Recruitment: Romantic Relationships

Do you remember your first crush? Or those sweet love notes that took a second to write, but would take forever to build the courage to pass across the classroom?

Whether you have obsessed about relationships since exiting the womb, don't know what you think about it all quite yet, or are afraid of getting hurt, as humans we all have an innate need for love​. One author put it this way: "To love is to be fully human."

We all feel that to be true, because when we do not feel loved we are crippled; and conversely, when we love someone it is an exhilarating adventure.We all have this desire for love and affection.

Sexual predators know this and intentionally manipulate the victim so that he/she feels loved and valued. Pimps are no different; after all, they are master manipulators. They have studied the best ways to convince a new victim of their affection, love, loyalty, and dedication. Pimps are posers and they oftentimes pose as a boyfriend/girlfriend to potential victims.

Romeo pimps primarily pretend to engage a potential victim with romantic interests to gain trust and emotional vulnerability.

Once this kind of pimp makes contact with a potential victim, he will begin romancing her. He will make sure that he treats her better than anyone ever has: tell her how beautiful she is, buy her expensive gifts, and begin dreaming of the life they could have together. Whatever she is lacking, he will become. She quickly falls in love, cannot imagine life without him, and cherishes their relationship more than any other - all the while not knowing who he really is. 

Once her love and loyalty are secure, the pimp will begin compromising her boundaries or needing her help in various situations. Oftentimes these boundaries and favors are sexual in nature and may start small (like dancing at parties) before escalating to prostitution. When the pimp finally introduces his victim to the world of sexual exploitation, she is often so in love and dependent on him that she will do anything to prove her affection. If she ever refuses or does not want to, his response is simple: 

"I thought you loved me... if you loved me you would do it."

Pimps constantly manipulate our desire for love and affection so that a victim feels she has no other choice. And once the pimp has her do it once, he has complete control over her from then on. 

Watch the video below to hear Brianna's and Lacy's stories:

Chosen, a documentary by Shared Hope International. More information here. Red Light Rebellion directors are qualified Ambassadors of Hope for Shared Hope International. If you would like a screening, register here.

Sometimes it doesn't sound plausible until hearing from someone who has experienced it. Pimps cowardly prey on our natural desires. But when we understand the dangers and tactics, we will be more self-aware and able to recognize the warning signs so that we can get help in the situation. 

These relationships often have very similar characteristics as an abusive relationship, and then turn into an exploitative relationship. The following Power & Control Wheels illustrate the similarities and differences in these types of relationships.

On the contrary, healthy relationships consist of both partners being patient, empathetic, accepting, caring and equal toward one another. 

Manipulation, deceit, abuse, and exploitation has no place here. We are all worth experiencing relationships founded on trust, respect, honesty, and true love. So fight for freedom, and take a stand for real love.

Welcome to the rebellion. ​

---

Resources for this post: 
Boyfriend recruitment: Shared Hope International (What Is Sex Trafficking & FAQ's)
Love quote: Soul Cravings, Erwin Raphael McManus
​Healthy Relationships: Kaity's Way