An Overview of Illicit Massage Businesses

In our world today, incredible things exist – modern medicine, technology to enable communication with loved ones, miracles, and more. Sadly, the reality of our world also includes the existence of human trafficking. People may experience human trafficking in the form of sex trafficking, forced labor, and debt bondage. One of the most prevalent forms of human trafficking is known as an illicit massage business, and the process of trafficking people is known as massage parlor trafficking. It is important for communities to be informed about different forms of human trafficking, so they can support women and children who need help. Together, united communities can call one another to action to give to, pray for, and volunteer in efforts to build a safer and healthier community.

What is an Illicit Massage Business?

An Illicit Massage Business (IMB) is a business that sells commercial sex and potentially acts as a venue for human trafficking. A Polaris Project report found that it is the second most prevalent type of human trafficking, and there is evidence that suggests that thousands of women who engage in commercial sex at IMBs are victims of human trafficking. There are websites created by traffickers that provide information and reviews about these commercial sex businesses, and some businesses even publicize the services that they offer in advertisements at the locations themselves.

What Are the Signs of an Illicit Massage Business?

       There are potential indicators that signify that businesses are venues for human trafficking. Prices for massages are typically well below the market price in the area. The business may serve primarily, or exclusively males. The business may also have a locked front door, a setup in which customers can enter when they are buzzed in through the front, or customers can enter through back or side doors. Furthermore, the windows may be covered. Lastly, a sign of an IMB is that women seem to be living on-site of the business.

Who is Trafficked?

       Women who are trafficked in IMBs often have recently arrived in the United States from other countries like China and South Korea. They speak little-to-no English and have no more than a high school education. Trafficked women are typically mothers in their mid-30s to late-50s. According to data from an organization called Restore NYC, “80 percent of the IMB survivors it has served have at least one child, and 84 percent of their children are overseas”. These women are also under extreme financial pressure. Women are recruited through ads that misrepresent their pay and hide the sexual nature of the job.

Read the previous blog post here: Situation Report: Protecting the Vulnerable

       Trafficked women at IMBs are forced to work excessive hours. They are paid minimum wage if they are paid at all. Traffickers lie to these women and tell them that the wages are normal. Women are threatened with arrest, deportation, or shame on their families to deter them from quitting. Additionally, traffickers make sure to charge women fees for items like soap and groceries, as well as for rent or even for an attorney. These accruing debts make it difficult for women to earn enough money for their families or for themselves, creating a continuous cycle of work and debt. Traffickers coerce women to stay working for them by manipulating details and making these women believe that the traffickers are doing them a favor by employing them in America.

Illicit Massage Businesses by the Numbers

       More than 9,000 illicit massage businesses are open for business in the United States. The total yearly revenue of IMBs is 2.5 billion dollars. The average IMB connects to at least one other IMB and is often part of a larger network of IMBs. Connected businesses to these IMBs launder money earned by the IMBs. Examples of connected businesses include non-massage venues such as dry cleaners, restaurants, nail salons, and grocery stores.

How We Can Help

       At Catalyst Ministries, we work with local law enforcement and agencies to provide help and rescue. We also provide local outreach. These women need the help and deep love of their communities; many do not realize just how deeply entrenched they are in the world of trafficking, or that they are being trafficked at all. Our initiatives of love will make a difference in women’s lives, and together we can pray for guidance for all. We can all help by choosing to be involved in our local communities and by praying for healing in this world.

-        Deanna

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

— Proverbs 31: 8 - 9