Victims in Plain Sight
Law professor Barbara McQuade highlights the prevalence of sex trafficking victims who often go unnoticed despite being in plain sight. This holds true in the case of music mogul Sean Combs’ indictment, which alleges conduct dating back to 2008, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. McQuade emphasizes that the potential sentence for these charges is severe, ranging from a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison.
The Myopia of Sex Trafficking
McQuade explains that a common misconception about sex trafficking victims is that they are always bound and gagged or held captive in dungeons. However, she notes that victims typically walk openly in public, side by side with their traffickers. This, coupled with the reluctance of onlookers to intervene, particularly when the offender is wealthy, famous, or powerful, contributes to the enduring nature of sex rings.
Traffickers’ Tactics
McQuade describes the tactics employed by traffickers to lure and control their victims. These may include providing lavish gifts, addictive drugs, or promises of a glamorous career. However, these enticements are later used as leverage, with nude photos held over victims’ heads as potential revenge porn or addiction used to keep them dependent on the trafficker. Physical threats and beatings are also used to coerce victims into submission, which may appear voluntary to casual observers.
Charges Against Combs and Associates
The indictment against Combs outlines specific acts of abuse, including obtaining and distributing narcotics, controlling victims’ careers, leveraging financial support, and using intimidation and violence. McQuade anticipates that Combs’ employees, such as his security team, household staff, and personal assistants, may face charges as intermediaries and concealers of the abuse.
Witness Reluctance
McQuade highlights the role of witnesses in recognizing and reporting trafficking. However, she acknowledges that most witnesses remain silent due to a lack of awareness or a reluctance to believe what they are seeing. This reluctance can be exacerbated when the offender holds a position of wealth, fame, or power.
Raising Awareness
McQuade believes that indictments like the one against Combs raise awareness of the true nature of sex trafficking and help reduce its occurrence. Training programs for employees in petrol stations and hotels are being implemented to help them identify signs of trafficking. Additionally, signs in women’s restrooms provide resources for victims. McQuade emphasizes that these efforts are crucial but only a start.
A Teachable Moment
McQuade concludes by stating that the Combs indictment not only seeks to bring an alleged offender to justice and rescue his victims but also serves as a teachable moment for the public. It reminds us that victims of sex trafficking are not always in chains but may be walking right beside us.
