We are aware of many cancellations and postponements of events and trainings related to human trafficking awareness due to COVID-19 concerns. While these cancellations are completely necessary so the spread of sickness can be curbed, we realize many are disappointed with these disruptions to events and to learning.
There are still many online opportunities to continue learning about human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. One way is to access films online, and here are some that we have seen.
Please note: we acknowledge these are overwhelming days, so while we offer these up as resources we also want you to take care of yourself and your mental health. We encourage you to only watch these films if you feel you have the mental and emotional capacity. Perhaps you can encourage a family member or friend to watch it as well and you can debrief afterwards - with the appropriate physical distancing measures in place, of course!
Nefarious: Merchant of Souls
Nefarious is a 2011 documentary about modern human trafficking with an emphasis on sex trafficking in the United States, Western and Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Nefarious can be found online for free on YouTube (where it has been uploaded by Exodus Cry, the creators of the film).
I Am Jane Doe
I Am Jane Doe is a 2017 documentary highlighting the legal fight against Backpage by minors who were exploited on the website and their mothers.
The film can be watched on Netflix.
Spoiler: After the documentary was released, Backpage was seized and taken down by the FBI. You can read more here. The seizure of Backpage has led to conversations about where ads are now being posted and how law enforcement has had to adapt in their criminal investigations of these crimes (see this article for example).
The Trap
This is a short documentary (only half an hour) highlighting how incarcerated women are extremely vulnerable to being targeted, groomed, and recruited by traffickers and pimps to be exploited upon their release from prison. While the documentary focuses on the United States, incarcerated women in Canada face similar vulnerabilities.
The film can be found on Amazon Prime (and watched for free if you have an Amazon Prime subscription).
Not for Sale
This is an older documentary (2007), but highlights various forms of human trafficking from around the world. It’s based on the book (same name) written by David Batstone, an ethics professor and founder of Not For Sale which raises awareness and creates economic opportunities for vulnerable peoples.
The film can be found on Amazon Prime (and watched for free if you have an Amazon Prime subscription).
A trailer for the film can be found on IMDB by clicking on the image.
Human Trafficking
I stumbled upon this mini-series when I was an undergraduate student. While there are certainly sensational aspects to the series that are problematic, I recall it as being one of my first experiences learning that human trafficking was a reality in our world today.
(Jennifer Lucking, Executive Director)
Human Trafficking is a 2005 television mini-series. It can be found on Amazon Prime (and watched for free if you have an Amazon Prime subscription).
These are only a few suggestions, and please remember that view discretion is advised.
We’d love to hear from you about videos you’ve found powerful as you’ve learned more about human trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation in our world.
