Overcome Porn: The 40 Day Challenge Sample

Day 12: The connections between porn and sex trafficking

The issue of sex trafficking is a hot topic today, but too often there is a sharp line drawn between pornography and sex trafficking. After all, many people look at pornography and don’t hire prostitutes.

But we need to understand that by supporting the porn industry with our money, our attention, and our visits to pornographic websites, we are contributing to the very industry responsible for driving the demand for sex trafficking. Furthermore, many victims of trafficking are used in pornography—because you can sell a person’s image over and over even faster than you can sell a person. Lastly, many of the tactics used by porn producers and creators are akin to sex trafficking. Ana Stutler explains, “You do not have to look hard for force in the production of pornography, because even at the surface level, the violence towards the actors involved is evident. Pornographers themselves describe the violence they perpetrate on their performers without the consent of the actors.” She later adds, “Shared Hope International estimates that one in five pornographic images online is of a child.”

As we strengthen our resolve to run from temptation, we need to remember pornography is a seedy industry that contributes to great injustice in the world. While at the same time remembering that as Christians we must remember our call includes the whole Gospel message; extending love and mercy to all, and looking out for one another’s good, especially the vulnerable and exploited (Luke 10:29-37, 1 Corinthians 10:24, Philippians 2:4). This should serve as yet another motivator to stay away from porn.

Action Step

Watch this brief video to learn more about the connections between porn and sex trafficking.

Reflection

Pornography and sex trafficking are interconnected. We must make no distinctions between pornography and sex trafficking. By breaking the chains that pornography has on you, you can reduce the demand for those who have been coerced into selling their bodies.

Did you learn something about the connection between porn and sex trafficking that was unfamiliar to you? What connection grabbed your attention in a way that will make you think twice before looking at porn?