Recognizing and Preventing Trafficking in Romantic Relationships
It’s a common misconception that human trafficking always involves kidnapping or coercion by strangers. And although this is sometimes the case, romantic relationships are a major avenue for human trafficking—either online or in person.
In reality, the majority of victims are forced into trafficking by the people closest to them. Whether it's an everyday acquaintance, a family member or a romantic partner, victims are often trafficked by those who have already gained their trust and love. Traffickers will portray themselves as safe or trustworthy in order to take advantage of their victims.
However, because many of us have preconceptions about what we think human trafficking looks like, it can sometimes be difficult to notice when someone else, or yourself, is involved in trafficking or other dangerous situations in which harm and exploitation are a possibility.
One way you can learn to recognize human trafficking situations is by having an understanding of what may constitute suspicious or dangerous behavior.
For example, if your partner is violent or abusive, attempts to isolate you from your friends and family or forces you to perform sexual acts that you are not comfortable with, it may be a red flag that the relationship could lead to human trafficking. If you do feel uncomfortable with your partner, inform someone you trust of the situation and ensure you have access to any important personal documents.
If you recognize that someone you love may be in a potentially dangerous situation, try to maintain open and nonjudgemental communication, learn about their safety concerns and honor their requests to ensure their safety.
However, it is also important to understand that human trafficking can also occur in an online setting. According to the Polaris Project, an NGO working to combat sex and labor trafficking, traffickers often use social media and other online tools, which provide them with the opportunity to easily identify the vulnerability of a potential victim, groom multiple victims at once and develop relationships faster than they would in person. This may look like promising gifts or advancements in life, showing extreme flattery and convincing you that they are the only person who cares for you—all of which are manipulation tactics.
Online trafficking is extremely dangerous, especially for minors.
According to a survey of underaged victims conducted by Thorn, an organization dedicated to exploring technology to defend children from sexual abuse, 75% of the children said they had been advertised online at some point in their trafficking situation.
Consider the following online safety tips as a way to stay cautious and safe. Enable privacy settings on social media (which includes removing any geographical check-in points), use discretion so as not to unnecessarily detail your daily activities online and report online harassment to law enforcement.
If you think you or a loved one may be a victim of human trafficking, whether it be online or in-person, consider using the National Human Trafficking Hotline for help. You can also use the National Human Trafficking Referral Directory for access to anti-trafficking organizations and programs that offers services, resources and opportunities to victims and survivors of human trafficking. You are not alone, and help is available.
To get involved with anti-trafficking efforts and support the brave survivors of human trafficking, consider supporting Dressember and the many anti-trafficking organizations and programs we partner with to, continue to engage with educational resources such as the blog and help raise awareness for human trafficking.
About the Author
Layla Nath is in her sophomore year at American University where she studies political science and journalism! Due to her love of advocacy and academia, she is involved in her college community as a teaching and research assistant. Her desire to help others through writing and research, alongside her passion for sustainable fashion and social justice has led her to this team as an Editorial Intern!