Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Judith Wagner

Abstract

While we are led to believe that slavery ended hundreds of years ago after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the issue of sex trafficking within the United States proves otherwise. The purpose of this study is to explore the structure and functioning of sex trafficking and domestic sex trafficking. I examine the evolution of sex trafficking within San Diego and its shift from being closely linked to drug cartels to, now, being run through San Diego gangs. Research methods included a qualitative review of literature, as well as a study of news articles, official documents, and international conventions. The overall analysis of literature reveals that children are punished as prostitutes while a corrupt system of ring leaders and pimps operate in defiance of government officials and law enforcement. Researchers and advocates suggest that information is essential if the problem is to be addressed. An important first step is to educate the public and the judicial system so that sex trafficking is recognized for what it is, not as a kind of self-selected sex work or prostitution. This field of study will be useful to scholars, law enforcement and government officials alike. Both internationally and domestically, sex trafficking is linked to lack of access to education and poverty for its victims, who then have few options to break out of the life and earn a living wage. The literature provides ample evidence that national systems are broken. They perpetuate victims’ suffering and prolong the cycle by giving minimum punishment to the perpetrators.

Comments

WSP Major: International Child Welfare and Advocacy

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