwide. Writing on that topic helps understand why it is happening and what can be done about it.

Human trafficking is a very complex phenomenon driven by various economic, social, cultural, and other causes. Factors of a high human trafficking risk are poverty, social instability, exclusion, and lack of education and awareness (e.g., in South Africa.)

Pretty much every fact connected with human trafficking is horrifying. Nearly everything about this phenomenon can be considered a danger. As human trafficking is a form of slavery, it would be naive to presume there are any positive effects whatsoever.

Human trafficking is a serious problem, and you should be able to express your opinion on it. For example, it can be done in the form of an argumentative essay. It is vital to avoid using too many emotionally charged words. Remember to stay objective and provide facts and examples.

🔗 References

  • Tips for Organizing an Argumentative Essay: Judith L. Beumer Writing Center
  • Human Trafficking Essay: Bartleby
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment: NHS
  • Embrace AI, Technology to Beat Human Traffickers: Reuters
  • Essay Writing: Purdue University
  • What Is Human Trafficking: Anti-Slavery International
  • Human Trafficking: Encyclopedia Britannica
  • End Human Trafficking: United Way
  • Human Trafficking Facts: CRS
  • OSCE Resource Police Training Guide: Trafficking in Human Beings: OSCE
  • Study on the Economic, Social and Human Costs of Trafficking in Human Beings Within the EU: Europa.eu
  • Writing a Research Paper: University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Human Trafficking: FBI
  • Human Trafficking: Causes and Implications: Research Gate
  • Writing a Persuasive Essay: Hamilton College
  • Parts of an Informative Essay: Pen and the Pad
  • Expository Essay Outline: Columbus City Schools
  • Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona
  • Writing the Introduction: Monash University
  • How to Write a Thesis Statement: Indiana University Bloomington
  • Writing a Thesis Statement: Piedmont University
  • 4 Ways Anyone Can Fight Human Trafficking: The Muse
  • What Fuels Human Trafficking?: UNISEF USA
  • What Is Human Trafficking?: Homeland Security
  • Psychological Tactics Used by Human Traffickers: Psychology Today
  • Psychological Coercion in Human Trafficking: An Application of Biderman’s Framework: NIH
  • Warning Signs of Human Trafficking: State of Nevada
  • Human Trafficking: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
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129 Human Trafficking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

📝 key points to use to write an outstanding human trafficking essay, 🏆 best human trafficking topic ideas & essay examples, ⭐ simple & easy human trafficking essay titles, 📌 most interesting human trafficking topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about human trafficking.

  • ❓ Research Questions about Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is one of the most challenging and acute assignment topics. Students should strive to convey a strong message in their human trafficking essays.

They should discuss the existing problems in today’s world and the ways to solve them. It means that essays on human trafficking require significant dedication and research. But do not worry, we are here to help you write an outstanding essay.

Find the issue you want to discuss in your paper. There are many titles to choose from, as you can analyze the problem from various perspectives. The examples of human trafficking essay topics include:

  • The problem of child trafficking in today’s world
  • The causes of human trafficking
  • Human trafficking: The problem of ethics and values
  • The role of today’s society in fostering human trafficking
  • Human trafficking as a barrier to human development
  • The rate of human trafficking victims in the world’s countries
  • How to prevent and stop human trafficking

Remember that you can select other human trafficking essay titles if you want. Search for them online or ask your professor for advice.

Now that you are ready to start working on your paper, you can use these key points for writing an outstanding essay:

  • Study the issue you have selected and do preliminary research. Look for news articles, scholarly papers, and information from reputable websites. Do not rely on Wikipedia or related sources.
  • Work on the outline for your paper. A well-developed outline is a key feature of an outstanding essay. Include an introductory and a concluding paragraph along with at least three body paragraphs. Make sure that each of your arguments is presented in a separate paragraph or section.
  • Check out human trafficking essay examples online to see how they are organized. This step can also help you to evaluate the relevance of the topic you have selected. Only use online sources for reference and do not copy the information you will find.
  • Your introductory paragraph should start with a human trafficking essay hook. The hooking sentence or a phrase should grab the reader’s attention. An interesting fact or a question can be a good hook. Hint: make sure that the hooking sentence does not make your paper look overly informal.
  • Do not forget to include a thesis statement at the end of your introductory section. Your paper should support your thesis.
  • Define human trafficking and make sure to answer related questions. Is it common in today’s world? What are the human trafficking rates? Help the reader to understand the problem clearly.
  • Discuss the causes and consequences of human trafficking. Think of possible questions you reader would ask and try to answer all of them.
  • Be specific. Provide examples and support your arguments with evidence. Include in-text citations if you refer to information from outside sources. Remember to use an appropriate citation style and consult your professor about it.
  • Discuss the legal implications of human trafficking in different countries or states. What are the penalties for offenders?
  • Address the ethical implications of the problem as well. How does human trafficking affect individuals and their families?
  • A concluding paragraph should be a summary of your arguments and main ideas of the paper. Discuss the findings of your research as well.

