Understanding sex trafficking and exploitation helps us speak carefully about the people we hope to serve in Costa Rica. These terms describe related harms, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. Clear language helps supporters avoid assumptions and focus on each person’s dignity, choices, and needs.

Divergent Life is a Christian ministry in Jacó, Costa Rica. Our mission is to bring hope, opportunity, and freedom to men, women, and children affected by exploitation and trafficking through the transforming power of love. This guide explains international terminology used by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), then connects it to our approach.

What is sex trafficking?

The international trafficking framework has three elements for adults: an action involving a person, an improper means used to obtain or maintain control, and a purpose of exploitation. Actions include recruiting, transporting, or harbouring someone. Improper means include force, threats, deception, and abuse of power or vulnerability. Read UNODC’s explanation of the trafficking definition.

Sex trafficking refers to trafficking for sexual exploitation. Human trafficking also includes other purposes, such as forced labour. Sexual exploitation is therefore one possible purpose of trafficking; the presence of exploitation alone does not establish all the elements of adult trafficking.

How are trafficking and exploitation different?

Exploitation is broader than trafficking. Harmful circumstances may deserve attention and support even when a trafficking case has not been identified. UNODC’s discussion of consent and exploitation explains that adult trafficking requires more than exploitative conditions alone under the international definition. The facts of a particular case and the applicable national law matter.

For our ministry, this distinction helps us avoid reducing someone to a label. We can listen, build relationships, and work toward practical opportunities while respecting that people’s experiences and needs differ.

Why does consent need careful attention?

A person’s initial agreement to a job or another arrangement does not make later coercion or deception acceptable. Under the international framework, apparent consent does not excuse trafficking when the prohibited means are used. An outsider should not assume that staying in a situation proves the person is freely choosing it.

Children receive different protection under that framework: establishing child trafficking does not require proving those prohibited means when the trafficking action and exploitative purpose are present. UNODC explains this distinction in its guidance on consent.

Are prostitution and trafficking the same thing?

Prostitution and trafficking should not be treated as interchangeable labels. The international adult-trafficking definition requires its specific elements to be established. At the same time, exploitation can be present even when trafficking has not been identified.

Divergent Life’s work also includes women involved in prostitution. As our Mission page explains, we recognize that prostitution can involve exploitation and that each person’s circumstances and needs are different. Our approach begins with seeing a person, listening without judgment, and offering relationship and practical opportunity.

What does this mean for ministry in Jacó?

Divergent Life centers its ministry on relationships, practical opportunities, and the transforming love of Jesus. We show up, listen, and walk alongside people as they take steps toward a different future. Education, practical skills, mentoring, and discipleship are part of the vision described on our Mission page.

For more about that approach, read how anti-trafficking work in Jacó begins with trust. The terminology matters, but a person’s story, strengths, and hopes matter too.

How can supporters take a useful next step?

Explore ways to get involved through prayer, mentoring, giving, or a visiting team. Start with the needs and opportunities the ministry can confirm, rather than assuming what someone needs or what a short visit will accomplish.

Church and youth teams can review our Costa Rica mission trip opportunities. Service is planned around the team’s strengths and confirmed local needs. Practical teaching, children’s ministry, meal outreach, and community prayer are possible areas of involvement.

When talking about the mission, use accurate information and respect people’s privacy. Share the ministry’s public resources rather than identifying individuals or repeating assumptions about their circumstances. A thoughtful supporter helps others understand the work while keeping dignity at the center.