Trafficking Isn't Always About Money: Redefining 'Value' in Exploitation

Welcome back to the blog, where critical conversations from the 1 in 3 Podcast are examined in greater depth. The latest episode, 104-The Badge Doesn’t Make You Immune: Coercive Control & Trafficking with Mia Shagena, explores an often-overlooked facet of human trafficking. Rather than focusing solely on financial transactions, the discussion examines how power, status, and access can function as “things of value” within exploitative relationships and trafficking scenarios. This blog post expands on those themes, unpacking the broader definition of “value” in exploitation and examining how subtle forms of abuse and control can entrap individuals—even within institutions often perceived as safe or secure.

The Broader Definition of 'Value' in Exploitation

When we think of human trafficking, the immediate image that often comes to mind is one of financial gain. Buyers and sellers, monetary exchanges, the commodification of human beings for profit. While financial exploitation is a significant and devastating component of human trafficking, it is far from the only one. In episode 104, guest Mia Shagena, a survivor and advocate, powerfully illustrated how 'value' in the context of exploitation can be far more nuanced. She spoke about how an abuser can extract 'value' not just through money, but through the acquisition of power, control, and dominance over another person. This 'value' can manifest as:

• Status: An abuser might gain a sense of superiority and prestige by controlling someone they deem 'lesser,' or by isolating them from their support systems, thereby elevating their own perceived social standing within the dynamic.
• Access: Exploitation can involve granting or withholding access to resources, information, social circles, or even basic necessities. This control over access is a form of power that the abuser 'values.'
• Dominance: The sheer act of exerting control, of making someone bend to their will, can be intrinsically rewarding for an abuser. This psychological dominance is a powerful 'currency' in their exploitative endeavors.
• Psychological Leverage: An abuser might use knowledge of a victim's vulnerabilities, past traumas, or future aspirations as leverage. This intimate understanding, weaponized, becomes a form of 'value' they can exploit to maintain control.
• Social Capital: In some contexts, an abuser might exploit their position or relationships within a community or institution to isolate and control a victim, using their social capital as a tool of coercion.

This broader definition of 'value' is crucial because it expands our understanding of who can be a victim and how they can be exploited. It moves us away from a narrow, transactional view and towards a more holistic understanding of power dynamics and control in abusive relationships. When we only focus on monetary gain, we risk missing the vast spectrum of exploitation that preys on individuals for reasons far more insidious than simple financial profit.

Mia's Story: Coercive Control and its Use of Power

Mia's story, as shared in episode 104, is a stark and deeply personal illustration of this broader definition of 'value.' She detailed her experience as a young law enforcement officer who was groomed, isolated, and ultimately assaulted by a senior officer. This was not a transaction of money for services. Instead, the 'value' extracted by her abuser was rooted in his desire for control, dominance, and the exercise of his power over someone he perceived as subordinate. He framed the abuse not as a crime, but as a reflection of their 'lifestyle,' a subtle manipulation to normalize his coercive behavior. This is the essence of coercive control: a pattern of behaviors that seek to take away an individual's autonomy and fundamental freedoms.

Mia’s narrative highlights how the abuser’s perceived 'value' came from:

• Grooming and Isolation: By systematically isolating Mia from her support networks and undermining her sense of self-worth, her abuser consolidated his own power and control. Her dependency on him became his 'value.'
• Manipulation of Authority: As a senior officer, he wielded his authority to create an environment where Mia felt trapped. The fear of reprisal, of damaging her career, was a powerful tool of control, the 'value' of which he exploited.
• Redefining Abuse as Consent: The insidious tactic of framing assault and control as 'consent' is a way for the abuser to create a false 'value' for their actions. By twisting the narrative, they attempt to legitimize their control and deny the victim's agency.

Mia's experience underscores the fact that trafficking and severe abuse are not always about a direct financial transaction. They are often about the abuser's need to exert power and control, deriving a perverse sense of 'value' from their victim's subjugation.

Trafficking Within Institutions: When Badges Don't Grant Immunity

One of the most chilling aspects of Mia's story is that it unfolded within the very institution designed to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable: law enforcement. This raises a critical question: can trafficking and severe exploitation occur within institutions, even when the individuals involved hold positions of authority? The answer, tragically, is yes. Mia’s experience demonstrates that the presence of a badge or a title does not automatically confer immunity from abusive behavior or prevent individuals from becoming victims of trafficking or coercive control. In fact, the very structure of an institution can be exploited to facilitate abuse.

Within institutions, the 'value' extracted can be even more complex:

• Abuse of Power: Individuals in positions of authority can leverage their power to coerce, intimidate, and control subordinates. This abuse of power is a primary form of 'value' for the perpetrator.
• Reputational Protection: Institutions may prioritize protecting their reputation over addressing internal misconduct. This can lead to victims being silenced and perpetrators being shielded, creating an environment where exploitation can thrive under the guise of institutional integrity.
• Hierarchical Structures: The inherent hierarchy in many organizations can be used to create an unequal playing field, making it difficult for victims to speak out without fear of retaliation. The abuser's 'value' is amplified by the system that enables their dominance.
• Fear of Retaliation: For those within institutions, the fear of losing their job, damaging their career, or facing ostracization can be a powerful deterrent to reporting abuse. This fear is a form of 'value' that the abuser can exploit to maintain control.

Mia’s testimony is a powerful reminder that the fight against human trafficking and coercive control must extend to all environments, including those where we expect the highest levels of safety and accountability. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and recognize that exploitation can occur even within systems designed to prevent it.

