One of the first questions
people ask about domestic sex trafficking involves how individuals become
victims and if victims share common qualities that make them at-risk for
exploitation. Although trafficking occurs in diverse communities throughout the
United States, many victims share a background of brokenness and vulnerability.
The average age of entry into domestic sex trafficking is
12 – 14 years old. Often these young children do not know their fathers, live
in a chaotic environment, and have already been a victim of sexual abuse. They
lack safety and protection, making them easy targets for traffickers. Pimps form
relationships with victims by offering them attention, affection, and even
material possessions. This fosters an emotional connection within the victim,
which further ties them to their traffickers. This emotional exploitation
causes significant harm as victims gain a distorted view of love and lack an
identity outside of a relationship with their pimp.
Trafficking survivors experience holistic harm from
victimization. They may be exposed to violence, disease, manipulation, and
threats. Long term stress and repeated trauma influence well-being. Survivors
may possess a mental health diagnosis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, any
mood, anxiety or psychotic disorder, depression, personality disorder, and/or
substance use. These disorders signify deeper soul issues that need healing as
well as affirmation of strengths. Counseling offers a safe place and trusting
relationship to process brokenness and equip survivors for restoration.
After encountering such a desperate portrait of a
survivor, many people want to know how they can help. Restoration Ministries
believes that the effectiveness of our work comes through prayer. By prayer we
break down strongholds in the lives of clients and claim healing for their
hearts. As you make time to pray, please ask for God’s continued favor on
Restoration Ministries and our relationship with the DC social service systems.
Pray that we will build genuine relationships with the girls, conveying God’s
love for them through our presence. Pray that God would deliver them from
darkness and put a hedge of protection around their lives. Pray that our girls
would place their faith and trust in Jesus. Thank-you
for joining with us to serve survivors through prayer!
(Restoration Ministries’
panel event on caring for survivors of domestic sex trafficking)
