17 - Psychopathy in human trafficking offenders: Current trends and challenges

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature exploring the link between psychopathy and offenders engaging in the crime of human trafficking (HT). The objective is to evaluate the contemporary theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence as well as to determine their relevant applications in the field. The literature on human trafficking offenders has indicated significantly higher rates of psychopathy and psychopathic traits and behaviors exhibited by these offenders as evidenced by their elevated scores on Hare’s Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 2003) and their criminal behaviors and strategies that strongly emphasize the coercion, manipulation, and control of their victims. The extant research demonstrates that offenders engaging in the sex trafficking of juveniles (STJ) have high rates of psychopathy as 75% of offenders assessed on the PCL-R met the criteria for psychopathy (Hargreaves-Cormany, Patterson, & Muirhead, 2016). The main factor that distinguishes STJ offenders from other types of sex offenders is that their primary motivation is focused on financial gain as opposed to sexual gratification and/or fantasy which is more prominent in other types of sex offenders. Implications and suggestions for future research and practice include increased training on HT for professionals in the field, enhanced empirical research and development of programs for survivors, and potential HT victims that incorporate an approach tailored to meet the needs of HT survivors/victims. Well-designed prevention/intervention methods aimed at educating and empowering HT survivors/victims and well-funded training programs and initiatives provide the best support for HT survivors/victims and the professionals working in the field to combat human trafficking.