Commons Myths about Human Trafficking From Film and Media

Many people have some idea or impression of human trafficking, but often, film and media can mislead audiences with inaccuracies. A study by Polaris reviewed several films that misrepresented human trafficking. The first, Taken (2008), follows a father’s action-packed quest to rescue his kidnapped daughter, who is sold to traffickers. Starring Liam Neeson as the heroic father, the film contributed to widespread misunderstandings about trafficking, particularly by framing it as a kidnapping rather than a crime often based in existing relationships. In fact, 90% of victims know their traffickers before exploitation begins (Polaris, 2022). Polaris data from 2021 shows that traffickers are frequently employers (43%), family members (26%), or intimate partners (22%) (Polaris Analysis of 2021 Data From the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2021).

Another film, Priceless (2016), portrays the story of two girls trafficked across the country in a truck. Though inspired by true events, it perpetuates the “perfect victim” trope, depicting the victims as innocent and naive, aligning with societal expectations of victimhood. This reinforces the misconception that trafficking primarily involves vulnerable individuals who fit this narrow profile.

The 2023 movie Sound of Freedom further dramatizes trafficking, focusing on the rescue of children from traffickers in Colombia. While impactful, it depicts trafficking as a stark, black-and-white issue centered on rescue missions, leaving out the incredible importance of the aftercare of rescued victims. Human trafficking is nuanced, involving force, coercion, and fraud, with rescues typically coordinated by law enforcement, social services, and nonprofits.

While these films do raise awareness, as well-informed educators in human trafficking prevention, it’s important that we view them critically. Trafficking is complex and relational, and it affects a diverse range of individuals. Perhaps curiosity about this topic will lead viewers to these films, and, hopefully, the truthful takeaway remains clear: it is never the fault of the victim. 

Human Trafficking Reporting & Resources  

Breaking Down Reporting into Threes

Reporting human trafficking can be overwhelming, and that’s completely normal! The urgency of alerting professionals like law enforcement or Child Protective Services can be daunting, often making it hard to know where to begin. A helpful approach is to remember that everyone involved can typically be categorized into three groups.

Category One - Minors: is the person in need under the age of 18?

Category Two - Elderly and Incapacitated Adults: is the person in need 60+ or do they have a condition that prohibits them from making sound and reasonable decisions?

Category Three - General Adults: is the person in need an adult under the age of 60 and able to make sound and reasonable decisions? 

Once you identify the category the person you’re assisting falls under, you’ll have the information needed to determine the reporting steps. Simply follow the flow chart that corresponds to the identified group. And remember, it’s always okay to ask questions!