As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, it's crucial to highlight an often-overlooked connection between domestic violence and sex trafficking. Both forms of abuse involve the manipulation, coercion, and control of victims, and in many cases, they overlap. At REST, we see firsthand how survivors of sex trafficking often come from environments marked by domestic violence, making this month especially relevant to our mission.
The Overlap: Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking
Domestic violence and sex trafficking share many of the same tactics used by abusers, including emotional manipulation, isolation, and economic control. Traffickers frequently exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals already in abusive relationships, using their power to force them into the sex trade.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have experienced severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, and PTSD. These vulnerabilities are exploited by traffickers who use threats and violence to maintain control. The National Human Trafficking Hotline reports that in 2023 alone, 9,619 cases of human trafficking were identified in the United States, and many of these involved intimate partner trafficking.
Traffickers often use tactics similar to those of domestic abusers to control their victims. One common method is isolation, where traffickers cut victims off from family, friends, and support systems, making it difficult for them to seek help. They also engage in psychological manipulation, instilling fear, dependency, and confusion to keep victims from leaving. According to the Polaris Analysis of 2021 Data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, emotional abuse (28%), economic abuse (26%), and threats (23%) remained the most frequently reported methods of force, fraud, and coercion experienced by likely victims.
These stats demonstrate the deeply manipulative and controlling nature of sex trafficking and align closely with domestic abuse patterns, making it all the more critical to offer comprehensive support to survivors.
Red Flags of Domestic Violence
When hearing all this, we need to remember why the link between these two things are important. Studies show that domestic violence can propel people into a cycle of trauma that makes them more vulnerable to being trafficked. Recognizing the warning signs of domestic violence can be an important tool to help address sex trafficking.
Controlling behavior: The abuser may try to control their partner’s actions, decisions, and personal choices, such as who they can see, where they can go, and what they can wear.
Isolation: The abuser may isolate the victim from friends, family, and support systems, making it harder for them to seek help or maintain independence.
Jealousy and possessiveness: Excessive jealousy, including constant accusations of cheating or flirting, and possessive behavior, can signal domestic violence.
Verbal abuse: Insults, belittling comments, name-calling, or making the victim feel worthless or ashamed are common forms of emotional abuse.
Threats or intimidation: Threats of harm to the victim, their children, pets, or even themselves (e.g., threats of suicide if the victim leaves), are common tactics of control.
Physical violence: Hitting, slapping, pushing, choking, or any other form of physical harm is a major red flag of domestic violence.
Financial control: Restricting access to money, withholding financial resources, or preventing the victim from working can be a way to exert power.
Monitoring or stalking: Constant monitoring of phone calls, social media, or even following the victim to places without their knowledge can indicate abusive behavior.
Extreme mood swings: The abuser may switch between being loving and caring to being violent and hostile, making the victim feel confused or trapped.
Blaming the victim: The abuser often refuses to take responsibility for their actions, blaming the victim for the abuse or claiming the victim provoked them.
Recognizing these warning signs early can be critical in helping someone seek support or intervention.
Why This Matters: The Urgent Need for Comprehensive Support
Understanding the connection between domestic violence and sex trafficking allows organizations like REST to offer more comprehensive, trauma-informed care. Survivors need holistic support that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of both domestic violence and sex trafficking.
At REST, we provide a range of services, including:
24/7 crisis hotline: A lifeline for survivors seeking immediate support.
Emergency shelter: Safe spaces for survivors to begin their healing journey.
Long-term recovery support: Counseling, advocacy, and housing assistance to help survivors rebuild their lives.
How You Can Help
As Domestic Violence Awareness Month shines a light on intimate partner violence, it also serves as a reminder of the broader issues of abuse and exploitation. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Educate: Understanding the link between domestic violence and sex trafficking is crucial in recognizing the signs and providing support. Sex trafficking often happens in plain sight.
Donate: By donating to organizations like REST, you are directly contributing to the recovery of survivors of sex trafficking who have often experienced domestic abuse.
Advocate: Call on local and state representatives to push for laws that protect both victims of domestic violence and trafficking, ensuring they have access to critical services.
With domestic violence and sex trafficking closely connected, awareness and action are key to helping survivors. The more we understand these issues, the better equipped we are to provide the necessary support for those impacted.
Everyone deserves a healthy relationship. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800 799-SAFE (7233), or visit thehotline.org for more information.