When people think of sex trafficking, they often imagine it as something that happens far away—at the hands of strangers or criminal rings operating in the shadows. What is less understood, and far more common, is the painful truth that sex trafficking can happen within the home—within intimate relationships.

Many Survivors of domestic abuse are also Survivors of sex trafficking. The connection between the two is not only real, but tragically frequent.

Coercion in Relationships Is Trafficking

Sex trafficking doesn’t always start with kidnapping or physical violence. It can start with manipulation. With guilt. With threats. If someone in a relationship is coerced, guilted, forced, or manipulated into having sex with someone else—whether for money, drugs, shelter, or even to “keep the peace”—they are being trafficked.

Let’s be clear:

If someone pressures you to trade sex for anything—even if they call it love—that is trafficking.
If your partner arranges for you to have sex with others and you feel like you can’t say no—that is trafficking.

It does not matter whether you tried to fight back. It does not matter if you stayed.
This is not your fault.

Domestic Abuse as a Gateway to Trafficking

Abusers often use isolation, financial control, threats, and emotional manipulation to trap their partners in a cycle of dependency and fear. Within that power imbalance, sex trafficking becomes another tool of control. Survivors are often told:

• “You owe me.”

• “If you don’t, we’ll lose the apartment.”

• “This is the only way to keep us safe.”

• “You’re already ruined—no one else will want you.”

These are lies, wielded with devastating consequences. And they keep Survivors locked in silence, believing no one will believe them—or that they brought this on themselves.

It Is Never the Survivor’s Fault

Let us say this again, because it can’t be said enough:
No one ever deserves to be trafficked. No one invites abuse.
Even if a Survivor remained in the relationship for years. Even if they didn’t tell anyone. Even if they felt love for their abuser.
It is not their fault.

Leaving an abusive relationship—especially one that includes sex trafficking—is complicated. Survivors face emotional, physical, financial, and even legal barriers. Judgment and shame only increase the danger and isolation they already feel.

The world is watching now as a Survivor is being further victimized in the courts, by the media and everyone with an opinion.

How We Help—and How You Can Too

At Control Alt Delete, we support Survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking with dignity and compassion. Our work is rooted in the belief that every Survivor deserves safety, freedom, and a future.

If you or someone you know is in a relationship where sex is being coerced or exchanged against their will, help is available. You are not alone, and you are not to blame. Have your advocate reach out the Control Alt Delete for help escaping.

Support Survivors. Share this message. End the shame.