How Does Human Trafficking Differ From Other Crimes?

How does human trafficking differ from other crimes?

Psychological control is a defining feature of human trafficking, setting it apart from crimes such as smuggling and kidnapping. While smuggling typically involves consensual border crossing and kidnapping often centers on physical force for a one-time gain, human trafficking is characterized by ongoing exploitation, often for labor or commercial sex. Traffickers frequently use psychological tactics such as manipulation, false promises, and threats against victims or their loved ones to maintain control. This form of coercion can be more powerful than physical violence, as it paralyzes victims and prevents them from seeking help, even when physical escape is possible. Unlike the visible signs of abuse in other crimes, the effects of psychological control in trafficking are often hidden, making detection and intervention more challenging.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, 'Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Human Trafficking Identification for Health Professionals, presented by Sophie Nathenson, PhD.