Anne Sexton, From A Letter Featured In Anne Sexton; A Self-Portrait In Letters

I love talking with neurotypical people about my executive dysfunction because I'm like "yeah there's this invisible wall in my head that I'm incapable of getting past no matter what I do and it stops me from doing things" and they're like what the actual fuck

Meanwhile other neurodivergents are like

Human and Sex Trafficking: What I learned until now.

Anindya Chakrabarty, Co-Founder, CTO & CEO, Coceptive Media & CIO, Stellar Capital Management, Volunteer De-addiction Counselor, Crossroads Centre, Antigua. A quite different topic for a person with my designation to write a research paper on a sensitive topic like this. I’m working to start a non-profit organization for forced victims & rescued victims, providing mental health & de-addiction therapy to them. Here's my attempt to find out about one of the cruelest aspects of our society. This is the first draft; there's a lot more to add.

Abstract

Human trafficking, including sex trafficking, is a form of modern-day slavery that affects millions globally. It exploits individuals through coercion, deception, and violence, often targeting the most vulnerable populations. This paper explores the complex nature of human trafficking with a particular focus on sex trafficking. It discusses the underlying causes, global statistics, trafficking networks, victim experiences, legal frameworks, challenges in law enforcement, and strategies for prevention and rehabilitation. The paper also highlights international cooperation, policy recommendations, and the role of technology in both perpetuating and combating trafficking.

1. Introduction

Human trafficking is one of the most egregious human rights violations in the world today. Defined by the United Nations as the "recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons by means of threat, force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or position of vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation," it is a multibillion-dollar criminal industry. Sex trafficking, a subset of human trafficking, involves the commercial sexual exploitation of individuals, often under the age of 18 or through force, fraud, or coercion.

2. Scope and Scale of the Problem

2.1 Global Statistics

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 50 million people were in modern slavery as of 2021, with approximately 6.3 million victims of forced commercial sexual exploitation. Women and girls account for 71% of all human trafficking victims.

2.2 Regional Hotspots

Asia-Pacific: Accounts for over half of the world's trafficking victims.

Europe: A significant destination and transit region.

Africa: Source region with increasing internal trafficking.

Americas: Both source and destination, with an increasing number of domestic trafficking cases.

3. Causes and Risk Factors

3.1 Poverty and Lack of Education

Traffickers exploit economic desperation, luring individuals with false promises of employment, education, or better living conditions.

3.2 Gender Inequality

Women and girls are disproportionately affected due to social, economic, and cultural discrimination.

3.3 Political Instability and Conflict

Wars, displacement, and weak governance contribute to trafficking by creating environments where law enforcement is ineffective or corrupt.

3.4 Demand

Demand for cheap labor, commercial sex, and organ trade fuels the trafficking industry. In sex trafficking, buyers (often from more affluent countries) play a critical role in perpetuating exploitation.

4. Sex Trafficking: A Closer Look

4.1 Methods of Recruitment

Victims are often recruited through false job ads, romantic relationships (lover-boy technique), family acquaintances, or outright abduction.

4.2 Coercion and Control

Traffickers use psychological manipulation, debt bondage, physical violence, threats, and drug dependency to maintain control.

4.3 Victim Demographics

Age: Many victims are minors.

Gender: Predominantly female, though boys and transgender individuals are also trafficked.

Background: Commonly from marginalized or economically disadvantaged communities.

5. Legal Frameworks and Policies

5.1 International Conventions

Palermo Protocol (2000): Defines and criminalizes trafficking; signed by over 170 countries.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

ILO Forced Labour Convention

5.2 National Laws

Many countries have anti-trafficking laws, but enforcement varies widely due to corruption, lack of training, or inadequate resources.

5.3 Law Enforcement Challenges

Identification of Victims: Victims may not self-identify due to trauma or fear.

Cross-border Cooperation: Limited coordination hampers transnational cases.

Judicial Delays: Long, drawn-out trials deter victims from participating.

6. Victim Rehabilitation and Reintegration

6.1 Psychological Support

Victims often suffer from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Trauma-informed care is essential.

