Understanding the Role of Coercion in Human Trafficking
This January, in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we’re breaking down the three methods traffickers use to exploit their victims: force, fraud, and coercion. Here, we’ll explore the role of coercion.
Let’s consider Molly’s* story. While Molly’s name and the details of her experience have been changed, her story is representative of the survivors AncoraTN serves every day.
Molly is 12 years old and lives at home with her mother, Erin, and 8-year-old sister, Rebecca. Molly’s mother suffers from an opioid use disorder. She is often under the influence and allows strangers to come and go from the house.
Sometimes, Molly is told to engage in sexual activities with some of these strangers in exchange for Erin’s “medication.” Molly worries that if she doesn’t do what she’s asked, her little sister will be expected to do it for her. She also fears that if she tells anyone, she and Rebecca will be taken away and separated from each other.
In this example, Molly’s traffickers used coercion — threats and psychological manipulation — to exploit her. This method often involves instilling fear, guilt, or a sense of obligation in the victim to maintain control and compliance. Traffickers may also:
Threaten to harm the victim or their loved ones
Use emotional manipulation to create a sense of dependency
Exploit the victim’s fear of legal repercussions or social stigma
The use of coercion creates a cycle of fear and control, making it incredibly difficult for victims to seek help or escape their circumstances.
How You Can Help
Education is one of the most powerful tools in combating human trafficking. By sharing information, such as the role of coercion, you can help raise awareness and empower others to recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations.
We invite you to share AncoraTN’s social media posts (Instagram, Facebook) on this topic with your network. Together, we can spread awareness and strengthen our collective fight against human trafficking.
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at (855) 558-6484 or text “BeFree” to 233733.
AncoraTN is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping human trafficking survivors of all ages heal from their traumas and find hope for their futures. Through prevention programs, community education, and legislative advocacy, we also work to stop human trafficking before it ever begins.
