Most people think of human trafficking as something that happens in episodes of Law & Order: SVU - not a real-life event, and definitely not something that happens in so-called flyover country, so far removed from New York City and Los Angeles. But the FBI's Salt Lake City Division actively investigates cases of human sex trafficking right here in Utah and works to rescue people from bondage all the time.
Special Agent Elizabeth Green stays in touch with people she's helped escape what she describes as modern-day slavery. She attends their graduations, celebrates the birth of their children, and hears from them as they rebuild their lives after leaving "the Game" of prostitution.
In this interview with FBI Confidential co-host Becky Bruce, Special Agent Green dispels common myths about human trafficking, such as that most prostitutes are in the sex trade by choice, or that victims are typically poor, or that victims are only people from other countries. American citizens are victimized by the supply and demand of johns and pimps, and control, force or coercion does not necessarily have to be physical - some victims' families are threatened, some victims are drugged to keep them submissive and compliant, etc.
Perhaps most important for parents to note is how prevalent human sex trafficking is among juvenile runaways. Special Agent Green says within 24 hours of living on the street, one in three teens will be approached and lured into prostitution.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human sex trafficking and in imminent danger, call 911 right away. To submit a tip to the FBI, call 1-800-CALL FBI or click here.
