Introductory Information Series To Build Everyones Knowledge
Here are some common types of sex trafficking situations frequently reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. While these examples don’t cover every scenario, they can help guide you in creating realistic and impactful stories.
"Boyfriending"
Recruitment and Manipulation
A chance encounter at a party sparks a connection between a man and a woman. He follows her on social media and seizes the opportunity when she posts about a breakup with her baby’s father. Portraying himself as her dream partner, he becomes a supportive listener, showering her with gifts. Convinced she has found her family's foundation, she falls deeply in love. The manipulative turn comes when he takes her to a party, introducing the idea of being "nice" to his friends to earn jewelry. Initially downplayed, this demand escalates over time.
Coercion and Domination
Seizing control, he appropriates all the money she earns under the guise of saving for a shared home. Coercion takes a violent turn as he justifies physical abuse to make her comprehend the urgency of her contributions. Threats of withdrawal of love and abandonment loom if she resists or questions his authority.
Escape Plan
Following a severe incident where he blackens her eye, she takes matters into her own hands. Swiftly packing a "go" bag, she reaches out to a friend and executes her escape plan when her trafficker is away from the house.
"Familial Trafficking"
Recruitment and Grooming
Mom is a survivor of rape and abuse who has been prostituting for many years. In her community, there are few options for young people and she is already struggling to support her children. When men start expressing interest in one of the kids, she tells her it’s time to contribute to the household and takes her out on the streets.
Coercion and Control
The child loves her mother, and has no other means of support.
Escape Plan
A teacher notices the child is tired all the time and appears frightened and asks if she needs support. The child confides in her and a social services team comes together to work out a safe place for her to stay.
"Online Trawling"
Recruitment and Grooming
A lonely, insecure teen dreams of a modeling career and frequently posts pictures of herself striking a pose. She is contacted by someone who claims to be a modeling agent and sends her a plane ticket to come to his studio. When she arrives, he takes her out on the town and tells her she has to “be nice” to some people in the business to get contracts and sends her out to prostitute.
Coercion and Control
She is far from home, didn’t tell her parents she was leaving, has no money and is ashamed. He tells her she is making a good impression, and that it will take a little longer for her hard work to turn into modeling jobs.
Escape Plan
Eventually, the child contacts a friend, who tells her family where she is, and is extracted from the situation.
"Child Trafficking"
Recruitment and Grooming
A parent sexually abuses a child himself, and offers the child to others for sexual gratification in exchange for access to other young children.
Coercion and Control
The child has been taught that this kind of activity is ‘normal’ for parents and children and warned not to tell anyone or they will be hurt. NOTE: Coercion or control is not legally required for this to be considered trafficking because the victim is a minor.
Escape Plan
An ER doctor notices signs of sexual trauma and alerts child protective services to check on the family after the visit.
More examples here at: https://polarisproject.org/sex-trafficking-examples/
Stay Tuned For Examples of Labor Trafficking, Next Monday.
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