Myth or Fact: Massage Parlors and How They Play a Role in Trafficking | OUR Rescue (2024)

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.

OUR Rescue and AIM’s massage parlor operation

Recently, OUR Rescue (formerly Operation Underground Railroad) 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 survivor care 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. OUR 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 circumstances, 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).

Myth or Fact: Massage Parlors and How They Play a Role in Trafficking | OUR Rescue (2024)

FAQs

Myth or Fact: Massage Parlors and How They Play a Role in Trafficking | OUR Rescue? ›

Key Takeaways. Massage parlors often disguise human trafficking and sexual exploitation under the facade of legitimate businesses, using tactics such as covered windows, restricted access, and limited English skills among employees to mask their illicit activities.

What are two facts about human trafficking? ›

Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world, second only to drug trafficking. Here are some important facts: Children account for half of the victims of human trafficking. In fact, the average age that a young person becomes involved in sex trafficking is 12 years old.

What are two 2 ways human traffickers use to lure their victims into human trafficking? ›

Using threats, force and coercion, traffickers exploit the fact that, for many victims, “the life” may be their first experience of 'family' and belonging.

Why do massage places cover windows? ›

Massge places cover our windows so we can control the lighting and noise level, and for the privacy of our clients. If a business is making economical use of space, the front of the building may be a treatment room, where clients are getting undressed to prepare for massage.

How are human trafficking victims rescued? ›

Survivors come to the understanding that they want to leave the situation, and then fight to get out. Sometimes they get help from service providers, or anti trafficking organizations, but the concept of “rescuing” adult sex trafficking victims is misleading and dangerous. Survivors rescue themselves.

What is the #1 state for human trafficking? ›

According to the hotline, California is one of the largest sites of human trafficking in the United States. In 2018, 1,656 cases of human trafficking were reported in California.

Who is the biggest victim of human trafficking? ›

Historically, most identified victims of human trafficking were women. More recently organizations that provide direct assistance have become better at identifying male victims of human trafficking.

What does table shower mean at a massage place? ›

A table shower, also known as a Vichy shower, is a spa treatment that involves lying on a waterproof table while multiple shower heads positioned above release streams of warm water over your body.

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.
May 29, 2021

Why do massage rooms have mirrors? ›

It's important to have a mirror on a wall near the door so the client can check their appearance before they leave. Larger mirrors can also help make the room seem bigger.

What trait do all human trafficking victims have in common? ›

A human trafficking victim may develop a mindset of fear, distrust, denial, and conflicting loyalties. Foreign victims of trafficking are often fearful of being deported or jailed and, therefore, they may distrust authority figures, particularly law enforcement and government officials.

What do pimps call their workers? ›

Family/Folks: The term used to describe the other individuals under the control of the same pimp. He plays the role of father (or “Daddy”) while the group fulfills the need for a “family.” • Finesse Pimp/Romeo Pimp: One who prides himself on controlling others primarily through psychological manipulation.

How to spot a human trafficker? ›

Human Trafficking Indicators
  1. Living with employer.
  2. Poor living conditions.
  3. Multiple people in cramped space.
  4. Inability to speak to individual alone.
  5. Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed.
  6. Employer is holding identity documents.
  7. Signs of physical abuse.
  8. Submissive or fearful.

What are 2 effects of human trafficking? ›

associated with human trafficking. Psychological consequences include depression; post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety disorders; thoughts of suicide; and somatic conditions including disabling physical pain or dysfunction (22).

What are the two main types of human trafficking? ›

The United States recognizes two primary forms of trafficking in persons: forced labor and sex trafficking. The basic meaning of these forms of human trafficking and some unique characteristics of each are set forth below, followed by several key principles and concepts that relate to all forms of human trafficking.

What are two ways in which human trafficking? ›

Common methods used to traffick humans include:
  • Seduction and romance.
  • False job advertisements.
  • Lies about educational or travel opportunities.
  • Sale by family.
  • Recruitment through former slaves.
  • Abuse of religious beliefs.
  • Abduction.
  • Forced pregnancy or sale.
Jan 6, 2023

What are two dangers of human trafficking? ›

Trafficked persons are exposed to a range of health related problems. During captivity, they experience physical violence, sexual exploitation, psychological abuse, poor living conditions and exposure to a wide range of disease, which may have long lasting consequences on their physical, reproductive and mental health.

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