What is Familial Trafficking: Understanding and Addressing a Disturbing Reality

Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions of people around the world. While the common perception is that trafficking occurs mostly through organized crime and strangers, there is a lesser-known aspect of this issue that is equally disturbing – familial trafficking. This refers to situations where a family member or guardian acts as the individual's trafficker or sells them to a third-party trafficker.

According to a 2017 estimate by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 41 percent of child trafficking cases involved family members and/or caregivers. Despite this alarming statistic, familial trafficking is often overlooked by governments and anti-trafficking organizations.

Dispelling harmful misperceptions about where and how familial trafficking happens is crucial to combating this form of exploitation. Familial trafficking knows no boundaries and affects individuals from all ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds.

The unique nature of this form of trafficking, taking place within family networks and victimizing children who may not even realize they are being exploited, makes it challenging to identify and address effectively. Indicators for familial trafficking differ from those for other types of trafficking, further complicating the detection process.

How it starts:

The grooming process in familial trafficking begins early, taking advantage of the close proximity between the child and the perpetrator. Children, often below the age of 12, can be groomed effectively due to their developmental stage and limited ability to express concerns or identify safety risks. Loyalty and trust in the family structure make it difficult for others to recognize the abuse and for authorities to prosecute these cases.

The stereotypes of traffickers do not always match reality, as nearly 65 percent of familial traffickers are the child's own mother, while 32 percent are the child's father. In some cases, drugs are used as currency in the trafficking exchange.

Familial trafficking commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 16, although it can start even earlier. Children often endure various forms of abuse within their homes while trying to maintain a facade of normalcy in their lives.

Why other family members don’t speak up:

The normalization of exploitation within the family culture and its ties to economic and cultural factors complicate intervention efforts. Other family members might turn a blind eye to protect the family's reputation and avoid outside intervention.

Unfortunately, in many cases, the same individuals tasked with caring for the children are the ones grooming, manipulating, abusing, and exploiting them. As children are dependent on their families for basic needs, the threat of unmet needs or physical violence further enforces compliance with the trafficker.

One significant challenge in identifying familial trafficking is that it often goes unnoticed due to the close relationship between the trafficker and the victim. Parents or guardians who are the traffickers or who sell their child to another trafficker contribute to the invisibility of the crime.

As a result, missing person reports are not filed, and child protective services or welfare agencies are not informed. Children in these situations are usually conditioned not to report the abuse, making it difficult for teachers, neighbors, doctors, and other adults in the community to recognize the signs of trafficking. Awareness campaigns about trafficking often target older audiences and fail to address the specific needs and experiences of familial trafficking survivors.

Red Flags Used to Help Identify Survivors of Familial Trafficking

To accurately identify survivors of trafficking, please note that 3-5 five red flags need to be present. One or two of these red flags does not mean that you are witnessing a trafficking situation. If a trafficking situation is suspected, please do not approach possible traffickers or deal with the situation yourself.

• Never alone (might be with other family members all the time) 

• Might appear to be in a controlling environment

• Isolated from other people, peers, and “normal” situations

 • Symptoms of domestic violence and intimate partner violence

• Debt bondage (child talks about having to make money to pay for things within the family system)

• Abnormal loyalty to the “family” system

• Compartmentalization, dissociation, and other trauma responses

 • Ritual Abuse

• Poor working/living conditions

• Lack of formal education and isolation (some survivors of familial trafficking do very well in school though simply because it is the one safe place that they are not being abused)

• Mind control and programming   

• Inability to “grow up” 

• Fear of medical providers and other helpers

• Might appear to be the “keeper” of the family secrets

• Secrecy around the house (e.g., areas that are off limits to outsiders)

• ID has been withheld 

• Other trauma’s including sexual, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical abuse

• Lack of understanding about one’s changing body and developmentally/age appropriate things

 • Substance dependency within the familial system without an obvious means to pay for it

• Attachment disorders (including struggles to get close to other people) 

How Familial trafficking impacts survivors:

Survivors of familial trafficking experience severe and complex impacts, both visible and hidden. Trauma during crucial developmental stages can lead to educational and social delays, physical health issues, and psychological disorders such as complex post-traumatic stress disorder and attachment disorders. The range of health indicators and somatic complaints survivors exhibit reflects the prolonged trauma they endure from a young age. Educational challenges, including illiteracy and processing difficulties, are common among survivors, but some may excel in school as it provides a safe haven or an opportunity to please the adults in their lives.

