Traffickers and Romancing Their Victims
21st Century Abolitionists call themselves by many titles. We are all in it for the same reason. SLAVERY is wrong! Modern day slavery is most know as human trafficking because human become part of commerce. Traffickers view these people as property.
Traffickers often deal in drugs, guns and sex trafficking. Labor traffickers will use their labor force for sex trafficking. In this article I going to address a trafficking term.
Trafficking Term Defined: Finesse Pimp/Romeo Pimp — One who prides himself on controlling others primarily through psychological manipulation. Although he may shower his victims with affection and gifts (especially during the recruitment phase), the threat of violence is always present. This definition comes from Shared Hope International. Simply click on the link to learn more.
Romeo traffickers woo victims is by romancing them. Here is a plausible scenario.
Young girl stops at a local gas station on her way home from school every day for a soda. A young guy starts running into her. He's older. She's shy. He tells her that she is beautiful. He continues will continue to run into her, as if by accident. Then one day he asks if he can walk her home. In time he will buy her expensive gifts and work to convince her that he is the one person in her life that understands her, loves her, and will be there for her.When he gets close enough he will ask her to dance at a club or have sex with a man he knows who said she was hot. When she says no, he flips the switch! No one wants, but me. I'm here for you. I buy you nice stuff, I take care of you. You said you loved me. I really need the money so I can pay my car payment, etc. She becomes afraid of losing him. Just one time she says. For you, she says. Once she does it, he has her. He use the switch or becomes physical to manipulate her. Keep in mind we are talking about a girl who is about Junior High School age. Statistically she has already experienced abuse (more on that in another blog), this means they are hurting and hungry for love. If you do not know what love looks like you are more vulnerable.
This is one scenario. There are many stories and many faces. All of it leads to pain and loss of identity. It's not always children raised in abusive homes, though this increases a child's chances. There is a known link between foster kids and trafficking. Shared Hope International's movie CHOSEN has the story of two young girls. One of the girls was a rock solid student. She was ambitious and full of dreams and plans. Thankfully these two girls are safe now, but their lives will never be "normal," they can never see life in an idyllic way.
We can help them heal and prevent other children from being sucked in a life of hell on earth. How would you like to help? Building awareness or working on prevention education? You can get trained. Host volunteers in your home, at your church, organization or work place.
Join me. As 21st Century Abolitionists we can be the change we want to see in the world.
We can make a difference. Please leave a comment and share. Thank you.