Elevate 61

The Need

“The most frequently cited global statistics on human trafficking indicate that men and boys represent nearly half of the total number of human trafficking victims. The s*x trafficking of boys and men continues to be hidden and under-reported, and there is a severe shortage of programs to meet their needs. Much work remains to ensure men and boys are not overlooked or under-served.”

(US Dept. of State, 2017)

The State Department acknowledges that between 2006 and 2008 the percentage of adult certified male victims of human trafficking jumped from 6% to 45%. A recent study, focusing exclusively on Texas, indicates that there are about 313,000 victims of human trafficking and traffickers exploit approximately $600 million per year from victims.

(Bush-Armendariz, et. al., 2016)

Devastating Consequences of Human Trafficking

Most victims experience a combination of the following symptoms:

· Sleeping and eating disorders,

· Sexually-transmitted diseases,

· HIV/AIDS, pelvic pain, re**al trauma, and urinary difficulties,

· Chronic back, hearing,

· Cardiovascular, or respiratory problems from endless days toiling in dangerous agriculture, sweatshop, or construction conditions,

· Fear and anxiety, Depression and mood changes,

· Drug addiction,

· Guilt and shame,

· Cultural shock from finding themselves in a strange country,

· Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic bonding with the trafficker

(HTS, 2017)

References

Busch-Armendariz, N., Nale, N., Kammer-Kerwick, M., Lellison, B., Torres, M., Heffron, L., &

Nehme, J. (December, 2016). Human trafficking by the numbers: The initial benchmark of prevalence and economic impact for Texas. The University of Texas at Austin Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault - School of Social Work.

HTS (2017). The Human Trafficking Search. Information retrieved from corporate website at:

http://humantraffickingsearch.org/impact/

United States Department of State. (June, 2017). Assisting male survivors of human trafficking. Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Washington, DC. Report extracted from: https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/fs/2017/272004.htm