Check out our samples (they are free!) and get the best ideas for your paper!

  • Human Trafficking: Process, Causes and Effects To make the matters worse they are abused and the money goes to the pockets of these greedy people as they are left empty handed after all the humiliation they go through.
  • How Prostitution Leads to Human Trafficking This is a form of a business transaction that comes in the name of commercial sex either in the form of prostitution or pornography.
  • Definition of Human Rights and Trafficking One of the infamous abuses of human rights is the practice of human trafficking, which has become prevalent in the current society.
  • Human Trafficking in the United States The paper also discusses the needs of the victims of human trafficking and the challenges faced in the attempt to offer the appropriate services.
  • Trafficking of Children and Women: A Global Perspective The scale of women and children trafficking is very large but difficult to put a figure on the actual number of women and children trafficked all over the world. The demand for people to work […]
  • Human Trafficking in the United States: A Modern Day Slavery The question of the reasons of human trafficking is a complex one to answer since there are various causes for it, but the majors causes include; Poverty and Inequality: It is evident that human trafficking […]
  • The Human Trafficking Problem Another way is through employment and this involves the need to create more jobs within the community that is at a higher risk of facing human trafficking.
  • “Not For Sale: End Human Trafficking and Slavery”: Campaign Critique To that extent, Not for Sale campaign attempts to enhance the ability of the people in vulnerable countries to understand the nature and form of trafficking and slavery.
  • Human trafficking in Mozambique The reason for this goes back to the fact the government in place has failed to put the interests of its people as a priority.
  • Tackling the Issue of Human Trafficking In Europe, prevention of human trafficking is interpreted to mean both awareness raising and active prevention activities that ideally look into the primary causes of human trafficking.
  • Human Trafficking between Africa and Europe: Security Issues This situation is usually made possible by the fact that the traffickers are usually criminal groups that have a potential to do harm to the victims and to the family of the victims.
  • Human Trafficking in Eastern Europe The fall of communism in Eastern Europe has led to a long-term issue of human trafficking in some of the nations in the region.
  • Mexican Drug Cartels and Human Trafficking Reports from Mexico says that due to the pressure exerted on the drug cartels by the government, they have resolved in other means of getting revenue and the major one has been human trafficking alongside […]
  • Human Trafficking and the Trauma It Leaves Behind According to Snajdr, in the United States, most of the Black immigrants who came to the country during the colonial era were actually victims of human trafficking.
  • Human Trafficking: Definition, Reasons and Ways to Solve the Problem That is why, it becomes obvious that slavery, which is taken as the remnant of the past, prosper in the modern world and a great number of people suffer from it.
  • Criminal Law: Human Trafficking Promises of a good life and the absence of education opportunities for women have led to the increased levels of human trafficking.
  • The Fight Against Human Trafficking Human trafficking constitutes a gross violation of the human rights of the individual as he/she is reduced to the status of a commodity to be used in any manner by the person who buys it.
  • Combating Human Trafficking in the USA It is necessary to note, however, that numerous researchers claim that the number of human trafficking victims is quite difficult to estimate due to the lack of effective methodology.
  • Human Trafficking and Modern-day Slavery One of the biggest challenges in addressing modern slavery and human trafficking is the fact that the vice is treated as a black market affair where facts about the perpetrators and the victims are difficult […]
  • Human Trafficking: Healthcare and Globalization Aspects The first study conducts a literature review on articles in the year 2011 and 2012 based on the handing of human trafficking by healthcare professionals.
  • Human Trafficking as a Terrorist Activity The biggest problem that is worth mentioning is that it is believed that the number of such activities is growing at an incredibly fast rate, and it is important to take necessary measures to limit […]
  • Human Trafficking in Mozambique: Causes and Policies “Human Trafficking in Mozambique: Root Causes and Recommendations” is a policy paper developed by the research team of UNESCO as a powerful tool in order to analyze the situation with human trafficking in Mozambique and […]
  • Terrorism, Human Trafficking, and International Response One of the key positive results of the global counter-terrorism efforts was the reduction of Al Qaeda’s presence both globally and in the Middle East, and the enhancement of travel safety.
  • Human Trafficking Problems in Canada The authors describe the government’s influence on the level of human trafficking and argue that the concept of slavery is almost the same as modern human trafficking.
  • Social Work: Human Trafficking and Trauma Theory One of the theoretical frameworks is trauma theory that focuses on the traumatic experiences victims are exposed to as well as the influence of these traumas on their further life.
  • Human Trafficking: Enforcing Laws Worldwide This essay focuses on the issue of enforcement of laws concerning human trafficking, the influence of country prosperity on the approaches to solving this problem, the vulnerable categories at high risk of becoming victims, and […]
  • Psychotherapy for Victims of Human Trafficking The use of different dependent variables is the primary feature that differs a single-subject design from a program evaluation the essence of which is to cover a range of questions and evaluate them all without […]
  • Human Trafficking as an Issue of Global Importance Being a threat to global safety and well-being, the phenomenon of human trafficking has to be managed by reconsidering the existing policy statements of organizations responsible for monitoring the levels of human trafficking and preventing […]
  • Child Welfare: Human Trafficking in San Diego The paper consists of an introduction, the consecutive sections addressing the definition of the issue, its legal background, the occurrence of child trafficking, and the interventions initiated by the authorities to fight the threat.
  • Human Trafficking and Exploitation in Modern Society It is necessary to determine the essence of human trafficking to understand the magnitude of the problem of slavery in the modern world.
  • Human Trafficking in the USA However, the development of the society and rise of humanism resulted in the reconsideration of the attitude towards this phenomenon and the complete prohibition of all forms of human trafficking.
