Commercial Sexual Exploitation
of Children/Human Trafficking
Seminar
Marywood University
Dr. Mark E. Rodgers
Dean, College of Health & Human Services
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Overview of Human Trafficking
The Differences between:
Illegal Immigration,
Smuggling and
Human Trafficking
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking In Persons
The term “trafficking in persons,”
which is in laws around the world,
is used to define slave-trading
and modern–day slavery
in all its forms.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Highlighting the three “P’s”
Prosecution
Protection
Prevention
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
A Victim-Centered Approach
Requires all of us to address the three “R’s”
Rescue
Removal
Re-integration
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
No Country is Immune
No country is immune from human trafficking.
Each year an estimated 600,000 - 800,000 men,
women, and children are trafficked across
international borders and the trade is growing.
This figure does not consider the number of people
trafficked within countries.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Involuntary Servitude
Victims are forced into prostitution or work in quarries, sweatshops,
farms or as domestics, as child soldiers and in many forms of
involuntary servitude.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
U.N. Estimates
The U.N. estimates are that more than half of
all victims trafficked internationally
are trafficked for sexual exploitation.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
The 21st Century Slave Trade
The 21st century slave trade feeds
a global demand for cheap
and vulnerable labor.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Profits From Trafficking
Profits from trafficking fund the
expansion of international crime syndicates,
foster government corruption,
and undermine civil society.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Revenue Source
U.N. and other estimates list trafficking as the
second highest revenue source for
organized crime.
Drug trade is first, but at the growth
rate for human trafficking it will
Shortly surpass drugs and become
The highest source of revenue.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Reduced to a Commodity
Trafficking reduces human beings to a commodity.
If organizations free or rescue the victims,
but do not fully prosecute the trafficker,
he or she is free to use their profits
to purchase another victim.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Holding Traffickers Accountable
A more effective means of combating trafficking
is through the full application of laws,
such as the National Plan developed in Latvia.
Thereby holding traffickers
and the exploiters of trafficking victims
accountable under criminal justice systems.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
U.N. Definition of Trafficking
The United Nations protocol to prevent, suppress and punish
trafficking in persons, especially women and children, defines
trafficking in persons as:
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
U.N. Definition of Trafficking
The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipts of
persons by means of threat or use of force or other forms of
coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of
power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving
of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having
control over another person for the purpose of exploitation.
Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the
prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced
labor or services, slavery or practice similar to slavery, servitude
or the removal of organs.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
U.N. Definition of Trafficking
Lack of understanding of the U.N. definition
often leads to any irregular migration as trafficking.
Not all illegal immigration or smuggling is trafficking.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking Victims Protection Act
The 2000 Congress in the USA passed the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act (TVPA), which was amended in 2003
(P.L. 108-193). It uses a definition of “severe forms of trafficking”:
1. Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by
force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform
such an act is not yet 18 year of age;
2. The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining
of a person for labor or services, through the use
of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to
involuntary servitude, peonage, debt, bondage or slavery.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking Victims Protection
Re-Authorization Act
The 2005 Congress in the USA passed the Trafficking Victims
Protection Re-Authorization Act (TVPRA) (P.L. 109-164).
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Authorizes appropriations for the fiscal years 2006 and 2007
Acknowledges that no known studies exist that quantify the
problem of trafficking in children, except for the 2001
University of Pennsylvania Study (300,000 children
in the US at risk for commercial sexual exploitation)
New clauses added specifically to further define sexual
exploitation of children
Additional prohibitions of sexual exploitation
by peace keeping forces and sexual tourism
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
TVPA Current Update
 In 2008 TVPA was re-authorized in the Wilberforce amendment.
 In 2013 the TVPA could not pass Congress on its own and was
added to VAWA re-authorization to secure continued funding for
TVPA services & victims.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Victims Pay a Horrible Price
Victims of human trafficking pay a horrible price:
Physical and psychological harm
Disease
Removal and separation from families
and communities
Lack of opportunities for social, moral,
and spiritual development.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
A Progression
Today’s modern day slave trade
often includes a progression.
The current day child labor slave
becomes the sex industry workers
for the future.
A reality is that the modern day slave trade
has victims bought and sold many times over.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Physical & Emotional Damage
Victims forced into sex slavery are often subdued with drugs and
suffer extreme violence. Additionally, they can suffer physical
and emotional damage, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases
including HIV/AIDS.
