How the Global Economic Crisis Will Increase Trafficking

There have been several articles written recently about the global economic crisis and how it may impact the level of human trafficking around the world.  But, what no one seems to be explaining is the how.  Here's a quick breakdown of how a depressed economy increases human trafficking around the world:

Let's start with a basic economic concept.  In a recession or depression, many people have less money because a.) they lost it in the stock market, b.) they've lost customers at their place of business or c.) they've lost their job.  The people who usually end up the most downtrodden are the ones who were struggling to begin with.

For example, if Tim makes $100 a week and Tami makes $20 a week and they both loose 50% of their income, Tim still has $50, whereas Tami only has $10.  Since she's now only earning $10 a week, Tami is desperately looking for more work.  This may cause her to a.) take a riskier or more dangerous job than she would have when she was making more money, b.) end up living on the streets, or c.) enter into a relationship which is risky or dangerous for financial support.  All of these increase Tami's risk of being trafficked.

Now let's take the flip side which is Tim.  Tim wants to make up the other $50 which he is no longer earning, but he still has $50 to invest in his business.  He knows Tami is desparate for money, so he can a.) tell her she can live with him for free if she sells herself in prostitution at night, b.) hire her to work in his factory, but only pay her $0.15 per hour, or c.) force her to cook and clean for him in exchange for food, but not pay her a salary.

Tami and Tim are a simplified example of a complex series of spiraling exploitative situations which grow when the economy suffers and more people are left desperate for money.  I would predict that as the economy worsens before it gets better, there will be a sharp increase in all forms of human trafficking and exploitation.

Image from newsweek.com