Once traffickers have their hooks in someone; once they’ve established trust, they then move to break down any remaining barriers against full control.
This could mean isolating the target(s) from their loved ones. It could also entail introducing them to drugs or asking them to do compromising things for the sake of the “relationship.”
After a human trafficker has their target(s) dependent upon them, they now have the most leverage and control. This is subsequently where the worst abuses and exploitation begin.
Stage Three: Abuse and exploitation
Once a trafficker has control of someone, they let the victim know if they don’t meet certain demands, they’ll lose access to the resources or support they’ve grown accustomed to.
Human traffickers will often threaten to harm the loved ones of their victims as well. Years of study into this crime show that force, fraud, and coercion are the tactics traffickers employ to control victims.
Stage Four: Rescue?
Human traffickers will never voluntarily stop abusing and exploiting others. This is where collective efforts from the community come in.
