FAQs
Myths about human trafficking in the Muslim World
Myth: Muslims don’t do this, it only happens to them, over there.
Reality: Human Trafficking is a global problem. There are source, transit and destination countries. Several Muslim countries fall into the latter two categories.
Myth: Those who get trafficked can’t be that naive and must know what they are getting into?
Reality: The vast majority of those trafficked are deceived by someone they trust, who in turn sells them. They did not work as prostitutes in their home countries.
Myth: Prostitution is a choice.
Reality: Trafficked victims, are forced to service 10-20 clients a day , 7 days a week, with no break when sick or from menstruation. The money they get is passed onto the pimp. They fear for their and their families lives, where is the choice in deception and being coerced? Myth: Prostitutes even when rescued or deported like their work, and return to it.
Myth: Don’t they do just do this for the money?
Reality: Only the traffickers and pimps make money. Those trafficked end up in debt bondage, which is almost impossible to repay, and the victim will typically be resold many times.
Myth: Why don’t governments and police crackdown and help the victims?
Reality: Although a few countries have made some efforts, the vast majority (~150) are source, transit and destination countries. Corrupt police (and sometimes international agencies who are supposed to be bringing peace and prosperity) are teamed up with traffickers and pimps, so when a victim is able to ask for help, they are returned to the pimps.
Myth: The numbers on trafficking are overblown.
Reality: As trafficking is an underworld operation like drugs and arms, it is impossible to get exact figures. It is more likely that many cases go unreported, so numbers may be much higher.
Myth: They could escape if they wanted.
Reality: They are usually locked away and guarded 7 by 24. Those trafficked across borders, have their documents confiscated and usually do not know the local language. Plus without money, threat of violence and death to them and harm to their families back home act as strong deterrents.
Myth: Only misfits visit brothels.
Reality: Men from all wakes of life visit, including secular, religious, well to do and not.
Myth: They look happy, if they were enslaved it would show.
Reality: The Pimps, beat and rape there victims, expecting them to put on a good face. They are internally traumatized through Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Myth: The traffickers couldn’t do it without their consent.
No sane person would consent to becoming a slave and returning to repeated daily trauma. However, there are women who due to poverty, neglect, or other problems, do return.
Myth: Prostitutes enjoy their work.
Reality: There is no joy in being raped, beaten, starved. Trafficked women are broken, by being gang raped and mentally broken down to resist any attempt to escape and to comply to their captors demands. A smile on the face does not reflect the crying heart.
Myth: There’s nothing I can do?
Reality: These are our fellow human beings. In sex trafficking they are our collective sisters and daughters and sons. You can make a difference, by building awareness, donating to an organization , praying for victims, provide counseling, or looking for creative ways to address this plague.
