Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/97768
Not in Our Name Not in Our Name! Massage Therapists Against Sex Trafficking is a collaborative effort between massage practitioners, business owners, and the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE). Visit this online resource for the latest news and to join the nationwide effort to eradicate modern-day slavery: www.not-in-our-name.org. commercial sex trafficking. Anyone paying attention to this issue knows children are being imported to our cities from around the world for this purpose, and young American girls are being trafficked for sex in our country's most affluent suburbs. There are no traffic-free zones. As my understanding of this reality grew, my reaction to inappropriate comments and inquiries changed from frustration to intolerance, prompting me to get involved in awarenessraising activities and become more vocal in my own circle of influence. The Players and Pawns According to the US Department of State, human trafficking is the "recruitment, transportation, or harboring of individuals via force, coercion, fraud, deception, or abuse of power for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced labor, or involuntary servitude."2 It is the sex trafficking subset, where young women and children are forced into horrific acts on a daily basis, which unfortunately intersects most directly with massage and bodywork. Many might be surprised to know that a large percentage of those in the prostitution trade are not there When he realized my massage and his "massage" were two very different experiences, he reacted with irritation, as if I were guilty of false advertising. voluntarily; they have not chosen this lifestyle. They are victims being trafficked and sold, like a commodity, for profit. Sex trafficking involves three primary components: traffickers (historically known as "pimps"), victims, and buyers. A host of facilitators and enablers have contributed to the ease with which this crime has spread, including cab drivers, hotel staff, landlords, pornographers, corrupt or negligent government officials and corporate executives, and those profiting from classified ad sales. The Traffickers The stereotype of an inner-city pimp represents only a small percentage of this demographic. Sex traffickers are traditionally male, but female traffickers leveraging their ability to trick unsuspecting victims are increasing in number. They cover all ethnicities and socioeconomic strata, and range in age and experience from teenage boys using blackmail to traffic classmates out of their basements, to established, organized criminals presiding over international operations.3 One thing many traffickers have in common is that they advertise. The Internet has made it all too easy for them to connect with those looking to purchase sex. Luckily, it also makes it easy to expose them. The Victims It is often assumed that those in the sex trade are vile individuals whose behavior has contributed to their lot in life. In reality, victims of sex trafficking include the economically and socially vulnerable, and anyone else who happens to be unlucky enough to get caught in a www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 75