With Domestic Violence Awareness Month coming to a close, it's important for everyone to remember the gravity of this abuse, even after Tuesday, October 31 passes.

Like domestic violence, human trafficking is yet another problem that adversely impacts far too many people. While some folks may think of domestic violence and human trafficking as separate issues, they actually share far more parallels than one might assume.

Understanding the connections between domestic violence and human trafficking goes a long way toward combatting both of these crimes. It also plays a pivotal role in finding solutions to help people who remain trapped in bondage and need a lifeline.

What to know about domestic violence and human trafficking

In many cases, human traffickers subject their victims to domestic violence.

This frequently happens as a means of abusers exerting control, maintaining power, and keeping their victims from stepping out of line. All too often, domestic violence occurs against victims of trafficking who live with their abusers.

The past history of victims also serves as another point of intersection. Many people who find themselves in human trafficking situations may also have experienced domestic violence or other abuses beforehand.

Finally, folks in vulnerable situations, such as unstable or violent households, often find themselves targeted by traffickers who can sense their vulnerabilities.

Financial abuse

In unpacking the links between domestic violence and human trafficking, one would be remiss not to mention financial abuse.

This is tightly interwoven with both crimes. Domestic violence perpetrators have a tendency to control the income of their victims or otherwise sabotage their finances. Likewise, human traffickers abuse and sell their victims for the sake of making a profit.

Bringing an end to domestic violence and human trafficking

The world will undoubtedly be a better and safer place for everyone once domestic violence and human trafficking cease to exist. The road to making this happen will require consistent awareness of these crimes, united with concerted efforts to stop them.

Support systems for both domestic violence and human trafficking victims are paramount to helping them escape. Likewise, society has to take strategic measures to ensure that both of these crimes are seen as high-risk, low-reward offenses, instead of the inverse.