Often they do not speak
the language of the
location they were
transported to.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
A Human Rights Violation
Trafficking is fundamentally a human rights violation.
Additionally, it undermines communities,
deprives countries of human capital
and undermines public health.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trauma
Victims often endure brutal conditions
that result in physical, sexual and
psychological trauma.
Besides the previously mentioned
sexually transmitted infections are
anxiety, insomnia, depression and
post-traumatic stress disorder, as
well as unsanitary and crowded
living conditions, poor nutrition
and tuberculosis.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Human Trafficker’s Prey
Human traffickers prey on the
vulnerable, often children, and young
women.
They attempt to trick, coerce or
win the confidence of their victims.
They often promise marriage,
employment, educational opportunities
or basically
a better life.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
What is the Difference?
What is the difference between Trafficking In Persons
and Human Smuggling?
It is confusing somewhat because of the difficulty in
obtaining accurate information, especially from
transit countries.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking
Trafficking often, but not always, involves smuggling.
The victim may initially agree to be transported within a country
or across borders.
Distinguishing between the two activities often requires
detailed information on the victim’s final circumstances.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Smuggling
Smuggling is generally understood to be the procurement or
transport for profit of a person for illegal entry into a country.
But the facilitation of illegal entry into or through a country is
not trafficking in persons even though it is often undertaken in
dangerous or degrading conditions.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Comparison
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Smuggling sometimes
nvolves migrants who
have consented to
the activity.
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Trafficking victims have
either never consented, or if
they initially consented, their
consent has been negated by
the coercive, deceptive or
abusive actions of the
traffickers.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
The Key Component
Trafficking victims often are unaware that they will be
forced into prostitution or exploitation labor situations.
Smuggling may therefore become trafficking.
The key component that distinguishes trafficking from
smuggling is the element of fraud, force or coercion.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Location
Unlike smuggling, trafficking can occur
regardless of whether the victim is moved
internally or across a border.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Causes of Trafficking
The causes are complex and often reinforce each other. Trafficking
in persons operates in the global market, where victims constitute
the supply and abusive employers (or sexual exploiters) represent
the demand.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
The Supply of Victims
The supply of victims is encouraged by many factors including:
Poverty
The attraction of a perceived higher standard of living elsewhere
Weak social and economic structure
Lack of employment opportunities
Organized crime
Violence against women and children
Discrimination against women
Government corruption
Political instability
Armed conflict
Cultural traditions, such as traditional slavery
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Factors Driving Trafficking
On the demand side, factors driving trafficking in persons include the
sex industry and the growing demand for exploitable labor.
Sex tourism and child pornography have become worldwide industries.
Use of the Internet permits instant
and nearly undetectable transactions.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Global Demand
Trafficking is also driven by the global demand
For cheap, vulnerable and illegal labor.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
The Widening Gender Gap
The widening gender gap
has created a new source of
demand for young women as
brides and concubines.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Involuntary Servitude
One of the forms of trafficking that is very difficult to identify. It is
defined as a condition of servitude induced by means of:
a) any scheme, plan or pattern intended to cause a person to believe
that if the person did not enter into or continue in such condition,
that person or another person would suffer serious harm or
physical restraint; or
b) the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking is Quite Different
Human trafficking is quite different than the issue of illegal
immigration or refugee resettlement or displaced persons
throughout the world.
Often illegal immigrants are
seeking asylum from some
forms of human rights
violation or the
consequences of civil war,
economic depression, ethnic
or religious persecution, drought
or general collapse of their society.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Human Smuggling
Defined as the entry of people into a country facilitated by a third party.
It is generally driven by two goals:
1.
Smuggling by friends and relatives who may assist illegal entry
for personal reasons.
2.
Smuggling for profit conducted by organized groups in a
deliberate evasion of the country’s immigration laws.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Human Smuggling
Smuggling organizations have in recent
past become increasingly more violent
or have shown reckless disregard for
human life.
Exploitation of the smuggled aliens
and the utilization of methods that
place aliens at significant personal risk as well as incidents of extreme
violence have been increasing.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Illegal Immigration
In the US, the ICE estimates that as of January 2000, 7 million illegal
aliens were living in the country.
By now (2013), the population is predicted to be over 8 million.