6.2 Legal and Social Services

Access to legal aid, shelter, vocational training, and reintegration programs is crucial but inconsistent across regions.

6.3 Stigma and Re-victimization

Many survivors face social stigma, making reintegration difficult. In some countries, victims are criminalized instead of supported.

7. Role of Technology

7.1 Negative Uses

Online Recruitment: Traffickers use social media and job platforms to lure victims.

Dark Web: Enables anonymous commercial sex transactions.

Cryptocurrency: Facilitates untraceable financial transactions.

7.2 Combating Trafficking

AI and Data Analytics: Help detect trafficking patterns and monitor online activity.

Blockchain: Used in supply chain transparency to ensure ethical sourcing.

Hotlines and Apps: Mobile tools for reporting and rescue coordination.

8. Prevention Strategies

8.1 Education and Awareness

Community programs, school curricula, and media campaigns can reduce vulnerability.

8.2 Economic Empowerment

Job training, microfinance, and access to education can help reduce poverty-driven trafficking.

8.3 Strengthening Institutions

Improving policing, judicial systems, and cross-border cooperation can enhance enforcement.

8.4 Corporate Accountability

Businesses must ensure their supply chains are free of forced labor and child exploitation.

9. Case Studies

9.1 India

A source, transit, and destination country. Initiatives like Bachpan Bachao Andolan and the Anti-Human Trafficking Units have made progress but face challenges in enforcement.

9.2 United States

Domestic sex trafficking is a growing issue. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) established a comprehensive framework but still faces implementation hurdles.

9.3 Nigeria

A major source country for women trafficked to Europe. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has seen some success, though poverty and corruption persist.

10. Policy Recommendations

Strengthen International Cooperation: Streamline extradition, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.

Victim-Centric Approaches: Shift focus from criminalizing victims to holistic support.

Tech Regulation: Hold tech companies accountable for misuse of their platforms.

Regular Monitoring and Evaluation: Track progress of anti-trafficking programs.

Mandatory Reporting and Training: For frontline workers, educators, and transport sectors.

11. Conclusion

Human and sex trafficking are pervasive, evolving threats that strip individuals of dignity and freedom. Despite international efforts, trafficking continues due to deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities, demand-side factors, and enforcement gaps. Combating this crime requires a global, multi-pronged approach that combines strong laws, community involvement, victim support, and technological innovation. Only with sustained collaboration and commitment can we hope to end this modern form of slavery.

References

International Labour Organization (ILO). “Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: 2022.”

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.”

U.S. Department of State. “Trafficking in Persons Report 2023.”

Not on ao3 but with my current work, absolutely. This is…. Yeah. No clue how long it’s gonna be. I have a general idea of a plot. I have solid characters who may or may not do what I tell them to

Let’s see how this goes…

The question mark option will never not be funny to me.

Like, how many chapters?

Idk.

I—the author—am just as curious as you are.

Note - We’ve updated this post with more tools and clarifications!

Every day, there seem to be more reasons to break up with Google.

So we’ve rounded up a bunch of privacy-centric alternatives for all your deGoogling needs.

Check out the full list over on the blog!

- The Ellipsus Team xo

beep >:3

Boop! Hello there <3

How to Write a Character Who Feels Like Throwing Up

When fear, dread, or guilt gets sickening—literally—your character is consumed with a gut-clenching feeling that something is very, very wrong. Here's how to write that emotion using more than the classic "bile rose to the back of their throat".

Start with the Stomach

This isn’t just about discomfort. It’s about a complete rebellion happening inside their body.

Their stomach twists like a knot that keeps pulling tighter

A cold sweat beads on their neck, their palms, their spine

Their insides feel sludgy, like everything they’ve eaten is suddenly unwelcome

They double over, not from pain, but because sitting still feels impossible

Add Sensory Overload

Vomiting isn’t just a stomach reaction—it’s the whole body.

