Heat map of online sex market
Creighton University, 2017, Human Trafficking Initiative
"People think that sex trafficking only happens overseas, in the big cities or on the east coast and west coast... but it's real, right here in Nebraska."
WHAT IS
SEX TRAFFICKING?
Sex trafficking is the exploitation of individuals for sexual servitude, where something of value is exchanged through force, fraud, or coercion.
For minors under the age of 18, force, fraud or coercion does not need to be present for it to be considered sex trafficking.
FORCE
physical abuse or assault, sexual abuse or assault, or confinement
FRAUD
false promises or misrepresentations of something desirable (job, car, relationship, etc)
COERCION
threats, intimidation, manipulation, debt bondage, or document confiscation
ITEMS OF VALUE
The exchange of something of value underscores the heartbreaking reality that victims face. These exchanges represent a loss of control, where their worth feels like it is reduced by those who exploit them. This dehumanizing process strips away their freedom, leaving them feeling trapped and powerless.
Understanding this aspect of sex trafficking is crucial in recognizing the deep, emotional wounds inflicted on survivors and the urgent need to restore their sense of worth and freedom.
CLOSE TO HOME
LOCAL FACTS
As we look at the statistics surrounding this injustice in our state, it is crucial that we hold in our hearts the undeniable truth: these are not mere numbers, but human lives longing for love.
Each person is deserving of hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Together, we are fighting for their freedom.
Every month, at least
individuals are sold for sex, often multiple times, in Nebraska
The average number of individuals sold per month in particular cities
Nebraska’s Commercial Sex Market, Creighton University 2017
This above data is based on Backpage.com, an online platform that played a significant role in the commercial sex industry. The U.S. Department of Justice seized and shut down Backpage in 2018, following numerous allegations and investigations.
THE IMPACT ON
oUR YOUTH
In today’s digital age, young lives are becoming more vulnerable to exploitation at an alarming rate, as the internet and social media provide traffickers with unprecedented access. With just a few clicks, predators can groom, manipulate and exploit youth — even those they already know.
THE IMPACT ON
oUR YOUTH
In today’s digital age, young lives are becoming more vulnerable to exploitation at an alarming rate, as the internet and social media provide traffickers with unprecedented access. With just a few clicks, predators can groom, manipulate and exploit youth — even those they already know.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
Questions And Answers
Although anyone can be impacted by human trafficking, there are some significant risk factors such as: housing insecurity, economic disparity, youth, substance abuse, history of sexual abuse, foster care, and mental illness.
Traffickers span all racial, ethnic, and gender demographics. They include intimate partners, business owners, parents or family members, gang members, and more.
Several factors can deter an individual from leaving a trafficking situation. Most common are fear, shame, isolation, false belief of love, false promises of employment/better life, lack of available resources, threat of violence, threats against loved ones, self blame, homelessness, drug addiction, distrust of law enforcement, debt bondage, or they don’t self-identify as being trafficked.
Porn can strengthen attitudes supportive of sexual violence and violence against women and children. It can also be addictive — those who use pornography regularly have intense urges or cravings for sex. When porn no longer satisfies them, it can lead them down the path to becoming a buyer.
Sextortion occurs when an online predator tricks or coerces someone into sending sexually explicit images or videos. The predator can demand more images or videos, and threatens to share the content with the victim’s family and friends if they don’t comply. There is also financially-motivated sextortion, where instead of demanding more content, the predator demands monetary compensation. Youth are most often targeted for sextortion, especially young boys.
Generative AI can produce highly convincing deepfake images, videos or audio recordings. This technology can be misused to create false or misleading content involving individuals, especially minors, which can be exploited for harassment, blackmail, or other harmful purposes.
