Know the Signs
Stages
Recruitment of persons can happen almost anywhere. It can be at a party, at a metro station, a bus stop, schools, malls, community centres and even more easily now on the internet. Regardless of where it starts, traffickers typically employ a three-stage strategy which involves;
1. luring and grooming
2. isolation
3. control and exploitation.
Traps Traffickers Use
Intimate Partner Trap
The trafficker develops an intimate relationship with the target in which he/she acquires the target’s trust before subjecting them to psychological and physical control. The trust and affection is acquired through expensive gifts, money and a show of affection. This technique is sometimes called love bombing or the romeo or boyfriend technique. It causes the target to believe that his/her self-worth, love and belonging can only be found in the trafficker. Eventually, the trafficker will subject the target to prostitution while he/she (the trafficker) benefits from the money earned
Peer Trap
Youth in the same school or group of friends will recruit. They offer a youth new friendships or social opportunities in and out of school. More often than not, youth who recruit their peers are already involved in the sex industry and are controlled by a trafficker.
Trusted Adult Trap
Youth can be manipulated by an adult they trust. It could be a relative, a parent or a parent of a boyfriend or girlfriend. Trusted adults can coerce youth into having sex for money. The trafficker relies on the trust of the unsuspecting youth, to introduce them to sex trade.
Most of the people who have reported sex trafficking knew their traffickers before the offence.
Possible Signs of Sex Trafficking
Because sex trafficking is a highly hidden practice, there is no one typical profile by which we can identify youth who are being trafficked. However, there are a few common signs that you can look out for if you suspect that someone is being groomed for trafficking or is already being trafficked. It is important to understand that it is drastic changes in their behaviour, how they talk or present themselves that could indicate a youth is being targeted.
• Expensive new clothes, jewellery, nails, phone
• New friends or new boyfriend
• Out late more often
• Absence from school
• Change in language
• Withdrawn from family and friends
• Carrying a large bag everywhere
• A new tattoo
If you or someone you know needs help Contact us: Call or text (902) 292-9100