By Linda A Smith Samantha Healy Vardaman Melissa A Snow

The National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: America’s Prostituted Children 71in designing programs. Physical components to programs can include counseling, medical care, andpsychiatric care, as well as simple physical activity that addresses the psychosomatic aspects to trauma,such as exercise, hiking, and yoga.“We try to make the point [that] clearly it isn’t love if he takes your money. The young person, the onlything they’re hearing is, ‘I’m unlovable.’ You have to be able to [say], ‘I’m not surprised somebody wouldlove you. You are so smart, and funny and beautiful. I’m sure he does love you. But, let’s talk a little bitmore about how that love plays out. Let’s talk about … when that love doesn’t feel so good.’” 189— Rachel Lloyd, Founder and Executive Director, GEMSSurvivor EmpowermentVictims of domestic minor sex trafficking have experienced the complete loss of their personal freedomand, consequently, their ability to exert control over their own lives. Part of rehabilitation should includeempowering the survivor to regain control over that which was taken by their trafficker/pimp. The processof acquiring control will depend on the level of healing experienced by the victim. As the trafficker hascontrolled every aspect of the victim’s life, including when she could eat or go to the bathroom, presentingtoo many options and areas of decisions can be overwhelming for the victim. The victim must beempowered to reach each level of self-control and decision-making, which will necessarily happen over aperiod of time.Nevertheless, there are ways to provide victims control immediately. One way is to talk with the victimusing accessible language and the minor’s communication style. 190 Secondly, it is important to disclose tothe victim from the very beginning the details of the program and the agency’s capacity, the reactions ofthe systems they are involved with (e.g. juvenile justice system), and what recovery may look like — boththe positive and the negative. 191Healing is a ProcessThe healing process for victims of domestic minor sex trafficking takes time and patience. It does nothappen overnight, nor should victims be expected to rush through the process; the wounding theyexperienced creates immense personal hurdles they must overcome. These victims must be viewed withcompassion as they confront both their excruciating past and the repercussions it has on their lives.Though this may seem understandable and a natural part to developing programs and initiatives toaddress domestic minor sex trafficking, no long-term care was able to be found in all 10 assessments.Many service providers attempt to provide continued support for survivors but limited resources often189Remarks by R. Lloyd. Shared Hope International National Training Conference on the Sex Trafficking of America’s Youth.Transcript on file with authors.190Remarks by Amy Corbett, LMHC, GIFT Group Home, Boston, Massachusetts. Shared Hope International National TrainingConference on the Sex Trafficking of America’s Youth (Dallas, Texas: September 15-16, 2008). Transcript on file with authors.191Remarks by R. Lloyd. Shared Hope International National Training Conference on the Sex Trafficking of America’s Youth.Transcript on file with authors.