Sex Trafficking and its Connection to Pornography
Every year, millions of women, men, and children are trafficked and exploited in the sex trade, and an unsettling number of these victims are funnelled into the pornography industry.
Research has highlighted disturbing patterns in mainstream pornography. A study on mainstream pornographic videos found that 97% of the victims of violence or aggression depicted in pornography were women, showcasing the normalisation of abuse and aggression (Fritz et al, 2020). Also according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Trafficking, Organised Crime, and Security, "The consumption of pornography has normalised the objectification of women, often desensitising viewers to the harm caused by exploitation" (Doe & Smith, 2019).
This article explores the disturbing connection between sex trafficking and pornography, shedding light on the dark reality that exists beneath the surface, backed by credible research and expert insights.
Sex Trafficking!
Sex trafficking is the commercial sexual exploitation of individuals, where they are coerced or forced into sexual acts for money or goods. This form of human trafficking preys on vulnerable people, often through deception, manipulation, or abduction.
One of the most shocking aspects of sex trafficking is how traffickers use pornography to profit from their victims. A study conducted by the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that more than 30% of trafficking victims in the United States had been involved in the pornography industry (National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2021)
According to a global report on human trafficking from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is the most common form of human trafficking standing at 79%.
Women and children are predominantly the victims of sexual exploitation. Globally, an estimated 6.3 million people (78% of them women and girls) are experiencing forced sexual exploitation, including 1.7 million children.
The Connection Between Pornography and Sex Trafficking
Pornography and sex trafficking are closely intertwined. The porn industry often fuels the demand for sexual exploitation, and in some cases, pornography itself can be a form of recorded evidence of sex trafficking. While the industry is vast, its connection to human trafficking is often hidden. The production of explicit content may involve trafficked individuals who are coerced or manipulated into performing sexual acts, sometimes under the guise of a professional setting.
The effects of being trafficked for pornography are devastating and long-lasting. Victims face severe emotional, physical, and psychological trauma that often leads to lifelong scars. A study published by the American Journal of Public Health found that individuals involved in the pornography industry reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Baker & Roberts, 2017). The trauma goes beyond the sexual abuse they endure —being filmed and having explicit material distributed without their consent adds an additional layer of violation.
Many victims experience deep feelings of shame and self-loathing, compounded by the public exposure of their abuse. Their identities are often forever tied to the exploitation they experienced, making it difficult to reintegrate into society. The psychological toll can manifest in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse, further trapping them in the cycle of abuse.
Challenges of Identifying Trafficking in Pornography
The covert nature of pornography production complicates efforts to identify trafficking victims. The way porn is produced and distributed allows traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals without detection. Many victims in the porn industry are subjected to psychological manipulation, with their involvement often hidden behind the veneer of "willingness" or "consent". This makes it difficult to distinguish between those who are truly free to choose and those who are being exploited.
The connection between sex trafficking and pornography is undeniable and alarming. As long as the pornography industry thrives on exploitation, it will continue to fuel the demand for trafficked individuals. It is essential for society to recognise this dark reality and take steps to address it.
Through education, support for anti-trafficking efforts, stronger regulations, and informed consumption, we can begin to dismantle the systems that enable sex trafficking and pornography exploitation. Ending the cycle of exploitation requires all of us to work together for a future where individuals are no longer seen as commodities but as human beings deserving of respect, dignity, and freedom
References
Baker, C., & Roberts, T. (2017). The Psychological Toll of Pornography on Participants: A Public Health Perspective. American Journal of Public Health, 107(5), 720-725.
Doe, J., & Smith, A. (2019). The Role of Pornography in Normalizing Sexual Exploitation: A Study on the Impact of Adult Entertainment. Journal of Trafficking, Organized Crime, and Security, 14(3), 234-249.
Fritz N, Malic V, Paul B, Zhou Y. A Descriptive Analysis of the Types, Targets, and Relative Frequency of Aggression in Mainstream Pornography. Arch Sex Behav. 2020 Nov;49(8):3041-3053. doi: 10.1007/s10508-020-01773-0. Epub 2020 Jul 13. PMID: 32661813.
National Human Trafficking Hotline (2022). Hotline Statistics of 2020
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2020). Trafficking in Persons: Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. UNODC Report
