Traffickers target vulnerable youth and lure them into sex trafficking using physical and psychological manipulation, and sometimes they may resort to violence. Children within the care of child welfare are particularly vulnerable to traffickers who target and take advantage of the emotional and physical needs of these youth. Often traffickers/pimps will create a seemingly loving or caring relationship with their victim in order to establish trust and allegiance. This manipulative relationship ensures the youth will remain loyal to the exploiter even in the face of severe victimization. These relationships may begin online before progressing to a real-life encounter.

(Source National Center for Missing and Exploited Children www.missing kids.com)