Methods of Recruiting and Control

Methods of Recruitment

·        Kidnapping or abduction   

·        False promises of love and support (they target vulnerable children)

·        Deception – promises of modeling career, recording contract, etc.

·        Solicitation by other women or girls recruiting on behalf of the sex trafficker;

·        The “loverboy” approach of appearing genuinely interested in a romantic relationship while gradually coercing the victim into prostitution.

 

Methods of Control: 

• Violence:  Rape and physical abuse
• Threats to family members: traffickers threaten to abuse or murder family members if a victim refuses to work or attempts to run away.
• Sense of shame: Some victims feel such an acute shame about the activities they have been forced into that they fear exposing themselves, and their secrets to anyone.
• Debt Bondage: Some victims feel obligated to pay off their “debt” for food, clothing or shelter
• Sense of loyalty to the abuser: This may take place as a result of brainwashing or traumatic bonding. Some victims are made to feel that they themselves have done something wrong and that the trafficker deserves to punish them.
• Drugs:  Often they will get the victims addicted to drugs
• Branding with tattoos

Why Don’t They Ask for Help?

·        Shame, embarrassment or stigma

·         Self-blame due to degradation and brainwashing process routinely used to control victims (this can result in an inability to view self as a victim) 

·         Fear of retaliation or deportation 

·         Isolation or lack of social support and connections 

·         Learned helplessness 

·         Lack of knowledge of available services 

·         Lack of knowledge of victims' rights 

·         Lack of trust 

·         Feelings of being indebted to their captor