Child Sex Trafficking: Misconceptions and Your Community
Our 2020 Freedom Gala seeks to educate and empower you to combat child sex trafficking in your community.
The most vulnerable population in your community is at risk. Every day our children are in danger of sexual exploitation. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children defines child sex trafficking as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, or advertising of a minor child for the purpose of a commercial sex act, which involves the exchange of anything of value – such as money, drugs or a place to stay – for sexual activity.”
COVID-19 has created new challenges for those fighting child sex trafficking, as traffickers take advantage of the extra time children are spending online. However, over the last few months, awareness of the injustice of child exploitation has also increased thanks to social media efforts. Despite this, there are still many misconceptions that surround child sex trafficking.
MISCONCEPTION: CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING DOES NOT HAPPEN IN THE UNITED STATES
Often times, when people think of sex trafficking, they think of something that happens overseas. What many don’t realize is that this kind of child exploitation is taking place all across the United States, even here locally in Central Virginia. What we are fighting is global, but it is also right in our own backyard.
MISCONCEPTION: TRAFFICKERS TARGET ONLY ONE TYPE OF CHILD
All children are at risk for exploitation. Traffickers do not discriminate against gender, race, or socioeconomic status when luring their victims. However, there are many factors that can increase a child’s vulnerability to exploitation. Studies show that children with past trauma, unstable living conditions, or families facing addictions are at more risk for being sex trafficked.
MISCONCEPTION: CHILD VICTIMS ARE USUALLY KIDNAPPED AND EXPLOITED BY A STRANGER
Many assume that child sex trafficking is done at the hand of strangers. However, although that still occurs, the majority of sex trafficking is the result of manipulation by someone the victim trusted. The top 3 recruitment tactics include intimate relationships, family relationships, and job offers.
Victims of child sex trafficking go through things NO human being should go through, but there is HOPE.
Education and awareness around child sex trafficking empowers people to be a part of the solution in their own communities. You can learn more by joining us for our 7th Annual Freedom Gala.
Freedom 4/24’s 2020 Freedom Gala is designed to further awaken and unify the community's resolve to bring an end to child sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Join us October 1, 2, or 3 at Southern Provision Company for an exclusive dining experience as we seek to understand the challenges our youth face today and how we can prevent further exploitation in Central Virginia.
Not local to Central Virginia? Host a Gala Viewing party to educate your community about child sex trafficking and encourage people to be a part of the solution.