  • Human Trafficking of Illegal Immigrants People perceive II not as a vulnerable demographic but as a part of the problem, thus causing the target population to develop the behaviors that complicate the process of preventing and addressing the instances of […]
  • Aftermath of Human Trafficking in Children and Teenagers The major part of the available research is concentrated on the victims of sex abuse and the applied means of their treatment.
  • Effects of Human Trafficking in Teenagers: The Present-Day Situation In this case, the inclusion of the additional factor, the type of human trafficking, will contribute to a better understanding of the problem and develop a solution.
  • Stephanie Doe: Misyar Marriage as Human Trafficking in Saudi Arabia In this article, the author seeks to highlight how the practice of temporary marriages by the wealthy in Saudi Arabia, commonly known as misyar, is a form of human trafficking.
  • Egypt and Sudan Refugees and Asylum Seekers Face Brutal Treatment and Human Trafficking In this report by Amnesty International, the issue of the security of refugees and asylum seekers in Shagarab refugee camps, which are located in the eastern parts of Sudan, is raised.
  • Human Trafficking as a Global Crime Industry: Labor, Slavery, Sexual Slavery, Prostitution, and Organ Harvesting As members of the society, every individual has to be aware of this glaring issue, and do their part in preventing human trafficking. This project will present an in-depth analysis of various aspects and perspectives […]
  • Human Trafficking and Its Social and Historical Significance Human trafficking is a type of crime that involves kidnapping and transporting of women, men, and children out of the country with the purposes of slave labor, prostitution, organ harvesting, and other nefarious purposes.
  • Human Trafficking: Solution to Treat Survivors And A Public Health Issues Ultimately, this led to the child’s lack of a sense of security, to the presence of a strong desire to be loved and important to someone.
  • Human Trafficking: Labor Facilitators and Programs Labor trafficking is a significant issue in the modern world because it refers to people who are forced to engage in labor through the use of coercion, fraud, and force.
  • Criminology: Human Trafficking However, the UAE clearly has admitted that there is a high level of rights infringement against women by the ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
  • Human Trafficking in the UK: Examples and References The bureaucracy and lack of flexibility pose quite significant threats to the success of the UK anti-trafficking strategies. An illustration of this lack of flexibility and focus is the case of the Subatkis brothers.
  • Intelligence Issues in Border Security, Human Trafficking, and Narcotics Trafficking This paper aims to emphasize drug trafficking as the main threat for the nation and outline intelligence collecting methods on drug and human trafficking, border security, and cybersecurity.
  • Intelligence Issues in Human Trafficking To begin with, the officer is to examine the social groups of migrants and refugees, as they are the most vulnerable groups in terms of human trafficking.
  • Human Trafficking and Nurses’ Education Therefore, there is a need to educate nurses in understanding human trafficking victims’ problems and learning the signs or ared flags’ of human trafficking.
  • Human Trafficking Is a Global Affair It refers to the unlawful recruitment, harboring and transportation of men, women and children for forced labor, sex exploitation, forced marriages, through coercion and fraud.
  • Human Trafficking and Healthcare Organizations Human Trafficking, which is a modern form of slavery, is a critical issue nowadays since it affects many marginalized people around the world.
  • Child Welfare and Human Trafficking Young people and children that live in “out-of-home care” due to reasons of abuse or lack of resources are at higher risk of becoming subjects of trafficking.
  • Human Trafficking and Variety of Its Forms The types of human trafficking that harshly break human rights are sex trafficking, forced labor, and debt bondage. To conclude, it is essential to say that human trafficking has been the worst type of crime […]
  • Human Trafficking: Giving a Fresh Perspective One question I find reoccurring is, “Are all victims of human trafficking being dishonest?” Throughout my career and law enforcement, I met the cases in which victims were dishonest, and I wanted to discover why.
  • Human Trafficking in Africa Therefore, Africa’s human trafficking can be primarily attributed to the perennial political instability and civil unrest as the root causes of the vice in the continent. Some traditions and cultural practices in Africa have significantly […]
  • Dark Window on Human Trafficking: Rhetorical Analysis In this essay, Ceaser utilized his rhetorical skills to dive into the dark world of human trafficking, which severely hits Latin America and the USA, through the usage of images and forms of different societal […]
  • Policy Issues on Human Trafficking in Texas The challenge of preventing human trafficking in Texas and meeting the needs of its victims is complicated by the multifaceted nature of the problem.
  • Human Trafficking: Sex Trafficking in Latin America In Latin America, the problem is crucial, as many gangs and criminal organizations use human trafficking as one of the sources of funding their illegal activities. It is also crucial to focus on women and […]
  • Three Ethical Lenses on Human Trafficking As a result of the issue’s illegality, a deontologist will always observe the law and, as a result, will avoid or work to eradicate human trafficking.
  • Doctor-Patient Confidentiality and Human Trafficking At the same time, it is obligatory to keep the records of all the patients in the healthcare settings while Dr. To conclude, the decision in the case of an encounter with human trafficking should […]
  • Human Trafficking and Related Issues and Tensions In the business sector, therefore, discrimination leads to the workload of the trafficked employee to make a huge lot of work to be done at the right time required.
  • Discussion: Human Trafficking of Adults Human trafficking of adults is one of the most essential and significant issues of modern times, which affects the lives of millions of people in almost every corner of the globe.
  • Human Trafficking Through the General Education Lens First and foremost, the numerous initiatives show that the regional governments are prepared to respond to the problem of human trafficking in a coordinated manner.
  • Reflection on Human Trafficking Studies When researching and critically evaluating the global issue of human trafficking, I managed to enrich my experience as a researcher, a professional, and an individual due to the facts and insights gained through this activity.
  • The Widespread Awareness of Human Trafficking A possible solution to the issue of human trafficking might be the implementation of a mapping system that will include the locations with human trafficking activity.
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5 Essays On Human Trafficking You Can Access Freely Online

