May 5 Home Office/UKHTC begin new pilot campaign

Myth busting

Myth: If the women didn't want to do it they would leave

Facts:
  • Victims of trafficking are coerced, forced and controlled in a number of ways
  • They may be physically restricted in their movements
  • They may be beaten, punished or tortured
  • Families back home may be threatened with violence
  • They may be tied to debt bondage
  • Women are isolated with nowhere to go and a lack of local knowledge/language
  • There is no choice; they are forced to have unprotected sex, sometimes with up to 25 men a day
  • They are often sold from one gang to another like property
  • Women may travel on false promises of good jobs such as waitresses/childminders/cleaners- but are trapped when they get here

Is she really free to leave?

 

Myth: By giving her money I am supporting her family at home/helping her to buy an education

Facts:
  • The women are frequently tied to debt bondage - the profits go to the traffickers and pimps not the women
  • The money is supporting organised crime

Are you really supporting her family/paying for her education?

 

Myth: It is a harmless agreement between two consenting adults

Facts:
  • These women are often the victims of organised crime and the money helps feed organised criminal networks.
  • They are vulnerable individuals being coerced or forced into selling sex
  • Many are beaten, threatened with physical abuse and even raped.
  • Many have previous experience of violence including sexual abuse
  • Many have substance dependencies

Is she really consenting?

How do I know if someone has been trafficked?

In many cases it may not be obvious; traffickers often coerce/force the women into behaving in a way that hides their exploitation and abuse. However in some cases the following may help to indicate that someone has been trafficked:
  • Sexual service provided without use of protection, involving anal sex or at a relatively low cost
  • Speaks very limited English or can only say sexual words in English
  • Advert offered women from particular ethnic/national groups
  • Generally female and under 30
  • Sleeping in work premises
  • Adverts for special services

If in doubt, call Crime Stoppers

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