Trafficking is not always a stranger in a parking lot or a dramatic abduction story. Sometimes it looks like coercive control inside a relationship, grooming by an older partner, or manipulation powered by fear, shame, and trauma bonds.

In this episode of 1 in 3, Ingrid sits down with former FBI agent and retired SWAT operator Eric Robinson to unpack what sex trafficking actually looks like under federal law—and why so many victims remain hidden in plain sight.

Eric shares insights from years investigating human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse cases, including:

•  The real meaning of force, fraud, and coercion 
•  How traffickers use grooming, isolation, gaslighting, and DARVO 
•  Why trafficking and domestic violence often overlap 
•  Common warning signs investigators notice first 
•  Online exploitation, risky apps, and digital safety for teens 
•  How networks like 764 target vulnerable youth through loneliness and self-harm 
•  Trauma bonds, runaway youth, and why victims often don’t leave 
•  Practical ways communities can support survivors 

This conversation challenges common myths about trafficking while providing practical education for parents, advocates, educators, and anyone wanting to better recognize exploitation and coercive control.

If this episode resonates with you, subscribe to 1 in 3, leave a review, and share this conversation to help raise awareness around human trafficking prevention and survivor advocacy.

Eric’s Links: 

https://www.1in3podcast.com/guests/eric-robinson/

https://www.instagram.com/_eric_robinson/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-robinson-9220053a4/

 

1 in 3 is intended for mature audiences. Episodes contain explicit content and may be triggering to some.

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If you are in the United States and need help right now, call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text the word “start” to 88788.
 
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Thank you for listening!

Cover art by Laura Swift Dahlke
Music by Tim Crowe