Quite simply, it is Child Sex Trafficking.

 

As stated in the Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act, child sex trafficking include the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing or soliciting a child under the age of 18 for the purpose of a commercial sex act. A minor (persons under the age of 18) in unable to legally consent to being bought or sold.

 

Indicators of Child Sex Trafficking:

 

Behavior:

• Runs away or disappears for long periods of time

• Changes in mood, becomes secretive, lies about their identity, age etc.

• Avoids answering direct questions or won’t speak for themselves

• Grades at school drop or youth cuts classes

• Increased signs of fear, anger or depression

• Changes in online behavior. Multiple or new profiles, accounts or changes in online friend

• Exaggerated fear of missing a phone call or text

• Signs of oppression

• “Survival Sex”; trading sex for basic needs

 

Physical:

• Does not have possession of their identification, passports or other papers

• Large amounts of cash or pre-paid credit cards, hotel keys, receipts

• Carries multiple cell phones or sudden loss of phone

• New relationships they try to hide

• Minors with unrelated males or overly controlling abusive adult figure

• Minors selling commercial sex

• Minors present at motels, truck stops or strip clubs who are unaccompanied, dressed inappropriately or with a controlling adult

• Evidence of traveling without an adult or with little luggage

• Sexual paraphernalia such as bulk supplies of condoms or lube

• Sudden possession of expensive items they cannot afford (being groomed by pimp)

• New tattoo’s depicting crowns, money or ‘nicknames/initials’ of a new friend or boyfriend

 

Risk Factors:

• Experience past abuse, both physical and/or sexual

• Involved in the Child Welfare system, foster care

• Lack of community or social connections

• Family members/care givers involved in drugs, drug trafficking

• Chronic runaway or missing

• Identify as LGBTQIA+ and rejected by family

• Poverty or history of generational poverty

• Sudden situational desperation (loss of family member, housing, income)

• Social or geographic isolation

• Low self-esteem or self- worth

• Substance Addiction

• Mental Illness

 

Please note: No single risk factor or indicator confirms a youth is involved in child sex trafficking but multiple indicators can increase the likelihood of vulnerability for recruitment or involvement.

It is also very common for victims to believe they have chosen this lifestyle due to the manipulation by the trafficker. They may even convince others they have chosen it and recruit others into the life. This is part of their exploitation.

 

Resources:

• Battered Persons Advocacy – 800-464-6543 ( 24 hour hotline)

• National Human Trafficking Hotline – 888-373-7888

 

Websites:

The Polaris Project

Shared Hope International

The Blue Campaign

Rescue and Restore

Restore One – specific to male victims/survivors of sex trafficking

Oregon Dept. of Justice

Exploit No More

 

https://www.facebook.com/up2usnow.org/?eid=ARBvhEBpg9x0hRjxbx5s8TMGzZY7c_tAMcVFvzsLDt7ono3kWOL3vyNqUDCGWMQghY0OTzUQmAVryoJ0

 

Rural Teams:

https://www.facebook.com/DCRuralTeams/?modal=admin_todo_tour

 

 

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