Furthermore, survivors of familial trafficking may struggle with developing healthy social skills, forming relationships, seeking assistance, and recognizing their self-worth. Fear and shame prevent them from speaking out about their experiences. Limited access to resources compounds the difficulties they face when seeking help.

How can you help:

To address familial trafficking effectively, an interdisciplinary approach is required. This should include trauma-informed investigation and prosecution efforts, survivor-centered practices, community education, and awareness campaigns. However, prevention is equally important. Empowering and educating young people about trafficking is key. By focusing on addressing the root causes that make individuals susceptible to trafficking, such as poverty and lack of options, we can work towards lasting solutions.

Supporting local initiatives that promote economic opportunities, provide vocational training, and encourage entrepreneurship in at-risk communities is vital to preventing familial trafficking. Creating stable and committed relationships between children and parents or caregivers is also crucial in protecting children from exploitation. These efforts require collaboration and commitment from governments, organizations, and individuals.

If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, it is essential not to confront the situation alone. Proper authorities should be notified to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual. In this regard, resources such as OPS helpline services and referrals can play a crucial role in connecting survivors with the necessary help and support.

Addressing familial trafficking is a complex and challenging task, but by raising awareness, providing support, and implementing preventive measures, we can work towards a future where no child or individual falls victim to this abhorrent form of exploitation.

What Does Grooming in the Sex Industry Look Like?

Unveiling the Manipulative Tactics of Exploiters

At the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), we prioritize the well-being and experiences of survivors. Understanding the process of grooming in the sex industry is crucial in our collective efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation. Grooming refers to the insidious process by which traffickers manipulate and recruit their people.

While it may be challenging for those who haven't personally experienced these tactics to imagine being coerced into engaging in sexual acts for money, it's important to recognize that under the right circumstances, many of us can be manipulated into doing things we never thought possible.

Contrary to common misconceptions, sex trafficking often starts with someone the survivor knows, loves, or trusts, rather than a violent abduction or the involvement of a stranger. In this blog post, we will shed light on the various stages of grooming and provide guidance on how to identify and combat exploitation.

Stage 1: Finding their Targets - Exploiting Vulnerabilities

Exploiters have a disturbing knack for identifying vulnerabilities and easy targets. These vulnerabilities can include low self-confidence, lack of parental supervision, isolation, or a history of trauma. Scarily enough, traffickers possess expertise in preying on these vulnerabilities and using them as leverage to manipulate their people.

Stage 2: Building Trust - The Illusion of Love

The next step in the grooming process involves building trust. Exploiters start relationships with their targets to gain a deeper understanding of their vulnerabilities and uncover additional weaknesses to exploit. This stage often resembles "love-bombing," where people are showered with excessive praise, gifts, and attention, reminiscent of the initial phase in any relationship. The person, who may not recognize the manipulation, experiences a sense of deep connection and attachment to their exploiter. The exploiter may coerce their person to keep the relationship a secret, creating a further sense of entanglement.

Stage 3: Filling Needs - Creating Dependency

Once the exploiter has identified their target's needs, such as stable housing, money, friendship, a significant other, or a parental figure, they exploit these needs to their advantage. By fulfilling these needs, the exploiter ensures that this person becomes dependent on them for survival and support. This dependency reinforces the power dynamic, making it increasingly challenging for this person to extricate themselves from the exploiter's control.

Stage 4: Isolation - Cutting Off Support Systems

To maintain control, the exploiter aims to isolate their target away from their support systems, such as parents or friends. They may exacerbate small conflicts or disagreements, magnifying them to turn their target against their loved ones. The exploiter manipulates this person's perception, often emphasizing that they are the only one who truly understands and cares for them.

