The Face of the Victim

Those At Risk…

• U.S. Citizens and foreign nationals
• Male and female, but mostly women and children
• Diverse social and economic backgrounds
• Runaway and homeless youth
• Gay, Lesbian and Transgender youth
• Victims of prior abuse
• BUT, it can happen to anyone

The Lure

Victims are recruited by pimps posing as a boyfriend, caretaker or protector. They are promised love, provision and security.

Why Don’t the Victims Just Leave?

• Pimps threaten violence against them or their loved ones.
• Victims think they genuinely love the pimp so they are loyal to them.
• Victims feel ashamed and hopeless.
• Their mentality is “sex for survival.”
• Some don’t consider themselves victims.
• They are afraid they will be arrested and treated like a criminal.
  (The fact is, most are treated as prostitutes and put in jail or detention centers.)