The two items which attract illegal immigrants are usually
jobs and family connections.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Three Definitions in Comparison
Illegal Migrants
Human Smuggling
Human Trafficking
People who enter
a country without
proper authority.
Practices that involve
a person gaining entry
in a country without
permission, whether
or not a profit
is involved.
Recruitment,
transportation or
receipt of persons
of any age, through
deception, coercion
for the purposes of
prostitution, sexual
exploitation, or
forced labor. May
or may not involve
human smuggling.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking In Latin America
Human trafficking is an
international crime that
requires coordination
between countries. In
order to develop an
effective regional
response, governments
in Latin America still
need to recognize the
seriousness of
the crime.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP)
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Every year the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in
Persons at the State Department, releases a “TIP Report”,
which investigates the situation of human trafficking in the
world and examines governments’ response to the problem.
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There are 3 Tier’s:
Tier 1 - countries that meet minimum standards
Tier 2 - countries whose efforts still need to be improved
Tier 3 - countries not making necessary efforts to
combat trafficking
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking in Latin America
 Venezuela (Tier 3) is a destination,  Brazil (Tier 2) is a major
transit, and
source country for women
source country for
and children trafficked into
trafficking in women
prostitution primarily in Europe,
and children for sexual
but also in Japan
exploitation. Women are trafficked
and some border countries.
to Venezuela
from Colombia, Brazil,
 Colombia (Tier 1) is a major
the Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
source of women and girls
Peru and Cuba.
trafficked into prostitution.
Victims are primarily
sent to Europe, especially Spain
and The Netherlands,
as well as Japan.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking in Latin America
 Cuba (Tier 3) is a country of
internal trafficking for sexual
exploitation and forced labor.
Minors are victimized in sexual
exploitation connected to the
state-run tourism industry.
 Honduras (Tier 2) is a source and
transit country for trafficking for
sexual and labor exploitation.
Most Honduran victims are young
women and girls, who are
trafficked to Guatemala, Belize, El
Salvador, Mexico, the United
States, and Canada.
 Guatemala (Tier 2) is a source,
transit, and — to a lesser extent —
a destination country for
 Nicaragua (Tier 2) is source and
trafficking of persons.
transit country for persons
Most often, Guatemalan
trafficked for sexual exploitation.
victims are young women
Many of the victims are minors
trafficked within the country,
and minors.
including children in prostitution
and girls who dance in nightclubs.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking in Mexico
 Mexico (Tier 2) serves primarily
as a transit country for traffickers’
ultimate market – the U.S.
 Victims come mostly from Central
American through Brazil.
 The Mexican organized crime
group, Titanium, runs one of the
world’s largest slavery and forced
labor rings.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking Routes
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Mexicans Become Victims
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With limited legal obstacles and widespread poverty, many
Mexicans become victims and are shipped to the U.S.
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Demand is highest for
women and children,
though men are often
shipped to fruit farms
throughout the
southern U.S.
as well.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Migrants from Central America
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Migrants from Central America or
residents of the Mexican highlands,
hoping to get work on farms or
construction sites in the U.S.,
come to Mexico’s border
towns in droves.
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Brought in to the U.S. by “coyotes”
or smugglers, those that survive the
crossing often find themselves at the
mercy of a handler who delivers
them to their ultimate work site.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Victims
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Unable to pay for transportation or food, upon arrival a work
foreman allegedly pays for these services for them.
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Not speaking English, the victims have little choice but to work
off their so-called “debts” at the work boss’s bidding.
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These practices have long been the focus of immigration officials
in southern California and the border areas of Texas, New Mexico,
Arizona and southern Florida.
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Successful prosecutions are few: in the past 6 years,
6 cases have been successfully prosecuted.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Recent Trafficking Case Revealed
In April 2005, three Mexican defendants pled guilty to 27 counts of
running a sex-trafficking ring between Mexico and New York City.
Between 1991 and 2004, The Carreto family smuggled dozens of
young, poor women into the U.S. promising them jobs and better
lives. Instead, they sold them into sexual slavery and only the
Carreto’s profited.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Children as Victims
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As of 2001, according to UNICEF and the Mexican National
System for Integration of the Family, an estimated 16,000
children were used for sexual exploitation within Mexico.
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Hondurans, Guatemalans and El Salvadorans were also among
those in the sex industry. The sex tourism industry in Mexico is
often fueled by demand from U.S. citizens.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Child Exploitation
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Some children are trained to work in tourist centers such as
Acapulco, Cancun or Guadalajara.
