What is forced criminality?
Forced criminality often falls under human trafficking, making forced criminality just one characteristic. Traffickers may force adults and children to commit crimes during their victimization, including theft, illicit drug production and transport, prostitution, terrorism, and murder.
Forced criminality happens all around the world. Focusing more on America, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Walk Free Foundation, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), released a report in September 2022. This report estimates that, at any given time in 2021, approximately 27.6 million people were in forced labor. That is a considerable amount that, sadly, I feel goes more unnoticed than not. In this post, I want to share some stories of victims of forced criminality.
However, I would like to share some statistics I found when researching. One I found particularly interesting is that more than 90 percent of trafficking survivors reported being arrested at least once. Also, more than 50 percent said every arrest on their record was trafficking-related. These statistics show that the only criminal activity these victims were involved in is a direct result of human trafficking. So, should they punish? Many believe this is not valid because everyone has a choice to commit a crime, but the same beliefs come from individuals who haven’t gone through or fallen victim to human trafficking.
Not only do survivors of human trafficking face mental health challenges, but their records also prevent them from obtaining employment, educational and professional opportunities, and secure housing. This all leads to the most significant downfall: the inability for financial freedom. These adverse effects are long-lasting and detrimental and ones that they may never be able to come back from. So, what can we do to help put an end to prevent this from happening to such victims and survivors? Well, I think it all starts with us, the people sticking up and advocating for these people. Having services and programs to help rehabilitate and educate may help them find jobs and provide the necessary tools to help them succeed independently.
Sadly, this is the only issue that commands our attention. Over 75% of respondents reported that they have been unable to vacate their convictions, whether the expense is too high or they are unaware of how to do it, or were denied or allowed to clear a limited around of records. Not only did the research say that respondents couldn’t vacate their convictions, but approximately 25% of respondents who reported they had cleared or have begun to clear their records all reported it was a long and painful process. We must make this process less painful, primarily because getting a job and becoming financially stable go hand in hand with each other. So, the proper way to help forced convicts is to solve or at least help lessen these issues. This wouldn’t be costly, and groups/programs to help others would be very feasible. I want to move on to the stories for a more realistic perspective.
Alyssa Beck, just 21 years old, has spent time in jail because of prostitution, yet she was forced into it by the men she was sex trafficked into. Raped and abused, she had to serve time for a crime she didn’t want to commit. This is just one example of the system failing an individual.
Another story, instead this one is about a forced drug mule. While her name is DJ, her story is essential, and I am here to share it. A 14-year-old forced in by her mother, she was sold to a man who abused her and used her as his drug mule. This is because she held an American passport. She says, “I was instructed to swallow drugs and board a plane. We went to the airport, and there I met other victims. I just wanted to scream and run and tell people. Still, my master was beside me and continued to say that he’d kill me if I said anything.” In this example, it is clear that the DJ was forced into this by her “master.” If one is subjected to this mental abuse, they shouldn’t be penalized for their actions, especially when they fear death. DJ is one of many survivors, and her life has completely altered because of actions she had no control over, serving time for crimes that she didn’t want to commit. Not only does this endanger these victims, but it can also cause them to become ill and even die. DJ shared that she was forced fed 86 balloons, and one of her fellow victims became very sick because one had popped into her body. She collapsed and died. This is just one of many innocent young girls subjected to this painful way of dying. After the fact, DJ tried to seek help from flight attendants, but they just thought she was “drunk” and very unhelpful, so yet again, she had no choice but to stay quiet, knowing she could die then or die later. Petrified and alone, no one should have to go through this. We as a society need to do better at helping these victims, not persecuting them, throwing them in jail, giving them records, and further enabling them from ever exceeding.
In conclusion, these are just two of hundreds of thousands of stories. The more we talk and learn, the better we can advocate and help these individuals. If we just turn a blind eye to these victims, we know better. We need more programs out there in the world, more advocates, and more resources specialized in helping these individuals understand how to seek help. If we allow these forms of human trafficking and abuse to continue, the number of cases will only increase. I feel so compassionate and empathetic about both stories. I could never imagine the pain these individuals have undergone. I am thankful that I have the privilege of never knowing this. However, this only makes me want to become more informed and support this cause. I hope that all my readers feel the same and, after reading, share these stories and spread awareness. These victims need someone, anyone, and everyone to help put a stop to forced criminality and human trafficking.
Work Cited:
https://bettzedek.org/resources/cs-training-forced-criminality-collateral-consequences-2/
This is such an interesting and sad topic. It’s also very bold to tackle in just one blog post, but you did a stellar job! Keep up the great work. – VP