Every country faces specific human rights issues, but human trafficking is a problem for every place on the planet. Wherever there’s poverty, conflict, a lack of education, or political instability, vulnerable people are at risk. Human trafficking is the world’s fastest-growing criminal industry. Sexual exploitation brings in most of the billions of dollars of profit, but forced labor also generates wealth. The universality of human trafficking doesn’t negate the fact that the issue is multi-faceted and as a multitude of root causes . Certain countries are more dangerous than others and certain people groups are more vulnerable. To learn more about specific human trafficking issues and solutions, here are five essays you can read or download for free:

“Human Trafficking and Exploitation: A Global Health Concern”

By: Cathy Zimmerman and Ligia Kiss

While labor migration can be beneficial to workers and employers, it’s also a hotbed for exploitation. In this essay from PLOS, the authors argue that human trafficking and the exploitation of low-wage workers have significant negative health impacts. Because of the magnitude of human trafficking, health concerns constitute a public health problem. Thanks to certain business models that depend on disposable labor, exploitation is allowed to flourish while protections are weakened. The essay states that trafficking initiatives must focus on stopping exploitation within each stage of labor migration. This essay introduces a special collection from PLOS on human trafficking and health. It’s the first medical journal collection on this topic. It includes pieces on child sex trafficking in the United States and the slavery of sea workers in South East Asia. Cathy Zimmerman and Ligia Kiss, the guest editors and authors of the first essay, are from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

“Introducing The Slave Next Door”

By: Jen Birks and Alison Gardner

Published in a special issue of the Anti-Trafficking Review on public perceptions and responses to human trafficking, this essay focuses on Great Britain. According to the essay, there’s been a shift in what the public thinks about trafficking based on local reporting and anti-slavery campaigns. British communities are starting to realize how prevalent human trafficking is in their own backyards. The essay takes a closer look at the media and campaigns, how they’re representing cases, and what people are doing with the information. While specific to Britain, it’s a good example of how people can perceive trafficking within their borders.

Jen Birks is an Assistant Professor in media at the Department of Cultural, Media, and visual Studies at the University of Nottingham. Alison Gardner is at the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham with a Nottingham Research Fellowship. She is part of the university’s Rights Lab.

“My Family’s Slave”

By: Alex Tizon

One of The Atlantic’s biggest stories of 2017, this essay tells a personal story of modern slavery. At 18-years old, Lola was given to the writer’s mother and when they moved to the United States, Lola came with them. On the outside, Tizon’s family was, in his words, “a poster family.” The truth was much darker. The essay sparked countless reader responses, including those of people who were once slaves themselves. Reading both the criticism and praise of the essay is just as valuable as the essay itself.

