"Lover boys" refers to a term that can be used to describe individuals, typically young men, who engage in manipulative tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals, often with the intention of selling them into prostitution or forced labor. Also known as "loverboys" or "lover boy traffickers," they employ various deceitful strategies to establish an emotional connection and gain control over their victims. The term most commonly refers to individuals involved in human trafficking, specifically the trafficking of women and girls.
These individuals are often charming, charismatic, and skilled manipulators, using emotional coercion, psychological control, and promises of love or a better life to trap their victims. They actively target vulnerable individuals, including those with low self-esteem, difficult family backgrounds, or financial struggles. Once they establish trust and dependency, they may exploit the victims for sexual purposes, subjecting them to sexual exploitation, prostitution, coerced labor, or slavery-like conditions.
The term "lover boys" stems from their ability to create an illusion of romance and affection while concealing their true intentions. This manipulative tactic allows them to control their victims, making it difficult for them to escape or seek help due to misplaced feelings of love or indebtedness. The term is often used in the context of human trafficking awareness campaigns, law enforcement efforts, and research surrounding the issue.
