In this part 2 of Dangerous Abduction Lures, I am looking at “Human Trafficking Abduction Lures.” If you have not read part 1, please click here.
According to the International Labor Organization there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally, with hundreds of thousands in North America with the categories of victimization being.
·Children under the age of 18 induced into commercial sex
· Adults (age 18 or over) induced into commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion
· Children and adults induced to perform labour or services through force, fraud, or coercion
What are 3 lures used to entice human trafficking victims?
Attention & Compliments
Familiarity
Isolation
Attention & Compliments Lure – yes, someone is extending a friendly demeanour, smile or comment that they have never gotten from their families or friends. And when that treatment and goodness take place with a compliment, you have a powerful combination if someone has only faced negative attention, or even worse, no consideration for years. If someone shows care, also if it is a stranger, it is a productive and effective form of manipulation and the first step in the process for some human traffickers or the person they send in to begin the relationship. It is easy to dismiss the simplicity of this, but most of us receive attention daily without notice of how important it is. But if you have no relationships, or they are negative, why would you ignore or be hesitant to someone who is offering what those who are supposed to love you, never do. So many of our youth (and adults) go years without ever feeling or being told they are loved. So, imagine someone who comes along and offers this. Now, there is a high chance it will start in small, incremental steps, and build brick by brick. Remember, the traffickers are skilled at choosing and building the trust in their victims.
Isolation Lure – going hand in hand with the previous lures is the isolation. Isolation may occur physically by giving the victim the feeling of “security and safety” in a location with their new friends. The separation also occurs by reinforcing the negativity against those who were supposed to love you, nurture and take care of you. We are the ones now who will do that for you.
They now trust to the point where even if loved ones attempt to save them, it is often too late. The walls between their new “family” and the other are too big to breakdown.
In this article by the New York Post, they refer to the “trauma bond.”
Dr. Elizabeth Hopper, who is the director of the anti-trafficking program Project Reach, is a clinical psychologist with a background in traumatic stress.
She said four things are usually present when trauma bonds occur: The victim must perceive a real threat of death and an inability to escape; they must be isolated, and there must be some perception of kindness.
It’s the same mindset that keeps battered women with their abusive husbands for years, and it was famously exhibited by Elizabeth Smart during her 2002 kidnapping when police tried to rescue her, and she lied about who she was.
Once the trafficker has their victim in place, there is the reality and threat of abuse and violence always looming. They maintain the brainwashing of the victim throughout all this abuse to where the victim may still feel this situation is better than going back to their previous life. They stay loyal to the trafficker.
For those who do escape, the trauma can last a lifetime, but many do survive and thrive, often helping others.
While I have provided a few of the lures that human traffickers utilize, the best way to prevent this type of victimization begins in the home, I believe. The communication, caring, listening, day to day attention to those we love is critical.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of trafficking, call the national human trafficking hotline at 888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233-733.
Keep SAFE!
Chris Roberts
Managing Director, SAFE International