The Rise

The Rise of “Boyfriend Traffickers”

One of the most misunderstood forms of trafficking is the “boyfriend method.”
This is when a trafficker pretends to be a child’s romantic partner loving, caring, supportive until the manipulation begins.

It often starts with:
• excessive compliments
• constant attention
• promises of a future together
• emotional bonding
• “you’re the only one who understands me”

Once trust is established, the trafficker introduces control:
“Help me with this one thing.”
“If you love me, you’ll do this.”
“I need you to prove your loyalty.”
“You owe me after everything I’ve done for you.”

Many victims don’t even realize they’re being exploited because they believe they’re in a relationship.

This strategy works because it attacks the deepest human need: belonging.
When children feel valued, admired, or loved especially by an older person it becomes easy for predators to rewrite their boundaries.

Awareness helps families guide conversations around healthy love, boundaries, and red flags.

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