Sex Trafficking
Definition
Recruitment, harbouring, or obtaining a person for a commercial sex act by force, fraud, or coercion, or where the victim is a minor (no force or fraud element required). Distinct from consensual adult sex work, though clinical presentation shares many features and non-judgmental assessment is essential.
- Core elements
- Force, fraud, or coercion for a commercial sex act
- Minor exception
- No force or fraud element required if victim is a minor
- Distinguished from
- Consensual adult sex work
- Clinical approach
- Non-judgmental assessment
Common questions
Why does the legal definition treat minors differently from adults?+
Because a minor is legally presumed unable to consent to commercial sex, the force-fraud-coercion element that adult cases require is not needed to establish trafficking when the victim is under the statutory age.
Why is non-judgmental assessment emphasised clinically if the presentations overlap with sex work?+
Victims often distrust or fear authorities and may not self-identify as trafficked, so a judgmental or assumption-driven approach can shut down disclosure and prevent identification of coercion that is present but not immediately visible.
Related terms
- Human Trafficking
- The recruitment, transportation, harbouring, or receipt of persons by force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. Defined in the UN...
- Labour Trafficking
- Compelled labour or services through force, fraud, or coercion. Sectors include agriculture, domestic work, construction, garment factories, and restaurant and hotel industries....
- National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
- The UK government framework for identifying victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive appropriate support. Healthcare workers are designated first responders...
- PEARR Tool
- A structured framework for healthcare encounters with possible trafficking victims: Provide privacy, Educate about available services, Ask questions in a trauma-informed way,...
- Trauma Bonding
- A psychological attachment formed under conditions of intermittent reinforcement (abuse alternating with care), captivity, and dependency. Creates loyalty or protective feelings toward...