Initiation 

Initiation begins when a trafficker befriends a vulnerable individual. The victim often has no idea of the trafficker’s true intent, believing they’ve found someone who genuinely cares.

What begins as a seemingly perfect relationship quickly grows intense. The trafficker showers the victim with affection, gifts, compliments, and attention, creating a bond that's “too good to be true.”

“The trafficker’s goal isn’t love, it’s loyalty.”

Every gift, every affirmation, and every promise is designed to build trust and emotional dependence. Once loyalty is secured, the trafficker begins planting the idea of shared dreams and a future together.

Grooming 

Grooming deepens the manipulation. The trafficker begins isolating the victim from friends and family, pulling them away from any support system that could intervene.

Just as child predators work to gain trust before access, traffickers strategically manipulate the victim’s world, reshaping their values around newfound love, loyalty, and secrecy.

“Isolation strengthens control.”

As the victim becomes more dependent, the trafficker reinforces emotional and psychological chains, convincing them that obedience equals love, and loyalty equals safety, making the victim believe a truth that is really a deceptive, masqueraded lie. 

Exploitation 

Eventually, the trafficker’s true intentions surface. Sexual exploitation begins gradually, perhaps through sexting, stripping, or “modeling” before escalating into prostitution.

Victims are told they owe it to their trafficker to help pay bills, debts, or “build their future together.” Through fear, guilt, blackmail, and false promises, the trafficker convinces them that selling their body is an act of love or necessity.

“What starts as romance turns into slavery.”

Once trapped in prostitution, the victim often clings to the hope that one day their trafficker will let them go. They believe freedom will come after earning enough money or proving their devotion. But it never does.

Many victims even take the blame upon themselves, believing the lie that this was their choice. They may protect their trafficker, even going to jail in their place, proof of just how powerful emotional control can be.

Entrapment & Control

After a victim has been groomed and exploited, full entrapment begins. By this stage, the trafficker has total control - physically, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically.

The victim may be moved to new locations, have their identification taken away, or be coerced into changing names and appearances. Every decision, from what they wear to when they sleep, is dictated by the trafficker.

“Freedom becomes a distant memory, and fear becomes a new reality.”

Victims are often kept compliant through a mix of fear, addiction, debt, dependency, and desire to be loved. Traffickers will alternate between abuse and affection, keeping victims trapped in a cycle of pain and false hope.

Some are made to believe they are partners in the business, while others are threatened with harm to their families if they try to escape. Every part of their life is controlled to ensure silence and obedience.

Stage One: Initiation

Early signs may appear harmless: a new relationship that seems exciting, affirming, or too good to be true. Traffickers use affection, gifts, and attention to build trust and emotional dependence.

Warning Signs:

• A new boyfriend or friend who gives excessive attention

• Expensive gifts, clothing, or cash without explanation

• Extravagant dates or outings beyond their means

• Visits to strip clubs or adult venues

• Sexual boundaries pushed and sexting introduced

• Rapid progression toward sexual activity

“What looks like love is often the first step toward control.”

Stage Two: Grooming

Once trust is established, traffickers isolate the victim from others and begin reshaping their world around secrecy, loyalty, and sexualization.

Warning Signs:

• Isolation from friends and family

• Defensive or secretive behavior about the relationship

• Depression, anxiety, or substance use

• Promiscuous behavior or a change in clothing style

• Visible bruises or injuries from “discipline or punishment”

• Exposure to pornography or strip clubs

• Frequent hotel stays or possession of key cards

• Fake ID use for adult venues

“Grooming breaks down boundaries until obedience feels like love.”

Stage Three: Exploitation (Prostitution)

At this point, the victim is under full control. Exploitation is disguised as loyalty or repayment, and fear keeps them compliant.

Warning Signs:

• Appears malnourished or injured

• Constantly monitored or never alone

• Engaging in prostitution, stripping, or sexting

• No access to personal money or belongings

• Avoids eye contact, especially with men

• Calls trafficker “daddy” or "king" (or another control term)

• Scripted responses or permission to speak

• Tattoos or brands marking ownership

• Frequent travel or hotel stays

• Defends trafficker, speaks of “loyalty”

• Sexualized social media photos

• Withdrawn, fearful, depressed

• Missing school, work, or activities

• They claim they “chose this life”

“Victims often believe they are free - while their minds, bodies, and hearts have been stolen.”

Stage Four: Entrapment (& Control)

Full entrapment occurs when victims are completely dependent on their traffickers for survival. Fear, addiction, and emotional trauma keep them silent.

Warning Signs:

• Trafficker controls all decisions, including what they wear, where they go, who they see

• Threats of harm to family or themselves

• No identification documents

• Addiction or heavy reliance on substances

• Extreme loyalty or fear toward trafficker

• Disconnection from reality, numbness, or hopelessness

“Even when the doors are open, the chains remain in the mind.”