Reputational Harm as a Means of Inducing Trafficking

The Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or a commercial sex act (click here for a more detailed breakdown of the definition of sex trafficking). These three elements are critical because they distinguish a situation of human trafficking from what may otherwise appear to be a consensual labor or commercial sex exchange. Let’s take a quick look at what each of these words means in this definition. 

Force includes acts such as physical assault or drugging which escalate a potentially agreed-upon exchange into the area of trafficking. Fraud, such as misrepresenting job duties or compensation, escalates consensual labor into labor trafficking, and potentially sex trafficking if job duties are sexual in nature. Coercion, which may be physical, emotional, or psychological, can escalate both labor and commercial sex into trafficking situations. 

Recently, Trafficking in Persons reports from the United States Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons explicitly recognized reputational harm as a form of coercion. Reputational harm may involve threats to damage a victim’s reputation or leveraging a victim’s desire to protect their reputation. When reputational harm is used alongside labor or commercial sexual activity, it can create or sustain a form of human trafficking. 

Reputational harm affects both minors and adults. This form of coercion can occur in many settings, including the workplace, within families, on sports teams, in schools, and among peer groups. Let’s explore just a few examples of how this might occur: 

• Example 1: A junior in high school plays on the football team and hopes to earn a college scholarship and eventually play professionally. The coach is known to flirt with players and to give preferential playing time to those who respond positively. Initially, the student reciprocates the flirtation in hopes of increased visibility. Over time, the coach’s behavior escalates into unwanted physical advances. When the student resists, he is benched during important games. Fearing that loss of playing time will harm his reputation with recruiters, the student feels pressured to comply with the coach’s demands. In this scenario, the coach is using reputational harm to coerce the student into sexual activity. Because this is a form of coercion, and the fact that the student is a minor, this constitutes sex trafficking. 

• Example 2: A model discovers that a job she accepted has changed to include nude modeling, which was not disclosed initially. When she attempts to leave the project, the well-known employer threatens to have her blacklisted in the industry for “lack of professionalism.” Knowing that this employer has damaged others’ careers in the past, the model fears reputational harm that could end future opportunities. Under this pressure, she continues with the work. Because the employer is using reputational form coercion to have her participate in nude photography for a commercial purpose, this constitutes as sex trafficking.  

• Example 3: An individual exchanges explicit images with someone they met through social media. Weeks later, the exploiter demands additional photos and/or videos and threatens to distribute the original content to the individuals family, friends, school or workforce if they refuse. Fearful of shame and social consequences, the individual continues sending images, despite wanting to stop. The exploiter is using reputational harm as a form of coercion to obtain sexual imagery (likely for a commercial purpose), so this constitutes as sex trafficking. Our blog post next week will further explore the intersection of trafficking and the digital world. 

Reputational harm is also frequently used after exploitation has occurred, serving to keep victims silent and isolated. 

• A teenager discloses exploitation to a school counselor, prompting law enforcement involvement. Instead of being treated solely as a victim, the teen is charged with a misdemeanor related to the exploitation. Although the charge is later dismissed, rumors spread within the community. Fearing lasting stigma and damage to her reputation, the teen becomes reluctant to speak up, seek justice, or seek further help. 

• An individual is trafficked by an older family friend who provides financial support to her household. When she considers disclosing the abuse, the trafficker warns that she could lose respect, employment, or social standing if the truth becomes known. Wanting to protect herself and her family from shame and conflict, she remains silent despite her desire for help. 

Shame and fear of social consequences often prevent survivors from seeking help, disclosing abuse, or beginning the healing process. When we recognize reputational harm as a powerful form of coercion, we are better equipped to respond with compassion. As Christians, we are called to bear one another’s burdens and to protect the vulnerable, not to reinforce silence through stigma or judgment. 

Understanding reputational harm allows communities to create environments where truth can be spoken safely. When survivors are met with dignity rather than suspicion, and grace rather than condemnation, the isolating power of reputational coercion can be diminished. Addressing this form of coercion is essential not only to prevent exploitation, but also to foster healing, restoration, and hope for those who have been harmed. 

Considering these things, we encourage you to stick with us this month as we continue to further educate on human trafficking. By increasing awareness, you can both prevent trafficking in your community and help those who are survivors.  

Click here to learn more about RAHAB’s programs, which offer non-judgmental, dignifying support services to those directly affected by sex trafficking.