"Why don't they just leave?"
In 20 minutes, you'll understand.
TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story is an immersive experience that teaches abuse prevention by showing — not telling — how psychological manipulation traps people in harmful situations.
10
Years in Development
10
States with Licensees
15,000
Trainees so far
200+
Expert Endorsements
The question everyone asks. The answer no one understands.
“Why don’t they just leave?”
It’s the question people ask about victims of abuse, trafficking, and manipulation. And it’s the wrong question — because it assumes leaving is simple.
The truth is, most victims aren’t held by locked doors. They’re held by invisible chains: psychological manipulation, trauma bonding, shame, fear, and isolation.
Traditional training can’t teach this. Lectures don’t land. Videos get tuned out. The human brain resists information that challenges what it thinks it already knows.
That’s why we built something different.
Abuse prevention education that changes hearts and minds.
TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story is a 15–25 minute immersive experience where you step into the perspective of Lisa — a teenager who was groomed and trafficked. You don’t watch her story. You investigate it. You notice the red flags. You feel the pressure. And when it’s over, you understand why people don’t “just leave.”
Simple to implement. Impossible to forget.
Put on the headset
No controllers needed. Students look around and listen. The experience guides them through Lisa’s story.
Investigate the clues
60 evidence-based lessons are woven into the dialogue and environment. Trainees learn by noticing, not memorizing.
Understand — finally
In 20 minutes, trainees grasp what lectures can’t teach: how manipulation works, and why victims stay.
“It’s very real, it’s very typical from what I see on a daily basis, investigating human trafficking incidents. It’s on point with the cycle of control, manipulation, and coercion.”
Lt. Angela Merritt, Houston Police Department, Human Trafficking Unit
Built for educators, professionals, and communities.
For Schools
Fits into health education, advisory periods, and counseling programs. Non-graphic, opt-out friendly, and parent-communication ready.
For Organizations
Train staff to recognize signs of abuse, trafficking, and manipulation. Used by police departments, universities, and anti-trafficking nonprofits.
For Communities
Bring TRAPPED to conferences, faith groups, and awareness events. We can get you started, run the event alongside you, or even send demo headsets.
No one really gets it until they put on the headset.
Schedule a Zoom call and we’ll walk you through everything — the experience, the technology, and how it fits your organization.
From the Blog: Beyond the Red Flags
Compilation of video and written testimonials from subject matter experts with feedback on the VR experience.
Emotional manipulation can look like love. Here’s how to recognize it.
State officials, school principals, and advocacy founders are embracing this VR tool.