Alex Tizon died at age 57 years old before his essay was published. He had a successful career as a writer and reporter, sharing a Pulitzer Prize while a staff member at The Seattle Times. He also published a 2014 memoir Big Little Man: In Search of My Asian Self.

“Vietnam’s Human Trafficking Problem Is Too Big To Ignore”

By: Thoi Nguyen

In November 2019, 39 Vietnamese people were found dead in a truck container. They were identified as victims of a human trafficking ring. In Nguyen’s article, he explores the facts about the severity of human trafficking in Vietnam. For years, anti-slavery groups have warned the UK about a rise in trafficking, but it took a tragedy for people to start paying attention. Nguyen discusses who is vulnerable to trafficking, how trafficking functions, and Vietnam’s response.

Freelance journalist Thoi Nguyen is a member of Chatham House and a member of Amnesty International UK. In addition to human trafficking, he writes about the economy, finance, and foreign affairs. He’s a specialist in South East Asian geopolitics.

“History Repeats Itself: Some New Faces Behind Sex Trafficking Are More Familiar Than You Think”

By: Mary Graw Leary

This essay highlights how human trafficking isn’t only a criminal enterprise, it’s also an economic one. Leary looks specifically at how businesses that benefit (directly or indirectly) from slavery have always fought against efforts to end it. The essay focuses on government efforts to disrupt online sex trafficking and how companies are working to prevent that from happening. Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry, so it makes sense that even legitimate businesses benefit. Knowing what these businesses are is essential to ending trafficking.

Mary Graw Leary is a former federal prosecutor and currently a professor of law at The Catholic University of America. The Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission’s Victim Advocacy Group, she’s an expert in exploitation, missing persons, human trafficking, and technology.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Crime and Public Safety | Former students allege human labor trafficking…

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Crime and public safety | ‘you can’t see anything’: blizzard closes most tahoe ski resorts and yosemite as winds hit 143 mph, crime and public safety, crime and public safety | former students allege human labor trafficking at olivet university, although they were promised full scholarships with room and board, the international students claim they were instead forced to work to pay for their education..

thesis about human trafficking

A group of former students is suing Olivet University in Anza, alleging they were victims of human labor trafficking and forced to work, without pay, after coming overseas to attend the private Christian college on full scholarships.

The four former students — Dawin Liranzo Galan, Roland Broccko, Minerva Ruiz and Rebecca Singh — traveled from Spain, Venezuela and India to the U.S. on student visas obtained through Olivet so they could attend the school in 2017 and early 2018. But when they arrived in the high desert town, they were told they had to work to pay off their debt, according to the lawsuit.

“They arrived hoping to fulfill their dreams. What they experienced was a nightmare,” states the lawsuit filed in Riverside County Superior Court in September and amended on Feb. 7. “Though they may have had distinct journeys to the United States, they all would share one thing in common — they would become victims of human trafficking at the hands of Olivet University and others as described herein.”

Named as one of the defendants in the lawsuit is David Jang, a Korean Christian pastor and professor who in 2004 founded Olivet University in the Bay Area for ministry-bound students. In 2014, the university purchased its 1,000-acre property in Anza, situated in the San Jacinto Mountains east of Temecula, and established its headquarters there.

A monument sign at Olivet University’s 1,000-acre campus in Anza....

A monument sign at Olivet University’s 1,000-acre campus in Anza. (Photo by Joe Nelson/SCNG)

Olivet University president Matthias Gebhardt, pictured here in 2022, and...

Olivet University president Matthias Gebhardt, pictured here in 2022, and university founder David Jang are among those accused in a lawsuit of a human labor trafficking operation at the Anza-based Christian college. (Photo by Angel Pena, Contributing photographer)

Remnants of snow litter ground in front of the Olivet...

Remnants of snow litter ground in front of the Olivet University Student Union on Tuesday Dec. 13, 2022. Renovations are being done to this building to add more amenities for future students. (Photo by Angel Pena, Contributing photographer)

Olivet University student Phoebe Sun, 36, of Yunnan, China, practices...

Olivet University student Phoebe Sun, 36, of Yunnan, China, practices making videos for TikTok as a way to spread Christianity through different platforms on Tuesday Dec. 13 2022. (Photo by Angel Pena, Contributing photographer)

Students at Olivet Academy play basketball after school on Tuesday...

Students at Olivet Academy play basketball after school on Tuesday Dec. 13, 2022. Olivet Academy is a K-12 program located on campus at Olivet University. (Photo by Angel Pena, Contributing photographer)

A student enters Olivet University’s Information Technology Center on Tuesday...

A student enters Olivet University’s Information Technology Center on Tuesday Dec. 13, 2022. This building serves as a computer lab and study area. (Photo by Angel Pena, Contributing photographer)

An Olivet University student uses one of the many computers...

