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FIVE MYTHS About

Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

Naples Woman’s Club Alina Donahue (center)

SERVING NAPLES FOR OVER 90 YEARS. Empowering Women Chairs Lee Kraus and Marie Elaina Mullin with Human Trafficking Expert Map provided by the Shelter for Abused Women & Children

by Stacy Vermylen,
Communications Chair

t a recent Naples Woman’s Club presentation on human trafficking by
expert Alina Donahue, a member of the audience asked a question that
A reminded me how often we have misconceptions about both domestic
violence and human trafficking. Here are a few of those misconceptions, with
information that may help build a better understanding of these two societal
problems that deserve our attention:
myth These crimes happen Unfortunately, domestic violence AND human trafficking are not correlated with economic
means, demographic traits, or sexual preference, and both problems occur right here in
mostly to low income,
#1 less well-educated Royal or Old Naples as well as other areas like Immokalee or Golden Gate, where income
Collier County. The Shelter for Abused Women & Children in Naples gets calls from Port
people, or to foreign-
and education levels may differ. Local Naples’ teens can be caught up in trafficking schemes;
born individuals. those who fall prey to these crimes depends more on whether individuals are vulnerable
emotionally or are naïve about relationships, than their demographic characteristics.

myth Victims should just While such a solution might seem easy to someone with strong self-esteem or in a healthy
relationship, those involved in domestic violence or trafficking can find leaving very
up and leave their
challenging. For a woman with children and no career, and limited support from family,
#2 abusers whether leaving a home, even when the relationship is damaging, can be daunting. Threats of
harm can keep someone in a relationship despite the hardships. For victims of trafficking,
they are batterers or
psychological manipulation, threats of violence, and/or drug addiction can make a person not
traffickers or both. even think they are a victim. Plus, lack of safe options or awareness of who to turn to in the
situation can make escaping seem impossible.
myth Domestic violence Personal violence is a problem for the community, for children, and has a cost to society.
As a pattern of harm or severe disrespect becomes normalized, too, it can affect what a
#3 is something that community perceives as acceptable. When such behavior exists in an affluent family or a
should be kept
deeply religious family where marriage is considered sacred, things are often swept under
the rug, but this hurts everyone in the long run. Often the affected person feels that he/she
private.
cannot tell anyone, keeping the sadness to themselves.
myth Domestic abuse and While harming someone physically is often cited as proof of domestic violence or trafficking,
#4 trafficking always psychological and verbal abuse is just as common and is just as damaging. These crimes,
whether injuries are physical or mental, are based upon taking control over another person,
involves physical
manipulating them, berating them, and taking away freedoms that can destroy a person’s
violence.
confidence and self esteem.
myth The situation must On the contrary, the resources at the Shelter are available to talk to anyone who has concerns,

#5 get truly awful about themselves or someone they love. Even if the person feels that things can improve or will
before speaking to a
work out, professional resources are there to help. Conversations are totally confidential, too.
professional.

For anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or observing abuse, or trafficking, please call or text the Shelter’s Crisis Hotline at 239-775-1101. The line is staffed 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. Information is available on the Shelter’s website at https://naplesshelter.org. If you or someone you know may be a victim of trafficking, you can also contact the
Collier County Sheriff ’s Human Trafficking number at 239-252-0060 or email Marisol.Rodriguez@colliersheriff.org.

Life in Naples | April 2023 41