What emotional response might trafficking victims have towards their traffickers?

Trafficking victims may often exhibit feelings of gratitude and loyalty towards their traffickers due to a complex psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm syndrome. This occurs when victims develop sympathetic feelings or attachment towards their abuser as a coping mechanism in response to their traumatic experience. Over time, traffickers may manipulate their victims into believing they are the only ones who care for them, creating a bond that can manifest as gratitude for perceived acts of kindness, however twisted.

This emotional response can be further influenced by dependence on the trafficker for basic needs such as food, shelter, and emotional support, particularly in an environment where the victim feels trapped or powerless. Consequently, their relationship with the trafficker can become complicated, as the victim may see their trafficker not just as an abuser, but also as a source of essential support, which leads to feelings of loyalty.

Other responses, such as hatred and anger, may also exist, but the emotional bond and psychological manipulation can often outweigh those feelings, especially in the early stages of captivity. Indifference typically does not apply in cases of trafficking, as the intense emotional turmoil tends to provoke significant feelings, whether positive or negative. The desire for revenge may emerge in some victims, but this is not a primary emotional response due