Illicit massage parlors are a growing issue in the realm of human trafficking and are easily disguisable in society, making this type of crime difficult to notice. Educating oneself on the signs, how to report an incident safely, and how to take measures through policy and legislation are the first steps in tackling this widespread issue.
O.U.R. and AIM’s massage parlor operation
Recently, O.U.R. teamed up with Agape International Missions (AIM) and local law enforcement to help with an investigation in Siem Reap. l. On October 19th, 2021, AIM SWAT assisted local police with shutting down a brothel disguised as a massage parlor. Two minor girls and one adult female survivors were were freed during this operation..
The girls are currently receiving care at a partnered aftercare shelter providing any holistic services they may need, and the adult female has been transferred to a social affairs office to receive care. The suspect has been arrested and will await trial while in prison. O.U.R. and AIM will continue to offer services and any additional needs for the survivors involved in the case. For more details on the entire story, click here.
What is happening at these massage parlors?
These massage businesses attempt to hide their commercial sex operations by posing as legitimate massage businesses. According to “Fake Massage Business At a Glance,” published by the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), fake or illicit massage businesses claim to offer legitimate services while operating as a brothel behind closed doors. These illicit parlors provide commercial sex to customers through massage and other services.
How common are illicit massage parlors?
While “happy ending massage” is a phrase often heard in jest, its true meaning has much darker undertones; it refers to the instances of sexual exploitation and human trafficking occurring at illicit massage parlors. The use of these massage parlors for sexual exploitation and human trafficking is growing in both size and scale, due to the disguisable nature of the crime. While not all illicit massage parlors are conducting human trafficking practices, according to the 2019 Data Report of the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, illicit massage parlors were the second most common identified type of sex trafficking (Polaris, 2019). According to Polaris’s research, there were more than 9,000 illicit massage parlors open for business in 2018 in America, and they were reported in every state.
How to tell if a massage parlor is trafficking
Not all massage parlors are conducting illegal activity, which is why being aware of the key characteristics of fraudulent business is imperative. The varying differences between a normal massage parlor and one that is offering sexual services is as follows, according to the NHTRC:
Characteristics of an illicit massage parlor:
- Fake massage businesses frequently operate in strip malls, office buildings, and sometimes residential homes in urban, suburban, and rural areas
- There are often security cameras to screen and monitor clients as they enter the establishment, as well as locked doors and a buzzer system to control the entry of potential customers. Generally, customers cannot enter on their own and must be buzzed in by a mamasan or manager.
- There are windows covered with bars, boards, or dark curtains.
How to safely report an illegal massage business
Reporting a massage parlor in question is a delicate matter, and should never be handled by the individual alone. It is not recommended to enter the massage parlor in question under any circ*mstances, nor to attempt to question those in the facility or draw attention by posting about it online or protesting outside. These acts can endanger those being held hostage at the establishment, and will not have the intended results. Rushing to call the police to alert the authorities can have unintended consequences, due to the fact that most of these massage parlors are a part of an organized crime network. Calling to report on one location could have unforeseen consequences, as the trafficker will most likely move the individuals to another location. In some instances, local authorities may not be well trained in human trafficking cases and will arrest the individuals under charges of prostitution instead.
Instead, it’s recommended that you should call the National Human Trafficking Hotline if you suspect a location may be an illicit parlor (1-888-373-7888). In addition, Polaris suggests that to have more of an impact on this widespread issue, it would be beneficial for the public to ask local legislators to pass stronger business regulations that would benefit those being trafficked. One such regulation would be to ask legislators to have customers enter the business through an unlocked door as opposed to a high-security entrance. This type of regulation enforced in massage parlors would be an extreme detriment to those conducting illegal activity, as they prefer to do business in private. It is also encouraged to contact your city or county council members to voice your concerns on the issue of human trafficking in massage parlors, and to attend a council meeting. (Polaris, 2018).
FAQs
Behind the closed doors of illicit massage parlors, human traffickers weave a web of deceit and manipulation. They lure victims with the false promise of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships, only to trap them in a cycle of exploitation.
What are two 2 ways human traffickers use to lure their victims into human trafficking? ›
Many sex traffickers lure victims by providing basic survival needs. They systematically provide distorted versions of higher needs to manipulate victims. Using threats, force and coercion, traffickers exploit the fact that, for many victims, “the life” may be their first experience of 'family' and belonging.
How to know if a massage parlor is a sting? ›
The Indicators
- Any sexual or erotic services are provided, or they advertise on illicit websites.
- The providers are wearing very little clothing.
- They refuse to service females.
- You have to buzz in to get into the business.
- The providers are not allowed to handle their own cash.
- The providers speak very little to no English.
Based inside of the US, Lantern's team actively works domestically and internationally to combat human trafficking through a unique approach centered on partnering with and mentoring local law enforcement in each region we serve.
What are the three methods or elements used by traffickers to get victims into trafficking situations that is helpful for a successful prosecution? ›
The elements of both definitions can be described using a three-element framework focused on the trafficker's 1) acts; 2) means; and 3) purpose. All three elements are essential to form a human trafficking violation.
What are three tactics used by traffickers? ›
Although tactics vary, traffickers follow a familiar pattern of psychological manipulation and control that includes luring, seducing, grooming and punishing victims.
What are the 3 P's of human trafficking? ›
3Ps: Prosecution, Protection, and Prevention.
What not to do at a massage parlor? ›
Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
- Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
- Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
- Don't break wind. ...
- Avoid talking too much. ...
- Don't use your phone. ...
- Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Massage parlor disease risks
- an acute inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammation from an injury.
- an infectious illness, such as flu or hepatitis.
- skin disorders, including herpes simplex, tinea, and scabies.
Professional boundaries in massage therapy are crucial for creating a respectful environment. Any form of non-consensual physical contact is strictly prohibited, including sexual advances or inappropriate touching. Massage therapists are bound by a code of ethics emphasizing respect, consent, and professionalism.
In this article, we'll explore some of the different vulnerabilities which may make a person more of a target for traffickers, and illustrate what we can do to guard against this. Children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to trafficking due to their age, naivety and trusting nature.
What are the 4 P's of trafficking? ›
In the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Member States have declared that an effective response to human trafficking should address the four following objectives: prevention of trafficking; protection and assistance to victims of trafficking; prosecution of the perpetrators of ...
What do human traffickers look for in their victims? ›
The bottom line, individuals that are preyed on by human traffickers want something, and human traffickers pose themselves as the provider of this missing piece. Whether it's love, money, family, a job, or one of many other factors that may be “missing” from a person's life.
What are the 5 P's of trafficking? ›
Five “P”s to focus on… Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, Partnerships, Policy”- Soroptimists at work!
What are the lures of trafficking? ›
What is Luring? Traffickers lure their victims by making themselves desirable, as they offer a “way-out” of unfavourable situations. Some of these factors include: economic, political and social instability, homelessness, no employment opportunities, lack of access to resources, etc.
What are two ways in which human trafficking may affect the victim? ›
They may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a dependence on substance or alcohol use, and/or eating disorders. The consequences of trafficking can be long-lasting, impacting the individual and interpersonal relationships and potentially resulting in intergenerational cycles of victimization.
What are the two primary factors that drive human traffickers? ›
There are two primary factors that drive human traffickers: high profits and low risk for the trafficker.
What are the two disguises most often used by traffickers to lure victims? ›
The Pretender: A trafficker often pretends to be a loving figure in the victim's life, such as a boyfriend, big sister, or even a father. This is the most commonly used method. The Provider: A trafficker may target a person who is vulnerable because they lack material comforts.
