SEX TRAFFICKING IN AMERICA
Sex Trafficking
Defined
Sex Trafficking occurs when people are forced or coerced
into the commercial sex trade against their will. This means at any age,
any gender, anywhere.
Sex Trafficking
Facts
When most people think of sex trafficking, they think of
girls or women from another country (such as Cambodia, Amsterdam or Bangkok)
being sold as sex slaves. Although it
exists in those countries in staggering numbers (2 million people globally to
be exact), sex trafficking is becoming more prevalent in the United
States. Yes, that’s right, in our own
backyard.
Sex Trafficking’s
Impact on America
25% of all child sex tourists around the world are US
citizens. This means that these victims
are taken from our country and moved to, or sold in other countries. It is estimated that the number of children
who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States reaches
to 100,000 – with the average age being 14 years old. Some victims are reported to being as young
as 5 years old.
The largest group of sexually trafficked victims in the
US comes from East Asia and the Pacific (5,000-7,000). The second largest group comes from Latin
America (3,500-5000). The victims that
come from the US are either lured from internet chat rooms, bus stations,
schools, group homes or malls.
Causes of Sex
Trafficking
Poverty, violence, and a lack of a quality resources and education
are closely linked to those who enter into sexual exploitation. Many of the victims are either runaways or
thrown-aways. Traffickers use their
desperate circumstances to take advantage of their vulnerability, as they feel alone
and scared, and need a place to stay by offering food, shelter and
clothing. In many cases, after they are
lured in, the trafficker fills them with drugs and alcohol to deter them from
leaving. Not only do they pump them full
of drugs, but they threaten to kill them and their families if they try to
leave.
These girls and women feel like they don’t have a voice
and many of them, give up. 50% of
trafficking victims are under the age of 18 years old. 2/3rds of sexually exploited
children suffer from additional abuse, and 71% exhibit suicidal tendencies. Trafficked children are also more likely to
become prostitutes as adults.
The Crux of the
Matter
This is a problem.
It is a problem because our children are being victimized and forced
into sexual slavery. It is a problem
because these children grow up without real families and healthy childhood
memories. They don’t play with other
children, go to the prom, go on dates or have a healthy first kiss. Their childhood is robbed from them and given
unwillingly to men who purchase their bodies for sexual gain. They are beaten, drugged, and their lives are
threatened. They feel like they have no
way out and are afraid to have a voice. More
and more people are becoming aware of the horrific epidemic in the United
States and are taking a stand to fight against sexual slavery. If you know of someone who is in need of
saving, please act now.
Common signs of a
sex trafficking victim include:
Multiple unexplained absences from school
Repeated tendency to run away from home
Frequent travels to other cities
Older boyfriends or girlfriends
Sudden ability to have expensive things
Appearing depressed or suffering physical injuries
PLACES TO CALL FOR
HELP
Polaris Project 1.888.373.7888
Safe Horizon 1.800.621.HOPE
(4763)
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