Coerced sex work a significant problem in New Zealand

Friday, 3 August 2018

When New Zealanders hear the term trafficking they 'imagine someone chained to the bed' but it is far more mundane here, though no less problematic says Dame Catherine Healy,

Young, isolated and controlled.

There is very little that clearly defines someone trafficked into sex work in New Zealand beyond those basic characteristics.

However, Dr Natalie Thorburn said the problem is bigger than anyone really knows.

'We cling quite firmly to the notion of New Zealand being clean, green and non-corruptible,' Thorburn said.

* Michelle Duff: It's 2017, and there's sex trafficking in NZ

* Behind the red lights of New Zealand's brothels**

'That image is pervasive in that it precludes us from considering what sort of violence we're not considering.'

Thorburn's doctoral research into sex trafficking in New Zealand included interviews with victims and a survey of social workers and health practitioners.

She recently completed her PhD through the University of Auckland.

Dr Natalie Thorburn looked at sex trafficking in New Zealand for her PhD.

'When I asked the professionals what they thought might give it away that someone had been trafficked, they said 'oh, speaks very little English and locked up.' They had really bought into the dominant narrative of what constitutes trafficking.'

Thorburn described a sex traffic victim as 'anyone who is being forced or coerced into doing sex work against their will.'

She spoke to victims who had been forced to sell sex by family members, gang associates, or boyfriends.

Their lives were marked by violence, no choices and no financial gain for the sex work they were forced to undertake.

A policy analyst for Women's Refuge in Wellington, Thorburn said weak or non-existent families made young girls susceptible to being coerced into being trafficked.

'The people who are most easily targeted and therefore become victims are the ones who have problematic family structures,' she said.

'Their parents or caregivers can't or wont be protective of them. That is usually the biggest giveaway. That early disengagement from families.'

Beyond that, it would be almost impossible to identify a victim of trafficking, she said.

Thorburn hoped to see an increase in awareness, clear definitions and a safe space for victims to seek help without fear of punishment.

Dame Catherine Healy said New Zealanders needed to focus on the exploitation element of trafficking.

'The fact that they are existing on the margins of society mean they are often drug and crime involved.'

Victims needed to feel safe they would not be charged for those crimes before they came forward, she said.

New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective national co-ordinator Dame Catherine Healy, said people needed to focus on the mundane exploitation element of trafficking, rather than the sex.

'Trafficking is the key word,' she said.

'In other industries they don't call it 'fish trafficking' for example. Trafficking is the condition. With sex trafficking immediately people are going to imagine someone chained to the bed and really, its more nuanced than that.'

Healy said the collective was concerned with any abusive or exploitative relationship.

'We stay away from the dramatic words though we are clear about anti-trafficking and we think we are best placed to identify and help people in those situations,' she said.

'We need to be good at recognising mundane boring exploitation. It doesn't look exotic.'

A New Zealand Police spokesman said they encouraged victims to contact them for assistance.

'Police works with the sex industry and other agencies to ensure the safety of workers and the community and will respond appropriately if we become aware of any issues or if criminal matters are raised with us,' he said.

'Anybody who has been the victim of sexual abuse or knows of someone who is, is encouraged to contact Police and be assured that your complaint will be treated with sensitivity by a trained professional.'

Both Thorburn and Healy said more needed to be done to help those who were caught up in the sex industry against their will.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.

The absence of protective adults made young girls susceptible to trafficking, said policy analyst Natalie Thorburn.

thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626

Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111. Free call anytime to anonymously pass information about crime to the police

If it is an emergency or you, or someone you know, is at risk call 111.