The statistics are shocking: About 25 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking, an “industry” from which criminals profit to the tune of $150 billion each year. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened an already dire situation by leaving countless people out of work and consequently more vulnerable to accepting dubious offers of employment. Human trafficking, not to be confused with migrant smuggling, is defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as “the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.”
Primary Types of Human Trafficking
Though human trafficking is a multifaceted phenomenon, the United States government separates human trafficking into two main types:
Forced Labor
This type of human trafficking involves an individual of any age being compelled, coerced, or deceived into working for others in a nonsexual labor capacity. Examples include being forced into domestic servitude or working at sweatshop factories.
Sex Trafficking
This type of human trafficking entails an individual of any age being compelled, coerced, or deceived into performing sex acts for money, most or all of which ends up in the hands of other parties.
Solutions to a Growing Problem
Government officials at the highest level and people just like you are joining forces to combat human trafficking in the United States and elsewhere. Let’s explore some specifics of those efforts now.
What’s Being Done
According to the White House, the United States has a four-pronged strategy for combatting human trafficking:
- Prevention involves a broad range of actions from “educating vulnerable populations and mitigating risk factors” to stopping goods produced through forced labor from coming into the U.S.
- Protection includes “interventions, services, and supports needed to protect and assist victims.”
- Prosecution entails “holding individuals and entities engaged in human trafficking accountable and dismantling human trafficking networks.”
- Partnerships require “collaboration to complement and support the other [three] pillars” of the plan.
What You Can Do
The U.S. Department of State offers many suggestions to those who wish to help combat human trafficking:
- Educate yourself: Learn the circumstances that contribute to human trafficking (poverty, homelessness, lack of family support) and become able to recognize signs that a person is being trafficked.
- Consume responsibly: Buy products from companies that do not engage in practices that encourage or benefit from human trafficking.
- Support local efforts: Volunteer your time and services to organizations that are working against human trafficking in your area.
- Spread the word: Share news stories and information about human trafficking on your social media pages.
- Mentor the vulnerable: Give time and support to individuals who are most likely to fall prey to human traffickers.
- Use your professional abilities: If you’re a lawyer or a journalist, you can offer tremendous assistance in protecting victims and educating the public.
In addition, you can take the critical step of building education credentials in career fields that combat human trafficking, up to and including working on the front lines.
Become an Indispensable Part of the Solution
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online criminal justice degree programs provide a path to a variety of careers in which you can make a direct impact against human trafficking and empower you to make a bigger impact in your current career. Led by criminal justice experts who have worked extensively in the field, our programs accommodate different levels of education and professional experience.
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
This program provides a strong foundation for those looking to enter the public service sector with a desire to reshape the American criminal justice system from the inside. We examine a diverse selection of essential general education topics before delving into modern-day challenges in the criminal justice system; the roles of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections; ethics; crime prevention methods; criminal justice research methods; and conflict resolution.
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
If you have your eyes on a leadership role within criminal justice and have a related bachelor’s degree, consider this top-ranked program a prerequisite. Undertake an in-depth examination of complex topics from a leadership perspective, such as striking a balance between protecting your agency while best serving the public. A master’s degree is a must-have for promotion to many top jobs, and our MS in criminal justice administration provides the focus you need. You can complete this degree in as little as one year, positioning advancement opportunities closer than you may have imagined. No GRE is required.
Rewarding Career Options
Our criminal justice degrees will benefit you in a variety of roles and agencies, including:
- Law Enforcement
- Courts
- Corrections
- Probation and Parole
- Federal Agencies
- Nonprofit/Nongovernmental Agencies
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Forensic Science
- Child Protective Services
Prepare for a New Stage of Your Career at Your Own Pace
The asynchronous online format of our criminal justice programs offers unequalled educational flexibility. Complete coursework at your own pace, 24/7, from virtually anywhere on the planet. Whether you work the day shift or need to travel frequently, our program is always here for you. There’s no better way to maintain your professional and personal commitments while earning a degree that can help you thrive in your career and beyond.
Build the expertise and credentials to lead the fight against human trafficking in our online criminal justice programs. Start your application today!