The Myth of 'She Could Have Left': Understanding Trauma and Compliance

A common and dangerous misconception when discussing abusive relationships, including those that constitute human trafficking, is the notion that the victim "could have just left." This statement dismisses the profound psychological and practical realities of coercive control and trauma bonding. Mia eloquently addressed this myth in our conversation, explaining that compliance is often a survival mechanism, not a sign of choice or consent. When individuals are subjected to prolonged abuse, their sense of self, their decision-making capacity, and their perception of reality are systematically eroded.

Understanding why "she could have left" is a myth requires acknowledging:

• Trauma Bonding: Victims can develop a strong emotional attachment to their abuser, often a result of intermittent reinforcement of kindness or affection amidst abuse. This bond makes leaving incredibly difficult, as it feels like severing a part of themselves.
• Fear and Intimidation: Abusers use threats, violence, and manipulation to instill fear. The fear of physical harm, death, or harm to loved ones can be a primary reason why someone stays.
• Isolation: When an abuser has successfully isolated a victim from their support system, they lose external validation and practical help, making escape seem impossible.
• Learned Helplessness: Through repeated experiences of abuse and failed attempts to escape, victims can develop a sense of learned helplessness, believing that escape is futile and that their situation is unchangeable.
• The Illusion of Safety: Sometimes, the 'best' option for a victim's immediate safety, however compromised, is to remain with the abuser, especially if leaving poses an immediate threat.

In the context of trafficking, this is amplified. Victims are often controlled through threats against their families, manipulation of their immigration status, debt bondage, or the sheer psychological exhaustion of constant surveillance and control. Compliance, in these scenarios, is not a choice made from a position of freedom; it is a desperate strategy for survival. Recognizing this is fundamental to providing effective support and holding perpetrators accountable.

Evidence Beyond DNA: Recognizing Subtle Forms of Abuse and Control

When prosecuting cases of abuse and trafficking, the legal system often relies on tangible evidence. However, coercive control and subtle forms of abuse leave behind a different kind of evidence – one that requires a more nuanced understanding. Mia highlighted the importance of looking beyond the obvious, the 'DNA evidence' of physical assault, and instead recognizing the totality of circumstances that constitute abuse and control. This includes:

• Strangulation Markers: While physical, the subtle indicators of strangulation, even if not immediately apparent, can be crucial evidence of severe violence and intent.
• Threats to Career and Reputation: In professional settings like law enforcement, threats to someone's career are a potent tool of control. Evidence of such threats, even if not direct physical violence, demonstrates the abuser's intent to coerce and manipulate.
• Financial Abuse: Controlling finances, limiting access to money, or creating debt can be a significant form of leverage and control, leaving a traceable financial trail.
• Digital Trails: Constant surveillance through phones, social media, and tracking devices creates a digital footprint of the abuser's control and the victim's monitored existence.
• Witness Grooming: Perpetrators may attempt to manipulate potential witnesses, including colleagues or friends, to corroborate their false narrative or discredit the victim, providing evidence of their manipulative tactics.
• Changes in Behavior and Demeanor: A victim's withdrawal, anxiety, or sudden changes in personality can be indicators of underlying abuse, even if no physical marks are present.
• Abuse of Power Dynamics: The mere existence of a significant power imbalance, coupled with a pattern of controlling behavior, can be evidence in itself.

Adopting a trauma-informed approach means understanding that survivors may not present with the 'ideal' evidence a prosecutor might expect. It means valuing their testimony, recognizing the subtle but powerful ways control is exerted, and building cases based on a comprehensive understanding of the abuser's tactics and the victim's lived experience.

The Valkyrie Warrior Movement: Trauma-Informed Approaches for Professionals

Mia’s work with the Valkyrie Warrior Movement is a beacon of hope and a practical application of the principles discussed throughout this post and in episode 104. This initiative is dedicated to equipping professionals – including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and allied service providers – with the knowledge and skills to recognize, respond to, and investigate complex forms of abuse and trafficking, particularly within institutional settings. The movement emphasizes:

• Trauma-Informed Investigations: Moving away from interrogation tactics that can re-traumatize victims and towards approaches that prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment.
• Lethality Assessments: Understanding the indicators of potential danger and implementing protocols to assess and mitigate risk for victims.
• Survivor-Centered Practices: Placing the victim's needs, autonomy, and healing at the forefront of every interaction and investigation.
• Understanding Coercive Control: Educating professionals on the nuances of coercive control and how it differs from consensual relationships.
• Recognizing Institutional Dynamics: Providing tools to navigate and address abuse that occurs within organizational structures.

The Valkyrie Warrior Movement embodies a paradigm shift, moving from a reactive approach to abuse to a proactive one, informed by a deep understanding of trauma and the multifaceted nature of exploitation. It’s about ensuring that those tasked with protecting society are equipped to do so effectively, even when faced with the most challenging and insidious forms of abuse.

This episode and blog post have aimed to broaden our understanding of human trafficking and exploitation. By moving beyond a purely financial definition of 'value' and embracing the concept of power, status, and control as exploitable commodities, we can better identify and address these devastating crimes. Mia Shagena's courageous testimony and her ongoing work through the Valkyrie Warrior Movement offer invaluable insights and practical strategies for professionals and survivors alike. It is a powerful reminder that recognizing the subtle signs of abuse, understanding the impact of trauma, and advocating for trauma-informed practices are essential steps in dismantling exploitative systems and supporting survivors on their journey to healing and justice. Thank you for joining us in this important conversation. Please share this post and the episode with anyone who might benefit from this vital information.