Their mouth goes dry, and then too wet

Their jaw tightens, trying to contain it

A sudden heat blooms in their chest and face, overwhelming

The back of their throat burns—not bile, but the threat of it

Breathing becomes a conscious effort: in, out, shallow, sharp

Emotional Triggers

Nausea doesn’t always need a physical cause. Tie it to emotion for more impact:

Fear: The kind that’s silent and wide-eyed. They’re frozen, too sick to speak.

Guilt: Their hands are cold, but their face is flushed. Every memory plays like a film reel behind their eyes.

Shock: Something just snapped inside. Their body registered it before their brain did.

Ground It in Action

Don’t just describe the nausea—show them reacting to it.

They press a fist to their mouth, pretending it’s a cough

Their knees weaken, and they lean on a wall, pretending it’s just fatigue

They excuse themselves quietly, then collapse in a bathroom stall

They swallow, again and again, like that’ll keep everything down

Let the Consequences Linger

Even if they don’t actually throw up, the aftermath sticks.

A sour taste that won’t leave their mouth.

A pulsing headache

A body that feels hollowed out, shaky, untrustworthy

The shame of nearly losing control in front of someone else

Let Them Be Human

A character feeling like vomiting is vulnerable. It's real. It’s raw. It means they’re overwhelmed in a way they can’t hide. And that makes them relatable. You don’t need melodrama—you need truth. Capture that moment where the world spins, and they don’t know if it’s panic or flu or fear, but all they want is to get out of their own body for a second.

Don't just write the bile. Write the breakdown.

words to use instead of “said”

normal:

— stated

— spoke

— remarked

— reported

— added

questioning:

— asked

— inquired

— requested

— begged

angrily:

— demanded

— shouted

— growled

— yelled

sad:

— sobbed

— cried

— groaned

— bawled

nervous:

— trembled

— quaked

— stammered/stuttered

happy:

— exclaimed

— chirped

— laughed

— giggled

Beginners Guide to Descriptive Sentences

Hi writers.

I’m Rin T, and in this post I’m excited to share with you a detailed guide on how to craft vivid descriptions and descriptive sentences for your writing. I’ve long believed that descriptive writing is the magic that turns ordinary text into an immersive experience. When done well, every sentence acts like a brushstroke that paints a scene in the reader’s mind.

──────────────────────────── Why Descriptive Writing Matters ────────────────────────────

I have seen how powerful descriptions can engage readers and establish a strong connection with the narrative. Descriptive writing is not simply about decorating your work; it is about building an atmosphere that transports your reader to a world. your world.

When you write descriptions, remember:

You are setting the tone.

You are building a world.

You are evoking emotions.

You are inviting your readers to experience your story with all their senses.

──────────────────────────── Step-by-Step: Crafting Vivid Descriptions ────────────────────────────

Below are my personal tips and tricks to help you build detailed and captivating descriptions:

Begin With the Senses

Description does not solely depend on what the eyes can see. Consider sound, smell, taste, and touch. For instance, instead of writing “The witch’s hut was eerie,” try elaborating: “The witch’s hut exuded an eerie aura. The creaking timber and distant echoes of whispering winds mingled with the pungent aroma of burnt sage and mysterious herbs.” In this way, you help the reader not only see the scene but also feel it.

Choose Precise and Evocative Language

Precision in language is vital. Replace generic adjectives with specific details to boost clarity and imagery. Rather than “The forest was dark,” consider: “The forest was a labyrinth of shadowed boughs and muted undergrowth, where the light barely touched the spindly branches, and every step unveiled whispers of ancient spells.” Specific details create tangible images that stay with readers.

Show, Don’t Just Tell

A common mistake is to “tell” the reader how to feel, rather than “showing” it through context and detail. Instead of writing “It was a spooky night,” immerse your reader: “Under a pallid crescent moon, the night unfurled like a canvas of foreboding whispers; broken branches and rustling leaves narrated the secrets of a long-forgotten curse.” By showing the elements, you invite the reader to experience the fear and mystery firsthand. (You don't need to be as dramatic as my examples, but this is simply for inspiration)

Use Figurative Language Thoughtfully

Metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech lend an artistic flair to your descriptions. When writing about a scene in a magical world, you might say: “Her eyes shone like twin beacons of moonlit silver, cutting through the gloom as if to part the veil of night itself.” Such comparisons evoke emotions and deepen the reader’s connection with the scene. However, be cautious not to overdo it; a little figurative language can go a long way.

