Myth vs. Fact: Dispelling Common Misconceptions
Myth #1: Human trafficking always involves kidnapping or physical restraint.
Fact: Most trafficking involves manipulation, coercion, and
psychological abuse — not physical force. Traffickers often use threats,
isolation, lies, and emotional control to keep victims compliant.
Myth #2: Only women and girls are trafficked.
Fact: While women and girls are disproportionately affected, men, boys,
and gender-diverse individuals are also trafficked, often for labor or
exploitation that goes unnoticed.
Myth #3: Victims always want to be rescued.
Fact: Many victims may not identify as victims, especially when
psychological manipulation or dependency is at play. Trauma bonding, fear of
retaliation, or emotional attachment can keep victims from seeking help.
Myth #4: Trafficking only
happens across borders.
Fact: Trafficking occurs within countries and
communities. Domestic trafficking is a growing issue, and victims can be
exploited in their own neighborhoods, homes, and schools.
Coercive Control: The Invisible Cage
Coercive control is a
pattern of behaviors used to dominate, isolate, and oppress another person
without necessarily using physical violence, where victims find themselves imprisoned
in a psychological and emotional cage. The
key components of coercive control include:
- Constant monitoring and surveillance
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Isolation from friends, family, or resources
- Economic control (withholding money, access to
work)
- Threats or intimidation
These tactics are commonly
used in human trafficking. Traffickers may use coercive control to create
dependence, obedience, and fear to manipulate and confine someone without using
chains or locks.
When “Love” Is the Trap: Trafficking in Consensual
Relationships
A particularly heartbreaking
truth is that human trafficking often begins within seemingly consensual
relationships, especially for youth and vulnerable individuals. This
dynamic, known as “lover-boy” or “Romeo pimp” tactics, can look like:
- A romantic partner showering someone with
attention, gifts, or promises of a better life
- Slowly introducing requests for sexual
activity, pornography, or “helping out” with money
- Guilt-tripping or manipulating the person into
sex work “just this once”
- Then escalating control through isolation,
threats, and violence
In these situations, the
person being trafficked may initially believe they are in a real relationship,
however by the time the exploitation becomes clear, they are emotionally
attached, afraid to leave, or too ashamed to ask for help.
Signs to Watch For
Whether you're a parent,
educator, friend, or frontline worker, recognizing the signs of trafficking and
coercive control can save lives. Some red flags include:
- Sudden changes in behavior, dress, or finances
- A new, secretive relationship with an older or
controlling partner
- Being constantly monitored or never alone
- Starting to withdraw from family and friends
- Unexplained injuries, money, or gifts
- Anxious, fearful or submissive behavior
What You Can Do
Speak up without judgment. If someone shares concerns, listen with compassion, not blame.
Support trauma-informed responses. Understand that victims may not behave the way you expect.
Know where to turn. Connect with local trafficking support services or hotlines. In Canada, for example, you can contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline (1-833-900-1010).
Final Thoughts
Human trafficking isn’t
always loud. It can be silent. It can wear a smile. It can come dressed as
love. By shedding light on the myths, understanding coercive control, and
recognizing how exploitation can grow from seemingly normal relationships, we
can all play a part in prevention.
Real change starts with real
understanding.
