I have been involved in spreading awareness, and working to help victims, of human trafficking for about two years now. Having attended many seminars, presentations, awareness events, and fundraisers, the most common question I hear on the subject is: how do we actually stop human trafficking?
It is always sort of bitter-sweet hearing this question for me. I am so glad that people are looking forward, that they are looking for a way to end this terrible exploitation that has run unchecked for so long, that there is hope in that people want to do what is right and fight for those who are being exploited. The bitterness, however, comes from the answer itself.
Human trafficking is a supply and demand problem. Punishing traffickers or even helping exploited women to leave the sex trade, though they are great things to do, will not solve the problem. As long as the demand exists, new pimps will arise and continue to exploit young women for profit. It is an ever-growing system of greed made up of replaceable parts, and this machine will continue to function as long as there are profits to be had.
Eliminating the demand is the only real way to see the end of human trafficking. This is the answer that I always give when I am asked how to stop human trafficking. It is a simple answer, but it is not so simple to pursue.
Some law enforcement agencies are making a push to enforce our laws regarding the purchasing of sexual services, punishing those who are attempting to purchase sex for money. This is a major step in the right direction and if this trend catches on we should soon see a decline in the sex trade as a result of it. The unfortunate truth is that not all will be deterred for fear of punishment. This will not completely eliminate the problem.
There are some real problems in our culture as well, and those problems will need to be addressed if we’re ever going to see the end of human trafficking into the sex industry.
However, the prosecution of sex buyers is a known tactic for reducing human trafficking in the sex industry. There is a recent study,* conducted in the united states (which has similar enough demographics to Canada,) that suggests the fear of prosecution would be enough for 25% of sex buyers to stop. That is a huge potential outcome, when we’re talking about simply enforcing the law that we, as a country, passed 5 years ago.**
In 2016 there were 340 serious human trafficking violations reported, according to Stats Canada. I know that these numbers are on a sharp incline, but even if we only look at this number: it would mean 85 young women and girls that would not be forced into sexual services each year. That would be such a meaningful and impactful outcome, especially when you consider this study does not factor in the buyers who would stop after actually being prosecuted. The overall impact could be much greater, and if you ask me, worth the effort.