Hidden Crime Within the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Katie Sreniawski, Contributing Writer
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives dramatically. From school and job closures to travel restrictions and event cancelations, 2020 has been challenging and unprecedented. As we emerge from dealing with our individual situations and inconveniences, it's essential to recognize how the pandemic has affected sex trafficking victims.
Imagine the scenario of a young child named Sarah. She lives in an abusive low-income household. As soon as Sarah's school shut down due to COVID-19 precautions, she lost her only connection to teachers and counselors who offered valuable support and escape from abuse. Meanwhile, her guaranteed breakfast and lunch at school are no longer available, so she has to go days without food. Sarah is verbally and physically abused by her parents and goes to bed hungry, wishing for an escape.
Sex traffickers see someone like Sarah as an opportunity. They recognize the signs and approach her online or in person to exploit her vulnerability. Once offered an escape from her desperate situation, Sarah will likely be well hidden by her abusers, and any chance of being rescued is drastically lessened thanks to recent restrictions and lockdowns.
Virus precautions are driving a reduction in various investigative units and social services. This makes it easier to hide criminal activity and overall detection of sex trafficking. A policy brief written by Livia Wagner and Thi Hoang of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime says, "Given the confinement measures and economic hardships that the coronavirus pandemic has brought about, some trafficking forms – most notably those involving the commercial sexual exploitation of children and the exploitation of those in domestic servitude – are reportedly increasing." Furthermore, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime also reports, "[Non-governmental organizations] have been dramatically limited in their anti-trafficking response, including canceling victim rescue missions, shelters, in-person counseling, and legal-assistance services."
Additionally, former victims of sex trafficking may be struggling during the pandemic with income inequality, housing and safety instability. These factors could drive them to return to their abuser out of desperation. As described by Hannah Stein from Artworks for Freedom, "Trafficking survivors are at risk not only for exposure to the virus but also for revictimization. Social distancing may be triggering for trafficking survivors, as such conditions could imitate feelings of isolation, loss of control, unpredictability, and fear that they likely felt in captivity."
In this challenging time, we must take action to help reduce the advantages that sex traffickers are finding in the COVID-19 pandemic. In a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that lists various responses to this crisis, experts suggest offering education through online courses, supporting anti-trafficking organizations by providing their personnel with protective equipment and masks, facilitating cross-border cooperation and providing grants to help victims who need more support during the pandemic.
In addition to the steps mentioned above, you can play a critical role in the rehabilitation of child sex trafficking victims by donating to One Bread Foundation. If you're able, set up a recurring donation for as little as $1 per month to help us reach our goal of recruiting 1 million supporters to raise awareness and funds for rehabilitation centers serving children rescued from sex trafficking in all 50 states.
As we move forward with the "new normal" of this pandemic and the changes it brings, we must not forget the most vulnerable populations who may fall victim to sex trafficking. We must look out for one another and continue to fight for those who are being held captive and exploited against their will.
Sources and Further Reading
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime