Which group of victims may exhibit "Stockholm syndrome"?

The correct answer highlights that human trafficking victims may exhibit "Stockholm syndrome," a psychological phenomenon where hostages or victims develop feelings of affection, loyalty, or empathy toward their captors, sometimes to the detriment of their own safety and well-being. This occurs as a coping mechanism, often in response to fear and powerlessness. In the context of human trafficking, victims are often subjected to manipulation, coercion, and abuse, leading them to form complex emotional bonds with their traffickers as a way to survive their traumatic circumstances.

Victims of human trafficking often experience extreme psychological and physical control, which can create an environment where they feel dependent on their traffickers. This dependency, mixed with moments of perceived kindness from the trafficker, can pave the way for the development of Stockholm syndrome. The traumatic bond that forms can complicate their ability to seek help or escape, as they may feel an irrational sense of loyalty or fear of retaliation if they attempt to distance themselves from their traffickers.

In contrast, while domestic violence victims may exhibit similar psychological dynamics, such as trauma bonding, the context and severity of coercive control under human trafficking typically create a more pronounced and complex form of Stockholm syndrome due to the extreme power imbalance. The other groups listed,