Their insecurities and fears

The victims are likely to be suffering from extensive fears and worries. 

By virtue of the risks from their traffickers they will be frightened for their own safety and for that of their family at home. They are particularly likely to be afraid of having to see their trafficker, for example in court. They may be similarly afraid of betrayal by their co-workers or any agents of their traffickers, making them suspicious of anyone who they do not know or trust. 

They are likely to be mistrustful of the police.  

‘They fear being arrested or deported. In numerous countries where prostitution is illegal, women working in prostitution, justifiably fear imprisonment. Traffickers, owners and pimps discourage women from contacting police by telling them that authorities are complicit, will harm them, arrest and detain them, and prevent them from ever returning home. In some countries where officials actually are complicit with traffickers, authorities use arrest as an opportunity to resell or re-traffic the women. For most trafficked women, their experience with authorities in their home countries confirms their mistrust of police and other officials.’[1]  

It also follows that they are likely to be afraid of their home country authorities. In some countries women may be punished for having left their country illegally. 

There is often significant stigma attached to the exploitation they have suffered. A particularly strong and recurring fear is that of the shame of their family and community back home. They are worried how their family and friends will react if they find out that they have been working as a prostitute or were sexually abused. They may also be concerned that families will discover that they had not earned the anticipated income or that they had fled without repaying a debt. It is not uncommon for parents, siblings or spouses to blame, physically punish or banish women and children for what has happened to them.