An Olivet University student uses one of the many computers available in the Information Technology Center on Tuesday Dec. 13, 2022. (Photo by Angel Pena, Contributing photographer)

An Olivet University student edits a video on Tuesday Dec....

An Olivet University student edits a video on Tuesday Dec. 13, 2022. Students pursuing visual arts at Olivet are able to use many forms of media to spread Christianity. (Photo by Angel Pena, Contributing photographer)

Olivet University monument sign outside its entrance gate in Anza....

Olivet University monument sign outside its entrance gate in Anza. (Photo by Joe Nelson/SCNG)

Dr. Nate Tran, chairman of Olivet University’s Board of Trustees...

Dr. Nate Tran, chairman of Olivet University’s Board of Trustees in 2022, speaks to Olivet’s president, Matthias Gebhardt, on Tuesday Dec 13. 2022. (Photo by Angel Pena, Contributing photographer)

In addition to Jang, the new complaint names the university, President Matthias Gebhardt and five others as defendants. The others — Jasmine Park, Andrew Lin, Rachel Cheung, Nathanael “Ginturn” Tran and Stephanie Choi Gebhardt, who is Matthias Gebhardt’s wife — were all employees at the university or served on its Board of Trustees at the time the plaintiffs attended the school, according to the lawsuit.

The suit is the latest in a series of troubles for the embattled university in recent years, including criminal convictions in New York and a federal investigation into money laundering, human labor trafficking and fraud that remains ongoing. Additionally, the university was accused last year of more than a dozen violations of state education regulations.

Babysitting, housework, kitchen duty

After arriving at Olivet, the plaintiffs allege they were forced to perform a variety of jobs, including unloading furniture, gardening, housekeeping, laundry, working in the campus kitchen, and babysitting the children of Olivet employees, including the Gebhardts’ children.

They worked about five hours a day, typically during the hours of 1 to 7 p.m., and were required to maintain hourly time sheets, three of which were included as exhibits in the lawsuit. The students were never paid, and, if they missed a meal due to their required work, they did not receive that meal, the lawsuit alleges.

The students, according to the suit, were not allowed to leave the gated campus without permission and a signed form from an Olivet employee. They had to explain why they were leaving, where they intended to go, who they were going with, and for how long. And if they wanted to ride in a university van to attend weekly shopping trips to Temecula, they had to pay for the ride, the lawsuit alleges.

Additionally, a staff member told Singh she needed to turn in her passport, school certificates and all other personal documents after she arrived at Olivet, and that they would be returned once she graduated, according to the lawsuit.

Matthias Gebhardt, the university president, did not respond to an email requesting comment. His attorney, Nathan Marcusen, could not be reached for comment.

Work detail

Ruiz was forced to clean Jang’s residence, which was located off campus at a nearby location, the lawsuit alleges. Galan and Broccko had to work at Lin’s off-campus residence as well, feeding his dogs and llamas and cleaning up their feces daily and sometimes on weekends, the suit alleges.

On one occasion, when Ruiz was working at Jang’s house with other students, according to the lawsuit, Jang “referenced that there was not enough food on campus” and gave Ruiz $40 in an envelope to buy something to eat. He told her his future goal was for each student to get $100 monthly.

When Singh complained about having to work, Cheung told her that her work would allow the university to grow and that it was to “glorify the kingdom of God,” the lawsuit states.

The former students were told by Olivet leaders that if they didn’t work, they had to pay. Stephanie Choi Gebhardt, according to the lawsuit, told Ruiz her nearly $18,000 scholarship “covered nothing” and asked her if her family could pay money. When Ruiz told her no, Choi Gebhardt told Ruiz she would then need to work on campus to pay for everything, according to the lawsuit.

“Here, the defendants engaged in forced labor and debt bonding towards the plaintiffs — requiring them to work to pay off their ‘debts’ in order to attend Olivet even though they were promised fully paid tuition, room and board, and other expenses,” according to the lawsuit.

When Olivet prepared the plaintiffs’ student visas, the lawsuit alleges, it declared under penalty of perjury that the cost for them to attend and live at Olivet would not be funded by any on-campus employment.

‘Escape’ from Olivet

The lawsuit alleges that Galan, Broccko and Singh each hatched plans to “escape” from the university.

Galan told university officials in June 2017 that a relative of his in New York was ill and he had to leave immediately. “He then escaped from Olivet and fled to New York,” according to the suit.

That same month, the suit alleges, Broccko enlisted the help of Olivet employee Juan Pablo Segura to flee the university. Segura purchased an airplane ticket for Broccko, then told Olivet staff the two were going on summer vacation. Segura drove Broccko to an airport in San Diego and Broccko flew to New York, where he stayed with Galan, according to the lawsuit.

Singh’s plan to leave the university was initiated by a 911 call in March 2018, when she told a Riverside County sheriff’s dispatcher she had not been allowed to leave the the university for months, was staying in a camper on campus, and that there were “300 Asian men and women” also residing on campus who lived in buildings five or six to a room, according to a dispatch report provided by Olivet.

