DOAK™ Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 12

DAUGHTERS OF A KING Key Statistics Globally, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are 4.5 million people trapped in forced sexual exploitation. In a 2014 report, the Urban Institute estimated that the underground sex economy ranged from $39.9 million in Denver, Colorado, to $290 million in Atlanta, Georgia. Labor Trafficking Labor trafficking is a form of modern slavery that exists throughout the United States and globally. Labor traffickers including recruiters, contractors, employers, and others use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, or other forms of coercion to force people to work against their will, in many different industries. Labor traffickers often make false promises of a high-paying job, an exciting education, or travel opportunities to lure people into horrendous working conditions. Yet, victims find that the reality of their job proves to be far different than promised, and must frequently work long hours for little to no pay. Their employers exert such physical or psychological control – including physical abuse, debt bondage, confiscation of passports or money – that the victim believes they have no other choice but to continue working for that employer. Labor trafficking occurs in numerous industries in the U.S. and globally. In the United States, common types of labor trafficking include people forced to work in homes as domestic servants, farmworkers coerced through violence as they harvest crops, or factory workers held in inhumane conditions. Labor trafficking has also been reported in door-to-door sales crews, restaurants, construction work, carnivals, and even health and beauty services. Key Statistics Globally, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are 14.2 million people trapped in forced labor, in industries including agriculture, construction, domestic work and manufacturing. The U.S. Department of Labor has identified 136 goods from 74 countries made by forced and child labor. In a study from San Diego State University, 31% of undocumented, Spanish-speaking migrant workers UNITY interviewed in San Diego County had experienced labor trafficking. The Victims Victims of human trafficking are frequently lured by false promises of a lucrative job, stability, education, or a loving relationship. Victi