The criminalization of human trafficking victims is an issue of great importance and must be dealt with in a sensitive and contentious manner. Forced laborers are oftentimes seen as perpetrators of the same crimes that their trafficker(s) committed, and grouped in alongside of them. When police raid brothels and perform similar sweeps, everyone involved could potentially be in danger of being arrested and prosecuted. The criminalization of many human trafficking victims is often the result of the actions that they inadvertently committed. Although, obviously, these actions are not done consensually, the police repeatedly prosecute victims for actions that were encouraged through forceful and hostile means. Victims often live in fear of the police and other forms of law enforcement, whether that be because of the instillment of fear put in place by their traffickers in order to ensure their loyalty, or simply the knowledge that what they are doing is illegal. Because of this fear of the law, victims of forced labor neglect to reveal what is happening to them. Insensitive arrests by law enforcement can also result in overall mistrust of the police and a lack of cooperation throughout investigations.
Being arrested, for prostitution for example, can be more than just psychologically scarring. When a victim is arrested for prostitution, or other like charges, it is practically impossible for that individual to become reintegrated into a normal life. Once a victim is prosecuted, it becomes extremely difficult to find safe housing, proper employment, and other essential factors to become a normal, functioning, member of society.
It is beneficial on both sides of the situation, the law enforcement as well as those being arrested, to be well informed about the conditions under which a situation may be considered trafficking before any actions, such as arrests, take place. The primary cause of the repeated arrests of innocent victims of forced labor is the lack of proper recognition and awareness of human trafficking by law enforcement. Forced laborers are often detained as criminals before they are even able to attest as victims of a far larger crime and situation. Law enforcement agents across the spectrum must become more knowledgable in identifying human trafficking cases. If a situation is not handled properly, the victim could be left in constant fear of endangerment and put in perpetual psychological distress. It is the duty of those who protect the law to ensure that those who are in danger of being trafficked are treated in a just and fair manner.
I think this was an excellent blog post, Georgia. I like how this ties into what Shamere was telling us about how victims of human trafficking are some of the only victims of crimes who are criminalized themselves.
ReplyDeleteNice job, Georgia! I agree with Shawn: your post is very timely. Question: are the charges for laborers typically one involving a lack of proper documentation and deportation? Or are there other charges that you have found?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post that connects nicely to Shamere's story. It also goes back to the debate we had on the legalization of prostitution. Did you find anything on victims of trafficking being afraid to seek help because of the illegality of prostitution? Overall very interesting post, and I'm excited to hear your presentation.
ReplyDeleteI loved your point that everyone would benefit from being more aware about trafficking! I'm interested to hear your presentation!
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting that the post of view you focused on was not stigma, but rather actions influenced by manipulation. Comparing and contrasting these two routes to the same issue could drive your point forward
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