Singh also told the dispatcher she was supposed to be paid for work, but never was, according to the dispatch report.

A deputy responded to the campus, and, at 1:16 a.m., noted there were “no negative sounds of distress” in the area. The deputy was unable to contact Singh, according to the report.

The lawsuit claims Singh “escaped” with “secret assistance from an Olivet employee.” The plaintiffs’ attorney, Darren Harris, said she subsequently flew to Boston to stay with her sister and registered at another university to continue her studies.

Olivet, however, maintains Singh was allowed to leave voluntarily after she made the 911 call.

According to the 911 dispatch report, the deputy spoke to a female leaving the location who stated Olivet already knew about Singh and that she was getting a ride to the airport at 2 a.m. The university said Segura drove Singh to Los Angeles International.

“Contrary to Rebecca Singh’s false allegations that she had ‘escaped’ from the Anza campus with the aid of an Olivet employee, the university was always aware of her departure and had even arranged for her transportation at the time,” Olivet said in a statement.

Court hearing

During a hearing Feb. 7 at the Southwest Justice Center in French Valley, Judge Rachel Marquez granted Harris’ request to file the amended lawsuit, add Singh as a plaintiff and dismiss Broccko’s wife, Nogleidys Broccko, as a plaintiff. Harris said Broccko’s wife decided she no longer wanted to participate in the lawsuit.

At the hearing, Marquez sustained Olivet’s demurrer, claiming the initial complaint filed in September “lacked factual content sufficient to plead a claim for relief.” Olivet called the allegations “a bizarre and appalling fiction,” “complete fabrication” and “scurrilous.”

Olivet now has 30 days to respond to the allegations in the amended complaint.

Common thread

In a statement, Olivet said the accusations in the lawsuit are contradicted by a preponderance of statements from other students who enrolled during the same time period.

“There is one common thread connecting the claimants: all have been seeking permanent visas to reside in the United States, an important motivating factor behind this lawsuit,” the statement said.

Also, according to Olivet, all the original claimants in the lawsuit were not regular students at the university, but rather English as a  Second Language students who attended the college for at most three to six months before transferring.

Olivet countersues

In response to the lawsuit, Olivet countersued the plaintiffs, alleging they deceived and defrauded the university when they gave assurances in their applications and application essays that they intended to pursue an education for the purpose of entering missions or ministry work.

Olivet alleges that none of the former students truly intended to pursue missions or ministry work, and instead applied to the university as a means of entering the United States for other purposes.

“After completing only two quarters of study or less, each of the cross-complaint defendants left Olivet University and did not return,” according to the cross-complaint.

Harris countered in a legal filing that Olivet failed to provide sufficient facts supporting its claims, other than what was written in the student applications and essays.

“However, even a cursory reading of these statements illustrates that none of the plaintiffs made any representation of any kind or promise to actually pursue missions or ministry work,” Harris wrote.

A hearing on the cross-complaint and Harris’ response is scheduled for April 4, Harris said.

Past troubles

The federal investigation into money laundering, human labor trafficking and fraud at Olivet, triggered in part by Singh’s 911 call in 2018, remains ongoing, said Richard Beam, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations, the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

In February 2020, Olivet pleaded guilty in New York to a misdemeanor count of conspiracy and a felony count of falsifying business records in a scheme to fraudulently obtain $35 million from lenders. The university was ordered to pay $1.25 million in forfeiture over two years.

Olivet met all the conditions of its plea agreement, and, as a result, the charge of falsifying business records was reduced to a misdemeanor in February 2022, according to a spokesperson at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Lin, a defendant in the former students’ lawsuit, also pleaded guilty in February 2020 to one felony count of a scheme to defraud but averted jail time. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and agreed not to serve in an executive or managerial capacity at Olivet during that time, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Lin stepped down from Olivet’s Board of Trustees in 2020 and has not been involved with the university since, Gebhardt said in December 2022.

In April 2021, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations and Riverside County sheriff’s and district attorney’s investigators served a search warrant at Olivet. The warrant remains under seal, and the government has not disclosed any additional information since the raid.

In March 2023, state Attorney General Rob Bonta, on behalf of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, filed an accusation against Olivet alleging 14 violations of state education regulations discovered during unannounced site visits to Olivet’s main campus in Anza in November 2022 and a satellite campus in Mill Valley, near San Francisco, in January 2023.

An accusation initiates a hearing to determine whether an institution’s approval to operate should be revoked, suspended, limited or conditioned, a Department of Consumer Affairs spokesperson said.

A hearing on the accusation is scheduled before an administrative law judge on April 23, DCA spokesperson Monica Vargas said.

