Human Trafficking, Cults, & Coercion: The Use of Drugs as a Tool

St. John's Legal Studies Research Paper No. 24-0005

International Journal of Coercion, Abuse and Manipulation (IJCAM), Year: 2023, Volume: 5

4 Pages Posted: 7 May 2024 Last revised: 17 Oct 2024

See all articles by Robin Boyle

Robin Boyle

St. John's University School of Law

Date Written: May 6, 2023

Abstract

Thanks to the successful prosecution of sex traffickers, the definition and proof of “coercion” now encompasses evidence showing the use of addictive drugs as a tool. This article describes two case examples, and in both, the perpetrators supplied abundant amounts of addictive substantives. Once those victims became addicted and feared the pain of withdrawal, the sex traffickers forced the victims to perform commercial sex acts to pay off the drug debt they incurred, feeding the addiction the traffickers caused. Coercion by way of intentional drug addiction and control is a theory that expands the operative word “coercion.” This short article summarizes key points of my presentation at the Annual International Conference for the International Cultic Studies Association held in June 2022.

Keywords: Coercion, Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Drugs as a Coercive Tool, Cults

Suggested Citation

Boyle, Robin, Human Trafficking, Cults, & Coercion: The Use of Drugs as a Tool (May 6, 2023). St. John's Legal Studies Research Paper No. 24-0005, International Journal of Coercion, Abuse and Manipulation (IJCAM), Year: 2023, Volume: 5, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4818544 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4818544

Robin Boyle (Contact Author)

St. John's University School of Law ( email )

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Jamaica, NY 11439
United States
718-990-6609 (Phone)

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