Human Trafficking: Interview with Dr. An Goldbauer

Most kidnappings fall into two categories: fast, haphazard “grabs” or slow, methodical grooming.

People often equate human trafficking with kids being seized on the street, but that isn’t always the case. Perpetrators also groom many human trafficking victims over the course of many months. These groomers may be adults posing online as children or even teens who have been pulled into the world of trafficking. Young victims often believe they are chatting with an online peer or friend, while their families are unaware of that these conversations are happening.

Traffickers often groom children online and exploit their weaknesses. They eventually persuade some kids to turn against their families, collaborate willingly with criminals and even help them recruit other children as well.

A child does not necessarily have to come from a troubled background to be duped by trafficking schemes. However, children who live in a problematic environment, such as having an addicted parent or having to scrounge for food for their siblings, can be more vulnerable to trafficking, even ...