Stage 5: Exploitation - Crossing Boundaries and Creating Confusion

Finally, the exploiter crosses healthy boundaries, gaslights their target, and creates confusion. By flipping the script and employing psychological manipulation tactics, they exploit their target’s trust and exploit their vulnerabilities. At this stage, intense trauma bonds have often formed between the targeta and exploiter. The exploiter may also possess compromising information, photos, or other means of coercion to force compliance.

How to Stop Exploitation: Empowerment through Education and Support

Stopping exploitation requires a collective effort to raise awareness and take action. At OPS, we are committed to empowering survivors and ending gender-based violence. Here are steps you can take:

1.     Commit to educating yourself: Learn about grooming and understand its dynamics. By being informed, you can better recognize the signs and protect yourself and those you care about from exploitation.

2.     Engage in open conversations: If you suspect that your loved ones are being groomed, have open and supportive discussions with them. Although these conversations may be challenging, having them could prevent someone from falling victim to trafficking or exploitation.

3.     Support and reach out: It's crucial to support friends who may be going through these experiences. Encourage them to confide in OPS, trusted friends, and family members who can provide guidance and assistance.

Together, as a community, we can create a safe environment that fosters healing and empowers survivors to thrive. By increasing awareness, we can identify and intervene with harmful individuals, creating a world where gender-based violence no longer exists.

Remember: You are not alone. OPS is here to support you every step of the way.

Empowering Survivors: Overcoming Guilt and Shame

Welcome to the OPS let’s talk about blog, a space dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual exploitation and promoting healing, recovery, and resilience. Today, we want to address a topic that weighs heavily on the hearts of many survivors: guilt and shame. We understand the profound impact these emotions can have on your journey towards freedom and healing.

Understanding the Psychological Effects

Survivors of sexual exploitation often face deep emotional wounds, burdened by shame, guilt, and victim-blaming. These feelings not only invalidate your experiences but can also erode your trust in the support systems designed to uplift you. Additionally, the fear of legal consequences in states lacking adequate protections for sex trafficking survivors further silences your voices, making it even more challenging to seek the help and support you so rightfully deserve.

The Weight of Guilt and Shame

The weight of guilt and shame can leave survivors feeling unworthy and undeserving of support, perpetuating a cycle of isolation. It is crucial to recognize that these emotions are not accurate reflections of your worth or your responsibility for the circumstances you have endured. At OPS, we believe that no survivor should bear the blame for the misfortunes they have experienced.

Rediscovering Your Worth

We acknowledge the struggle many survivors face in losing their sense of self, being influenced by external forces instead of their own beliefs and values. This loss of identity can diminish your ability to make independent decisions and see yourself as a valuable individual.

However, let us remind you that you are not defined by the trauma you have endured. Trafficking is a crime committed against you, and the responsibility lies solely with the traffickers and those who perpetuate exploitation. Your worth is immeasurable, and it is never diminished by the actions of others.

Creating a Safe and Empowering Space

At OPS, we are committed to empowering survivors and creating a safe environment free from judgment. Through our comprehensive range of services, such as trauma-informed counseling, peer support groups, and therapeutic art workshops, we aim to help you reclaim your sense of worth and navigate the path towards recovery.

Our trauma-informed approach ensures that our services are sensitive to your unique experiences and prioritize your emotional well-being. We understand the immense impact of shame, victim-blaming, and the fear of legal repercussions on your healing and recovery journeys.

Join Our Survivor Support Group

Remember, seeking support and help is not a sign of weakness but an empowering act of self-care and resilience. You are never alone in this journey. OPS is here to listen, support, and walk alongside you as you embark on your path of healing and self-discovery. Together, we can challenge the lies of guilt and shame.

If you are struggling with feelings of guilt or shame, we invite you to join our Survivor Support Group every Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, held at OPS. This group provides a safe and nurturing space for survivors to share their experiences and support one another on their healing journeys.

Reclaim Your Power

Empowering survivors to overcome guilt and shame is at the heart of our mission at OPS. We believe in your strength, resilience, and capacity for healing. Together, we can create a future where survivors reclaim their power, live free from the echoes of the past, and build a stronger, more compassionate society.

Remember, you are worthy. You are resilient. You are not alone.

If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to OPS today. Together, we can break the barriers that hold survivors back and create a brighter future for all.

