By: Chase Carlson
Women and children have been trafficked for a sexual purpose for thousands of years. Once the 1900s came around discussions about laws were finally had. The early 1900s had some progress towards stopping sex trafficking but the acts were relatively loose. In 1910 the Mann Act of 1910 was passed. This act was a crucial step at the time as it “forbids transporting a person across state or international lines for prostitution or other immoral purposes” (www.protectionproject.org). The act has been amended several times since then by tightening the restrictions of sex trafficking.
That is what is needed and sadly we still see trafficking happening today. Most recently, Jeffrey Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. He was accused of paying underage girls money to massage him and also to recruit other girls to do the same. This despicable act was going on from at least 2002 to 2005.
Overall, we aren’t making the necessary progress in stopping sex trafficking. Millions of women and children are suffering from these awful conditions. Hopefully as awareness is spread this will continue to be eradicated.
I created this piece to spread awareness and show the harsh realities of what goes on today. Women are strong, caring and intelligent. Respect all who have respect for all.
Sources:
Gajanan, Mahita. “Jeffrey Epstein Sex Trafficking Case: Everything We Know.” Time, Time, 17 July 2019, time.com/5621911/jeffrey-epstein-sex- trafficking-what-to-know/.
“Human Trafficking Statistics & Facts.” Safe Horizon, www.safehorizon.org/get-informed/human-trafficking-statistics-facts/#statistics-and-facts/.
“TPP at UNODC Expert Group Meeting on a Model Law on Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems.” The Protection Project, 30 Mar. 2016, www.protectionproject.org/.
“US History of Sexual Exploitation of Children (News).” Women At Risk, International, 11 July 2012, warinternational.org/us-history-of-sexual-exploitation-of-children-news/.
Women and Global Human Rights, Webster, faculty.webster.edu/woolflm/trafficking.html.