Sex Trafficking Effects

end up with broken bones and other severe injuries. Longer lasting physical effects include STD's, menstrual problems, and pregnancy (5). Victims that suffer unwanted pregnancies and face abortions may damage their reproductive system because the abortion procedures are not medically safe (Winckelmann 45). A woman who is pregnant with a child through the sex trade may experience rage toward the unknown father and misplace these feelings onto the child. Because of this, they may elect to place the child up for adoption out of the fear of abusing or hurting them in any way ( 9). Pregnancy is completely unwanted by the pimp because then that woman is unable to make them money, and unwanted by the mother because she does not want a reminder of
Mental illness is comprised of various distinct attributes and is defined by one's behavior. In sex trafficking, "Depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stockholm syndrome, suicidal ideation and anxiety," are just some of the types of disorders that could be found in a victim (Kaylor 8). PTSD is the flashbacks of memories that a victim has from past events. Stockholm syndrome sets in when the victim feels attached to her pimp even after understanding that he has tortured and abused her. Anxiety is an understandable result due to the spontaneous activities that would arise during a victim's life. These women have been dragged around from place to place in order to please a man that is using them for profit. Years go by, and "It is not uncommon for a woman or a child in this network to have sex with 25 clients per day" (Smith 125). It is completely degrading and eventually the victim will reach a dark depression. Depression should be treated with gravity, as any mental illness should be. Feelings of depression can be hidden, yet counseling is proven to bring out the issues and help the sufferer find peace. If left untreated, any of these physiological health problems may have deadly
Victims must be taken seriously and not disregarded as a lost cause. Society needs to reform and bring awareness to the mistreatment, shame, and mental illness that sex trafficking causes. Counseling is critical; the FBI and social workers can no longer only encourage a victim's attendance, but require it. For those who need help today, calling the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1 [phone] is always a necessary and available option. Tracking down those who have been involved in the sex trade and finding those who are currently trapped is ambitious, but must be done. Without therapy, sex trafficking victims are developing mental illness, and are at risk of