Exploitation of victims
Global synthetic dataset analysis
Trafficking locations
Domestic trafficking: exploitation of victims
Victims trafficked domestically (72%) are more frequently trafficked for sexual exploitation.[1] Meanwhile, 68 per cent of victims trafficked internationally are trafficked for forced labour. Domestic trafficking most frequently lasts less than a year (60%), and 65 per cent of victims trafficked outside their country of citizenship are trafficked for one year or more.[2]
Regarding international trafficking, victims trafficked for forced labour are exploited in agriculture (48%) and construction (23%). However, in domestic trafficking, exploitation in domestic work is most common (63%). Sectors of sexual exploitation, like prostitution (around 92%) or pornography (around 8%), do not show significant differences depending on the victims being trafficked within or outside their country of citizenship.
The main means of control include restrictions on finance, movements, medical care and necessities; and threats to the victim or their family, each affecting between 40 and 55 per cent of victims of both domestic and international trafficking. However, domestically trafficked victims face higher rates of psychological, physical and sexual abuse (66%) and use of psychoactive substances (20%), as opposed to internationally trafficked victims, where these means are used on 48 and two per cent of the cases, respectively.
These means often relate to the differing purposes for which females and males are trafficked, as females are most frequently trafficked domestically, while males are more commonly trafficked internationally.
In international trafficking, 85 per cent of victims are recruited by ‘others’,[3] about two times more frequently as compared to domestically trafficked victims. In domestic trafficking, victims are also frequently recruited by intimate partners (27%), family (25%), and friends (13%).
[1] This data story focuses on the types of exploitation, means of control, and regions of exploitation. Click here to delve into the trafficked persons' demographic profiles.
[2] Domestic trafficking involves victims trafficked within their country of origin, while international trafficking occurs when victims cross international borders.
[3] Indicates a notable relationship with the recruiter that does not fit other categories like family or friends. This may include brokers, contractors, employers, or smugglers. See the Global Synthetic Dataset Codebook for a detailed explanation.