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Sex trafficking occurs when a person is forced, coerced, or defrauded into a commercial sex act. This also includes minors who are trafficked for profits. A commercial sex act is any sexual act in which value is given to or received by someone. Sex trafficking is normally thought to be an issue within developing countries, however, sex trafficking is prevalent in the United States as well. This horrific crime has affected communities all throughout the nation. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center has reports of human trafficking cases from each state. Thousands of human trafficking cases are documented locally and many cases go unreported. Examples of sex trafficking include:

  • Prostitution
  • Forced Marriage
  • Sex tourism
  • Mail-order brides
  • Pornography

The victims of sex trafficking end up in this awful situation for various reasons. Sex traffickers will promise victims safety and a paying job. Victims will take job positions labeled as models, dancers, servers, or housekeepers but end up being taken advantage of by the traffickers. These criminals will use physical and psychological means to manipulate victims and take control of their lives. This includes threats to the victim and even to the victim’s family.

Businesses Allow Sex Trafficking

Each year, there are about 40 million people who become victims of human trafficking and the majority of sex trafficking victims are women and young girls. This is a type of modern-day slavery where businesses such as hotels, casinos, nightclubs, and resorts allow in order to earn a profit. These types of institutions and businesses are often used by sex traffickers because they provide anonymity and privacy. Businesses will also be aware of the acts of sexual exploitation occurring but will instead agree to receive payments to keep quiet.

One of the most obvious businesses where sex trafficking occurs is hotels and motels. Hotels have the responsibility to provide guests with safety and when the hotel fails to prevent sex trafficking it is a breach of duty. Many victims don’t realize that hotels and other businesses where the victimization occurred can be sued for civil damages.

Federal law entitles victims of sex trafficking to file a civil claim against the perpetrators and any other people or businesses who have profited from their trafficking. Victims are also able to file a lawsuit against whoever should have known that the crime was happening.

Sex Trafficking Using The Internet & Social Media

As technology advances and more people have access to information and communication, all sorts of dangers arise. The Internet can be used by sex traffickers to target vulnerable victims such as young children. Similar to hotels, the Internet allows perpetrators to be anonymous and makes it difficult to track down predators. Websites on the online black market have made millions of dollars from selling children for sex online. Not only does the Internet allow traffickers to find victims, but it also makes it easier for buyers to find sex slaves.

Social media has also given these criminals access to potential victims, especially young teenagers. Traffickers will communicate via social media to lure victims into false promises. Victims will be told to meet up in private locations away from their friends, family, and the public eye. Traffickers will then steal their identification, subject the victim to physical abuse, and sometimes forced drug usage.

Thankfully, law enforcement and the FBI have been working to eliminate Internet sex trafficking.

File a Lawsuit with a Pennsylvania Sex Trafficking Victims Attorney

Victims of sex trafficking should contact the trusted human trafficking lawyers from KBA Attorneys. We provide professional and 100% confidential legal services to victims of any type of sexual abuse or exploitation. Sex traffickers and all other responsible parties need to be held accountable for their heinous crimes. Some victims of sex trafficking might think that they are alone and that nothing can be done, but past victims have successfully brought lawsuits against the traffickers and businesses. Contact our Pennsylvania sex trafficking victims lawyers today for a free case evaluation and learn how you can receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Fight for justice that needs to be served.