Reclaiming Bodies, Redefining Identity: Healing from the Scars of Exploitation

What is a brand?

A brand—a mark of ownership—traffickers use tattoos, burns, and cuts to assert control and dominance, leaving survivors with lasting scars etched into their bodies.

Some individuals acquire these brands willingly, seeking to show loyalty or as a result of the abuse they endured. Others are manipulated or forced into it.

The trauma persists even after escape, affecting relationships, self-worth, and a sense of normalcy. The constant reminder on their skin makes healing a tremendous challenge.

However, at the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), we stand alongside survivors and offer a path to heal, reclaim, and rewrite their narratives.

Undeniable Scars, Enduring Trauma:

Even after survivors escape and begin the journey of rebuilding their lives, the trauma remains etched into their skin, entwined in their very being. These scars extend far beyond the physical; they impact relationships, self-worth, and the ability to reclaim a sense of normalcy. Healing becomes an arduous battle when confronted daily with a permanent reminder of their darkest moments.

At OPS, we understand the immense significance of removing these haunting reminders and reclaiming autonomy over one's own body. That's why our branding removal resources and services are designed to empower survivors, fostering resilience and hope amidst the shadows.

The Power of Partnership:

We are proud to collaborate with the talented Robyn from @inkbyrobyn, a local tattoo artist known for her compassionate approach and commitment to survivor empowerment. Through OPS, Robyn and a dedicated team of artists work closely with survivors, honoring their preferences for style, size, and symbolism in their customized coverups.

From Coverups to Freedom:

For survivors who aspire to remove these brands entirely, OPS offers a program that covers the cost of brand removal. We believe in supporting survivors holistically on their journey of healing and self-discovery. Together, we strive to create a world where survivors are unburdened by the scars of their past, embracing a future that knows no limits.

Taking the First Step:
If you or someone you know is ready to embark on this transformative process, we invite you to reach out to us at OPS. We are here to guide you through every step, ensuring a trauma-informed and empowering journey of recovery. Contact us today to learn more about the resources and support available.

The journey towards healing is not easy, but it is possible. At OPS, we are committed to providing survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in Seattle with the comprehensive services they deserve. Together, we can mend the wounds born from exploitation, celebrate their resilience, and empower survivors to embrace a future where their bodies and identities belong solely to themselves.

Breaking Free: Understanding and Breaking Trauma Bonds

Breaking free from trauma bonds can be an incredibly challenging journey for survivors of exploitation and abuse. These invisible emotional ties between an individual and their trafficker or pimp can create a complex web of emotions that make it difficult to break away, even when the survivor knows the harm that is being inflicted upon them. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of trauma bonding, its stages, and provide strategies for breaking free and reclaiming your life.

Understanding Trauma Bonds:

Trauma bonding is a powerful emotional connection that forms between two individuals, where one inflicts trauma on the other but also provides moments of kindness, affection, or respite. It can be confusing and deeply entangled, making it hard to recognize and overcome the abuse. Survivors find themselves questioning their own experiences and emotions, often believing that the abusive person truly loves them. This coercion and emotional manipulation by the trafficker or pimp can prevent survivors from recognizing the abuse for what it is.

The 7 Stages of Trauma Bonding:

1.     Love Bombing: At the beginning of a relationship, the abuser showers the survivor with excessive flattery and praise, creating an overwhelming idea of love.

2.     Trust and Dependency: The abuser manipulates the survivor into trusting them completely, aiming to make them dependent on the relationship. This stage instills hope for a future after the abuse stops.

3.     Criticism: The abuser starts picking apart the survivor's self-esteem, placing blame on them during arguments and leading them to doubt themselves.

4.     Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where the abuser manipulates the survivor into questioning their reality and making them feel "crazy."

5.     Resignation & Submission: The survivor gives in to avoid conflict, feeling that it is easier to comply with the abuser's demands to maintain a false sense of 'peace.'

6.     Loss of Self: The trauma bond breaks down the survivor's confidence and sense of self, leaving them feeling disconnected, isolated, and struggling to recognize their own identity.

