Increasing Awareness and Prevention Sex Trafficking Increasing Awareness and Prevention
Definition: Sex Trafficking Commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or in which coercion or person induced to perform such act is not 18 years of age May include forced: Prostitution Stripping Pornography
Human Trafficking A child (or an adult) may be coerced into being a nanny maid worker in a sweatshop beggar farm laborer child soldier (in countries engaged in civil war)
The Numbers? Reported sex trafficking cases in the U.S. since 2007: almost 15,000 Of missing and runaway youth: 1 In 6 likely sex trafficking victims Millions spent in payment to the trafficker for children
Vulnerabilities These factors may make a young person more vulnerable: Poverty History of abuse, neglect Loneliness or rejection Addiction Runaway or homelessness Lack of adult supervision (physically or online)
Strategies of Traffickers Force Coercion Physical assault Threats to life, safety, family Sexual assault, rape Threats of deportation Confinement or isolation Withholding documents Psychological manipulation Blackmail Fraud Employment offers False promises From Love 146 Posing as friend or romantic partner
Risks for Youth Who are Trafficked Unintended pregnancy Sexual violence Drug or alcohol addiction Isolation, emotional distress School dropout Abuse, physical harm, torture Sexually transmitted infections Arrest and incarceration Murder
How to Be Wary of Possible Intent to Traffick Inappropriate attention from older partner Gifts such as new clothes, new hairstyles, manicures/pedicures (“grooming”) Partner insisting on secrecy (from parents and other adults) Imbalance of control and power in relationship Offers of alcohol or drugs
What to Do Avoid places that put you at risk, including online If in a risky situation, try to get to a safe place Form friendships with others your age Recognize “grooming” behaviors Tell a trusted adult of your suspicions Seek assistance from a counselor, resource officer, or administrator
Sex Trafficking is Never the Fault of the Victim