Grooming is a process that involves a perpetrator forming a relationship with a child, and testing their boundaries.
Grooming is the most common way that people end up in sex trafficking situations. It is a methodical and intentional process that involves:
According to 2020 data, 42% of trafficking victims were brought into trafficking by a family member. In the United States, it is estimated that between 15,000 to 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery each year. The top three states with the most human trafficking cases are California, Texas, and Florida
- safechild.org, NSPCC, https://safekidsthrive.org/, SAPREA
If you think your child is being groomed, call for help: 877.7283.994
If you think your child is being groomed, call for help: 877.7283.994
This image from the Department of Homeland Security shows what exploitation looks like and how it starts. You can learn to say no and protect yourself and others from the following information provided by the DHS.
Exploitation can involve the use of threats, manipulation, or force to get someone to do something they do not want to do for the benefit of another person. It can take many forms; it could look like an employer forcing an employee to work for little or no pay or it could look like a romantic partner threatening harm if their partner doesn’t perform sex acts for money, drugs, or a place to stay.
EXAMPLES:
Individuals looking to exploit others will use emotional, mental, and financial support to gain trust and build dependency in potential victims. Indicators of a potentially exploitative relationship are as follows, if your partner:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of offers for jobs in fields that are typically hard to break into, such as modeling and acting, or offers in remote locations, faraway states, and foreign cities. Dangerous individuals may lure victims into isolation away from their friends and family.
Indicators of a false job promise could include:
Individuals looking to exploit others can gain access to potential victims online because they are not always aware of how dangerous online environments can be or how to keep themselves safe. They oftentimes actively stalk online meeting places, like social media sites, to lure their victims.
Below are several safety tips to keep in mind while online and using social media:'
From the experts at the Asservo Project:
Confidential, Safe & Secure
We encourage the general public to contribute to our work in the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation. We understand that sharing information regarding possible criminal activity can feel intimidating or overwhelming. That’s why we offer a discrete, secure, and safe tip line where you can share any information that concerns a verifiably or potentially unsafe situation involving human trafficking, child exploitation, or abuse. Any information you share is completely confidential and you are entitled to remain anonymous. Call: 877 SAVE 994
The above examples represent only a few possible reasons to call our tip line. We encourage you to use our tip line for any and all concerns related to human trafficking and child exploitation.
877.7283.994
With your help, we can create awareness, and provide education and resources to victims of sex crimes. Please consider making a donation today to support our mission.
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