7.     Addiction: The trauma bond creates a cycle of abuse and positive reinforcement, addicting the survivor to the emotional highs and lows. Dopamine and oxytocin levels in the brain become dysregulated, causing emotional addiction and conflicting thoughts.

Breaking the Trauma Bond:

Breaking free from trauma bonding is a complex process that requires support, self-reflection, and self-care. Here are some strategies that can help survivors on their journey to freedom:

1.     Acknowledge the Present: Instead of holding onto hopes of change or idealizing the person as they were in the beginning, focus on the current reality of the abusive relationship.

2.     Look at the Evidence: Pay attention to the actions and behaviors of the abuser, rather than getting caught up in their empty promises or words of love. Actions speak louder than words.

3.     Practice Self-Care and Positive Self-Talk: Nourish your mind, body, and soul. Build yourself up through positive affirmations, take care of your physical and emotional health, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

4.     Journaling: Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help you gain clarity, process emotions, and identify patterns and triggers related to the trauma bond.

5.     Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Find healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or seeking support from trusted friends, family, or therapists.

Remember, breaking a trauma bond is a journey unique to each survivor. It takes time, patience, and courage. You are not alone on this path to healing and freedom. We invite you to join our Survivor Support Group, where you can connect with other survivors, share insights, and receive valuable support.

Trauma bonds can be overwhelming and make it challenging to escape abusive relationships. However, by understanding the stages of trauma bonding and incorporating strategies for breaking free into your healing journey, you can reclaim your life and find hope, resilience, and empowerment.

Remember, you are deserving of a life free from exploitation, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we can break the chains of trauma and build a future filled with healing and transformation.

Ways Traffickers Control People

We often hear about the challenging journey survivors face when trying to escape sex trafficking.

One powerful way we can help those seeking freedom is by raising awareness about the tactics employed by traffickers to control individuals trapped in the sex trade.

By shining a light on these methods, we can empower survivors and create a safer world for all.

The Grip of Control:

Traffickers exert control in numerous ways to keep individuals from escaping.

Here are 7 common tactics:

1.     Violence and threats of violence:
Traffickers use physical threats and acts of violence to terrify and intimidate victims, instilling a deep fear that prevents them from seeking help.

2.     Deception:
Traffickers manipulate their victims through deception, promising payment, the well-being of their families, or by undermining trust in authorities. These lies make it difficult for survivors to break free.

3.     Imprisonment:
Physical restraint, confinement, and constant supervision are used to imprison victims, isolating them from the outside world and reinforcing a sense of helplessness.

4.     Collusion:
Traffickers force victims into participating in illegal activities, implicating them in their crimes. This coerces individuals to feel complicit and fearful of the consequences of speaking out.

5.     Debt Bondage:
Traffickers charge exorbitant fees for transportation, recruitment, and living expenses, trapping victims in a cycle of debt. Compounded with interest, these debts become insurmountable, forcing individuals to continue working for their traffickers.

6.     Relationship:
Traffickers manipulate victims through emotional connections, creating a false sense of affection or familial bonds. Survivors may believe the trafficker genuinely cares for them, making it even harder to break away.

7.     Isolation:
By restricting interactions with the outside world, through language barriers or forbidding contact with friends and family, traffickers maintain control over their victims, perpetuating their dependence on them.

Tile from our GRVM Art Project. Photo Credit: Kara D.

The Reality Closer to Home:

While threats of deportation and seizing immigration documents are not as effective against U.S. citizens, traffickers often target vulnerable American youth using sexual abuse, isolation, and relational ensnarement to create a sense of dependency.

In 2020, 42% of victims recruited into sex trafficking or sex and labor trafficking combined were brought into it by a member of their own families.

Runaways and children in foster care also remain highly vulnerable to exploitation, with studies estimating that over 60 percent of sex trafficking children in the U.S. originate from the foster care system.

Supporting Survivors:

We must come together to combat the multifaceted issue of sex trafficking, as it exists in every neighborhood, including our own. Providing survivors with essential support and resources is crucial for empowerment and healing. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide.

Creating a Safety Exit Plan:

If you or someone you know feels concerned for their safety, it is imperative to create a safety exit plan and seek help immediately.

