One of the first questions people often ask in a sex trafficking case is, if the girl is being treated so badly, then why don't the run? Why don't they do whatever they have to do to get out?

Truthfully, this is a complex subject. It often has to do with layers of trauma. I sometimes refer to this as the Chain of Shame. Research indicates at least 70% of sex trafficking victims were previously sexually exploited. There is an element of self-incrimination as the victim is slowly groomed to accept the blame for his/her weaknesses and need.

Often the victims are highly drugged making them controlled and dependent. Many of the female victims are recruited and controlled by a bottom girl blurring perceptions of trust and friendship and vulnerable to feelings of failure. Most victims experience perceived rejection of their families and they know there are hundreds of pornographic photo and videos of them on the internet so they feel they are in the bondage of shame forever.