Journal of Human Trafficking
Volume 4, Issue 1, 2018, Pages 89-91

Anti-trafficking’s Sensational Misinformation: The “72-hour Myth” and America’s Homeless Youth (Article)

Murphy L.T.*
  • a Modern Slavery Research Project, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States

Abstract

Media representations of sex trafficking among homeless youth typically and needlessly contain sensationalized images and unsupported false statistics regarding the issue. One of those factoids: that runaway and homeless youth are likely to be trafficked for sex within 72 hours of leaving home is particularly pervasive despite being completely unfounded. This article tracks down the sources of this misinformation. Then, using a study of over 600 homeless youth conducted by Loyola University’s Modern Slavery Research Project, the article provides a more nuanced and survivor-centered portrait of the human trafficking–both sex and labor–that affects the homeless youth population. © 2018, © 2018 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

sex trafficking Homelessness Human trafficking Runaway and homeless youth modern slavery

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85058237610&doi=10.1080%2f23322705.2018.1423450&partnerID=40&md5=e1982ff38368d0a81858264045c5ca40
DOI: 10.1080/23322705.2018.1423450
ISSN: 23322705
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English