Strike a Balance Between Details and Pacing

While elaborate descriptions are alluring, too many details can weigh down your narrative. Consider introducing the broader scene first and then focusing on key elements that define the mood. For instance, start with an overview: “The village lay nestled between ancient stone arches and mist-covered hills.” Then, zoom into details: “A solitary, ivy-clad tower sent spiraling tendrils of mist into the twilight, as if guarding secrets of a long-lost incantation.” This technique creates a rhythm, drawing readers in gradually.

──────────────────────────── Practical Exercises to Enhance Your Descriptive Writing ────────────────────────────

To help you practice these techniques, try the following exercises:

Sensory Detail Drill: Select a familiar scene from your fantasy world (for example, a witch’s secluded garden). Write a short paragraph focusing on each of the five senses. What do you taste as you bite into a magical fruit? What sounds resonate in the quiet of the enchanted night? This drill helps you to avoid flat descriptions and encourages you to integrate sensory experiences.

Revision and Refinement: Take a simple sentence like “The night was cold,” and transform it using the advice above. Rework it into something like, “The night was a canvas of shimmering frost and darkness, where every breath of the wind carried a hint of winter’s sorrow.” Compare the two, and notice how minor adjustments can dramatically heighten the mood.

Peer Review Sessions: Sharing your work can offer invaluable insights. Exchange your descriptions with fellow writers and ask for focused feedback, Does the description evoke the intended emotion? Does it deliver a clear image? Use these sessions as opportunities to improve and refine your craft.

──────────────────────────── Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them ────────────────────────────

Through my years of writing, I've learned that even the most passionate writers can stumble. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Overloading With Adjectives: While it’s tempting to create elaborate descriptions, too many adjectives and adverbs can distract rather than enhance. Aim for clarity and purpose in every word. Instead of “a very dark, spooky, frightening forest filled with creepy sounds,” try “a forest shrouded in ominous silence, where every rustle hinted at unseen mysteries.”

Falling Into Clichés: Familiar images can sometimes render your work predictable. Try to avoid worn phrases. Instead of “as dark as night,” imagine “as impenetrable as the void that separates worlds.” Unique expressions capture attention and create lasting impressions.

Neglecting the Flow: Descriptions are vital, but the narrative must continue to drive forward. Check that your detailed passages serve to enhance the storyline rather than bog it down. Ask yourself: Does this description bring the reader closer to the action, or does it detract from the momentum of the narrative?

──────────────────────────── Advanced Techniques for the Aspiring Writer ────────────────────────────

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, consider these advanced methods to elevate your descriptions into artful prose:

Integrate Descriptions Seamlessly: Instead of isolating your descriptions, weave them into dialogue and action. For example, as a witch brews her potion, you might describe the bubbling cauldron and swirling mists as part of her incantation, not just as a standalone scene. “As she whispered the ancient words, the cauldron responded, its surface rippling like a dark mirror reflecting centuries of secrets.”

Reflect Character Perspectives: Let your characters’ emotions color the scene. If a character fears a looming threat, their perception will add a layer of tension to the environment. “I entered the dim corridor with trepidation, my heart pounding as the flickering torchlight revealed spectral figures dancing along the walls.” This technique makes the description both situational and personal.

Use Rhythm: The cadence of your sentences can mirror the pace of your narrative. In high-tension moments, short, abrupt sentences heighten the urgency. Conversely, in serene scenes, longer, flowing sentences can create a tranquil atmosphere. Experiment with sentence structure until you find a balance that suits both your style and the mood you wish to convey.

──────────────────────────── Final Thoughts and Encouragement ────────────────────────────

your narrative is your unique creation. you too will find your distinctive voice. I encourage you to keep experimenting with different techniques until your descriptions feel both natural and mesmerizing. Write freely, revise diligently, and most importantly, let your creative spirit shine through every line.

Thank you for joining me. I hope these tips can help you.

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