The Anti-Human Trafficking Spring Break 2011 crew met for a few hours today to watch the MSNBC episode: Sex Slaves Texas and debrief with a professional in the field.
Dr. Kotrla teaches a human trafficking class at Baylor University and has an interest for how social services can most effectively partner with law enforcement and government to combat modern day slavery. Below I've included highlights/information from our conversation:
Kotrla see's modern day slavery as a two-fold issue:
1. DISCRIMINATION ISSUE
[Gender/ethnicity]
Socioeconomic, gender, ethnicity
Poverty – lack of opp, education
Women feeling this is the only choice they have
Poverty defined as: Lack of opportunity – power to make life choices
2. DEMAND ISSUE
[Since 1997 child pornography websites have increased by 1500%]
The Johns - Book that reports research/interview/info from hundreds of interview with men who have purchased sex; extremely hard read as there is an obvious wide spread disturbing, misogynous view of women by men interviewed
One of the questions asked of the men is what would it take to deter you?
75% said they wouldn’t do it again if they knew several things would happen:
1. letter to family (being outed in some way)
2. picture put on internet or billboard
3. Registered as sex offender
4. Driving license removal
etc.
99% of investigations of sex trafficking involve females; but in pockets of places like Atlanta – there are reports of demand for male sex tourism - men coming in for young boys.
There's also an organization in Florida that focuses on young boys, however males are not as “pimp-controlled” as females. Interesting distinction.
…………..
Examples of how other countries are addressing the issue differently:
Sweden – prostitution not illegal, but it is a crime to purchase sex; you can see how this criminalization of the purchaser is opposite US protocol. Message: Women should not be bought
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