Consider these steps:

1.     Seek mental health support:
Find local therapists and support groups (like us) who can provide professional guidance and monitor your situation, especially if leaving immediately jeopardizes your safety.

2.     Reach out to someone you trust:
Confide in trusted friends, family members, or spiritual leaders who can offer support and guidance. Choosing trustworthy individuals who will respect your confidentiality is crucial.

3.     Remove personal belongings:
If you share a home with a controlling partner, gradually move your personal belongings to a safe location. If you need to leave abruptly, do so with people by your side, informing friends and family of your whereabouts. If it's safer to leave belongings behind, prioritize taking important documents.

4.     Move to a safe place:
Maintain secrecy about your location to ensure your safety. Consider seeking refuge in programs like Seattle OPS's "Stay Safe," which provides temporary housing for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. Safe Stays, a partner of Seattle OPS, offers an empowering Safe Stays Credits Program where you can directly fund hotel stays for survivors during their most critical times of need.

Donate and Make an Impact:

Your donation can be a lifeline for survivors in need. By contributing to OPS's Safe Stays account, you're directly supporting survivors during their healing journey. Every donation creates a real impact, offering hope, healing, and empowerment to those who need it most. Click here to donate now and be notified when your credits are redeemed.

Understanding the methods used by traffickers to control individuals trapped in the sex trade is a crucial step towards dismantling this pervasive crime.

By providing comprehensive support and working together as a community, we can help survivors heal and reclaim their lives. Let us unite in our effort to end sex trafficking and create a world where everyone can thrive free from exploitation and violence

5 Ways You Can Help End Trafficking

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and at OPS, we stand in solidarity with this cause. We work to combat this gender-based violence by prioritizing the experiences and voices of survivors, empowering the community, and creating a safer world for all. Join us in raising awareness and taking action against human trafficking this month and beyond.

 Recognizing the Signs:
It's vital to spot the signs of trafficking, such as physical abuse, fear, or anxiety, excessive work hours without fair compensation, overcrowded living conditions, and more. By understanding these indicators, we can intervene and support survivors. By being vigilant and educated, we can play a crucial role in identifying and assisting those in need.

Think Before You Shop:
Have you ever considered the impact of your shopping and eating habits? Let's be mindful of who made our clothes and prepared our food. By making conscious choices to support ethical practices, we can combat child and forced labor. Stay informed by checking the Bureau of International Labor Affairs' list of suspected violators. Together, we can create a demand for goods and services that reflect our values and respect the rights and dignity of workers.

Donate & Volunteer:
You have the power to make a difference in your community by supporting anti-trafficking organizations like OPS. Reach out and find out how you can contribute. At OPS, we recognize the ongoing needs of Black survivors. Consider donating to our wishlist for hair and hygiene products or contributing to our Stay Safe program—providing crucial short-term housing for survivors in need. Your support empowers survivors and brings lasting change. By donating your time, skills, or resources, you’re helping to create a network of support that uplifts and empowers survivors.

Register for Training:
OPS understands the importance of a seamless network of support for survivors. Partnering with organizations in the community, we ensure survivors are met with dignity, respect, and understanding wherever they turn. Join our trauma-informed technical assistance training to cultivate a survivor-centered culture—a space that validates their experiences and perspectives. Together, we can create an environment that fosters healing and recovery, ensuring that survivors have access to the resources and support they need.

Advocate for Survivor-Centered Change:
As a survivor, your voice is a force for real change. OPS believes in a survivor-centered approach, where those with lived experiences lead and allies act as accomplices in the struggle for justice. Engage with representatives to address the urgent issue of human trafficking. Together, let's amplify survivor voices and make a difference! By advocating for survivor-centered policies and initiatives, we can create systemic change that supports survivors and holds perpetrators accountable.

During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and beyond, let us come together to end human trafficking. By recognizing the signs, making conscious choices, donating and volunteering, registering for training, and advocating for survivor-centered change, we are taking important steps to combat this pervasive form of gender-based violence. Together, we can create a world where all individuals are free from exploitation, where survivors are empowered, and where justice prevails. Join OPS in this crucial mission to create a safer and more equitable world for all.