ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the coercive elements of sex trafficking including early childhood victimization, tactics used by pimps to control and exploit victims, and the often unintended coercive nature of mandated treatment that victims endure. It describes the coercive nature of the trafficking experience is the abuse of power and control which strips a victim of their identity and ability to have a voice or choice. The chapter explores the need to understand the role complex trauma, from repeated betrayal, abuse, and coercion, plays in the victimization at the hand of a trafficker. It highlights the foundation for coercive exploitation, threats, and betrayal from a loved one on whom the child depends. The chapter suggests that not only the resulting trauma from the abuse but also the coercive process employed by the mother increases the vulnerability of the child to traffickers or others seeking to exploit her.