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Biden Unites With an Unlikely Ally to Champion Ukraine

In a visit to the White House by Italy’s far-right prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, the president declared that “we have each other’s backs” and “we also have Ukraine’s back.”

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Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy and President Biden sitting in armchairs, with a lighted fireplace behind them, in the Oval Office.

By Zolan Kanno-Youngs

Reporting from Washington

President Biden turned to an unlikely ally on Friday in his drive to build support for Ukraine’s war effort as U.S. aid falters, declaring during a White House visit by the far-right prime minister of Italy that the two leaders “have each other’s backs” and “have Ukraine’s back.”

The warm tone, a striking departure from Mr. Biden’s assessment of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni when she was elected, extended to a number of foreign policy fronts, as the leaders sought to portray themselves as united on topics including confronting global migration and trying to prevent a broader war in the Middle East.

“As you said when we first met here in the Oval, Giorgia, that we have each other’s backs,” Mr. Biden said. “We do, and you’ve demonstrated that from the moment you took office.”

But Mr. Biden highlighted their unity on Kyiv’s efforts to fend off an invasion by President Vladimir V. Putin’s Russia, creating a contrast with conservatives in Congress. “We also have Ukraine’s back,” Mr. Biden said. “That’s why I’m urging the House of Representatives to pass legislation” that would send billions of dollars to fund the war effort.

The meeting intensified an all-out assault by Mr. Biden to push stalled military aid for Ukraine through a reluctant Congress. He convened a meeting this week at which he sought to push Speaker Mike Johnson to allow a vote on aid. He has warned that the divisions over aid are a gift to Russia. And he has used meetings with European officials this year not only to ensure a united front against Russia’s invasion but also to pressure Congress.

In Ms. Meloni, Mr. Biden has found a surprisingly kindred spirit.

The Italian prime minister said on Friday that as the chairwoman of the Group of 7 nations, she was focused on “defending freedom and building peace for Ukraine.”

After being elected in 2022, Ms. Meloni has steered away from the most Russia-friendly elements of her coalition, and Italy recently agreed to sign a security agreement with Ukraine to help Kyiv’s defense industry.

Mr. Biden’s embrace of Ms. Meloni has come as a surprise after he expressed concern for democracy when she rose to power. Her party, the Brothers of Italy, has roots in the neo-fascist factions that emerged after World War II. She drew comparisons to former President Donald J. Trump after addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference in the United States in 2022.

“She hails from Europe’s far right, and her coalition contains influential voices that are much more pro-Russian and sympathetic to Putin than the European mainstream, yet she has bucked that trend and located Italy firmly in the trans-Atlantic camp that is committed to supporting Ukraine,” said Charles A. Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a Europe adviser on the National Security Council in the Obama administration.

While she has advanced other far-right causes, such as anti-L.G.B.T.Q. policies, in Italy, Mr. Biden has seemed content to set those moves aside to secure an ally on critical foreign policy matters.

Ms. Meloni also could benefit from the global spotlight that comes with a visit to the Oval Office, Mr. Kupchan said, especially as she seeks to convince her own constituents of the importance of defending Ukraine.

“The domestic debate in Italy is, I would say, more skeptical of aid to Ukraine than in most other countries,” Mr. Kupchan said.

Ms. Meloni also stressed the need to discuss strategies to combat human trafficking driving global migration, particularly from North Africa. Mr. Biden too has recently made combating illegal migration a central focus of his administration. Just the day before his meeting with Ms. Meloni, he traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border to push Congress to enact sweeping changes there.

Zolan Kanno-Youngs is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Zolan Kanno-Youngs

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President Vladimir Putin of Russia said the West faced the prospect of a nuclear conflict  if it intervened more directly in the war in Ukraine , alluding to comments by President Emmanuel Macron of France about the possibility of sending NATO troops to Ukraine .

Amid a monthslong political impasse in the United States over aid to Ukraine, the Biden administration is considering whether to provide Kyiv with weapons from the Pentagon’s stockpiles .

The loss of the eastern city of Avdiivka was a blow for Ukraine. But Russia’s advance has been particularly harsh on  the farmers and miners in neighboring towns and villages , leaving them poised to flee.

Holding a Sliver of Hope: A Russian mother knows her son, a conscript, died 14 months ago in a battle in eastern Ukraine. But she is still waiting for him.

A Long Fight: On the second anniversary  of Russia’s invasion, many weary but determined Ukrainians  are taking a longer view of the war , pinpointing the Maidan uprising of 2014 as the start of a 10-year conflict with their adversary.

Sending a Message: Two years since the start of the war in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin of Russia has fully embraced the image of an unpredictable strongman  ready to escalate his conflict with the West.

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Our team of visual journalists analyzes satellite images, photographs , videos and radio transmissions  to independently confirm troop movements and other details.

We monitor and authenticate reports on social media, corroborating these with eyewitness accounts and interviews. Read more about our reporting efforts .

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