In the year 2014, human trafficking is still prevalent. Traffickers around the world abuse vulnerable individuals and rob them of their freedom to be safe from harm despite the international and national laws that are in place. In particular, sex trafficking, a subset of human trafficking is a form of discrimination in which people in power, typically men, take advantage of the vulnerabilities of women and children— though men are also victims—to exploit them for their services, whether for labor and/or sex. In addition, deception, fraud, force, and coercion are often used to recruit victims (UNODC 2000, Article 3(a)) although that should not be the main factor when investigating and prosecuting these crimes; for children proof of the threat or use of force or coercion is not required. Already a hidden crime due to the difficulty of identifying the traffickers and victims, the advances in internet technology have offered traffickers a new mechanism to escape detection from law enforcement. Internet offers affordability, accessibility, and anonymity –the “Triple-A Engine Effect” (Manning 2006, 133). Shawn Henry, former Executive Assistant Director of the FBI informed the public that the Internet, despite its contribution to knowledge, has many setbacks. “At any given time, there are an estimated 750,000 child predators online — and they all have a key to your house via the Internet” (FBI News Video 2011, Shawn Henry). As a result, it is time for individuals to be more cognizant of the importance of internet safety in order to combat cyber-sex trafficking.
In May 2013, the use of the Internet to facilitate sex trafficking came to the fore again with the case in the Philippines in which three girls were rescued from a ring forcing them to perform live sex shows via the Internet for customers. Often the customers-- mostly Americans and Europeans--paid $56/minute for the girls to perform live sexual acts (web-cam sex) based on the customers’ typed requests transmitted via computers (de Leon 2013). In the case of the three girls, who were eight years old when the abuse started, U.S. agencies, the Philippine National Police and the non-profit Visayan Forum Foundation received tips on one of their frequent customers, Jeffrey Herschell from Washington, Pennsylvania with the help of the victims. This information helped law enforcement arrest and sentence the offender to 12 years in federal prison (Coorlim 2013).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Appeal of the Internet for Traffickers and Buyers
- Appeal of Internet to Children and Teens
- Advances in Technology
- How Should One Refer to the Criminals Who Engage in this Crime?
- Cyber-Sex-Trafficking: As Harmful as "Traditional" Sex Trafficking
- Type of Services to be Given Child Sex-Trafficking Victims and Potential Victims
- How Can the U.S. Limit Access to Pornographic and Sexually Explicit Material of Children without Violating the Right of Free Speech?
- How Can Civil Society Be More Involved in Reducing this Crime?
- Trauma Effects on Children-Boys Can be Victims Too- Eliminating Gender Bias
- Viewing pornography and child abuse imagery by youth affects their future relationships and their development
- What to do When the Perpetrator is the Child's Parent and the Buyer is a Teenager?
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to explore the multifaceted nature of cyber-sex trafficking and call for societal action and reform in response to this growing problem. The work highlights the unique challenges posed by the use of the internet in facilitating sex trafficking, and analyzes the impact of these practices on victims, particularly children.- The evolution of sex trafficking practices and the role of the internet in facilitating these activities
- The vulnerability of children and adolescents to online exploitation and the need for digital literacy and safety measures
- The challenges of law enforcement in addressing cyber-sex trafficking and the need for international cooperation and legislative reform
- The role of civil society in preventing and combating cyber-sex trafficking through education, awareness-raising, and victim support
- The impact of exposure to child pornography and sexually explicit materials on the development and well-being of children and adolescents
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The introduction establishes the prevalence of human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, and explores the role of the internet in facilitating these crimes. The thesis focuses on cyber-sex trafficking as a growing concern and highlights the "Triple-A Engine Effect" of the internet: affordability, accessibility, and anonymity, which enables traffickers to escape detection.
- This chapter discusses the appeal of the internet for traffickers and buyers, emphasizing the anonymity it provides and its ability to facilitate cross-border exploitation. The chapter also delves into the vulnerability of children and teens to online manipulation and the need for stronger internet safety measures.
- This chapter examines the impact of technological advancements on cyber-sex trafficking. It highlights the use of smartphones and other mobile devices, which further increase the accessibility and anonymity of online exploitation.
- This chapter discusses the difficulty in labeling the perpetrators involved in cyber-sex trafficking, highlighting the need for clear definitions and terminology to address the unique challenges of this crime.
- This chapter explores the similarities between "traditional" sex trafficking and cyber-sex trafficking, emphasizing the shared goal of exploiting vulnerable individuals. It argues that the harm inflicted through online exploitation is equally severe and deserves serious attention and action.
- This chapter discusses the types of services needed for child sex-trafficking victims and potential victims. It stresses the importance of comprehensive support systems that address the physical, psychological, and social needs of survivors.
- This chapter examines the challenges of limiting access to child pornography and sexually explicit material online while upholding the right to free speech. It explores potential legislative and technological solutions to restrict the dissemination of such harmful content.
- This chapter examines the role of civil society in combating cyber-sex trafficking. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between parents, educators, children themselves, and law enforcement to promote internet safety and awareness.
- This chapter discusses the trauma experienced by child victims of cyber-sex trafficking, including the potential for long-term psychological effects and the need to address gender bias in victim support.
- This chapter explores the impact of exposure to child pornography and sexually explicit materials on children and adolescents. It highlights the potential for negative consequences on their future relationships and development.
- This chapter discusses the challenges of addressing cases where the perpetrator is the child's parent and the buyer is a teenager. It emphasizes the need for specialized interventions and support services for families involved in such situations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis explores the critical issues of cyber-sex trafficking, human rights, child exploitation, internet safety, digital literacy, online privacy, legislative reform, and the role of civil society in combating this crime. The study examines the challenges of defining and addressing this complex issue, while advocating for a more effective response and prevention strategy.- Quote paper
- Ericka Rodas (Author), 2014, The Multi-Facets of Cyber-Sex Trafficking. A Call for Action and Reform from Society, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/274893
