Immersion
Immersion is the first stage, is the beginning of the journey, and describes the indoctrination of the individual into the lifestyle by the trafficker/pimp. Immersion is part of the entry pathway as its main goal is to detain and retain the individual. This immersion leaves little room to consider leaving or even develop the awareness of leaving. (During this stage, an exit would occur typically through interception — meaning a victim is discovered and forcibly removed.) However, permanent exit may be difficult for someone who is in this first stage due to intense fear of being recaptured or fear of being without any resources.
Baker, L.M., Dalla, R. L., & Williamson, C. (2010). Exiting prostitution: an integrated model. Violence Against Women, 16(5), 579–600.