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Others head to large border cities like Tijuana, Baja California
or Ciudad Juarez.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Counter-Trafficking Efforts
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Though much publicity has been given to U.S. efforts to assist
trafficking victims within American borders, in Mexico, chances
for assistance is much less.
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One major obstacle is that trafficking per se is not illegal in
Mexico. Instead, immigration, organized crime and penal codes
are used to prosecute offenders.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Counter-Trafficking Efforts
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The government also makes no distinction between foreign
traffickers and victims apprehended in raids: both are
summarily deported, thereby clearing the way for the
cycle of trafficking to begin again.
 Government officials and police are often themselves
involved in smuggling rings.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Improvements and Efforts
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A national outreach campaign against
sexual exploitation of children and
relevant training for Mexican police
have been introduced.

Panama, one of the top recipients
of victims of trafficking, has had
an impressive national response
and has developed one of the
best laws for fighting trafficking
in the region.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Improvements and Efforts
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Last year, the U.S. introduced the T visa that allows victims of
human trafficking from countries like Mexico to stay in the U.S.
if they would face “unusual and severe harm” by returning to
their own country.
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The Justice Department has also set up a hotline for forced
laborers smuggled into the U.S. with the hope that establishing
contact with victim of trafficking or slavery will help drive out
the perpetrators. 1-888-428-7581
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Smuggling in Europe
By 2000 it was estimated
that 400,000 plus cases
of human smuggling
occurred.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Smuggling in Europe
A great range of smuggling was revealed with
the trend going towards more “professionalism”
in smuggling organizations.
Due to constant fear of discovery and expulsion,
migrants are subject to extreme pressure to adapt.
They are easily blackmailed.
Therefore, groups of smugglers can exploit
the migrants in the receiving country by,
for example, forcing them into prostitution.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Refocusing on Trafficking
We know that women and young girls are attracted
by the prospect of a well-paid job as a domestic servant,
waitress or factory worker.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Recruiting Victims
Traffickers are quite skilled in recruiting victims through:
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Fake advertisements,
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Mail-order bride catalogues,
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Casual acquaintances,
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And in some cases, using other trafficked women.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
A Lack of Systematic Data
Although this is a global issue, to
date there has been the lack of
systematic data which would
permit comparative analysis
and the design of competent
preventative measure is in
its infancy.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Misled or Deceived
Confusion still focuses around the issue of a consenting victim.
If they consent and are over 18, is it really a crime?
YES . . . victims often consent to the initial stage of trafficking
because they have been misled or deceived by traffickers.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
How is Trafficking Different from
Smuggling?
In some respects trafficking resembles the smuggling of immigrants.
The differences however are crucial.
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Most often smuggling involves migrants who have consented
to the smuggling.

Trafficking victims have either never consented or their
initial consent has been rendered meaningless by the
coercive, deceptive or abusive actions of the traffickers.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
How is Trafficking Different from
Smuggling?
In some respects trafficking resembles the smuggling of immigrants.
The differences however are crucial.

Another major difference is that smuggling usually
ends with the arrival of the migrants at their destination,
whereas trafficking involves the ongoing exploitation
of the victims in some manner to generate illicit profits
for the traffickers.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Greater Protection
From a practical standpoint, victims of trafficking tend to be more
severely affected and in greater need of protection in order to avoid
re-victimization than do smuggled immigrants.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking Facts
 Trafficking has reached
epidemic proportions.
 Trafficking is not confined
to the sex industry.
 No country is immune.
 Children are trafficked to
work in sweatshops as
bonded laborers.
 The fastest growing areas are
Central and Eastern Europe
and the former Soviet Union.
 Europe estimates that the
industry is now worth
several billion dollars
a year.
 Men work illegally in “3-D”
jobs – dirty, difficult and
dangerous.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
A Form of Organized Crime
Trafficking is almost always a form of organized crime.
Trafficking has globalized with groups expanding their
geographic scope of activities to explore new markets.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
The Low Risks of Trafficking
The relatively low risks of trafficking and substantial potential
profits have induced criminals to become involved as an
alternative to other riskier criminal pursuits.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
The Low Risks of Trafficking
Risks are further reduced by the extent to which victims
are intimidated by traffickers both in destination countries,
where they fear deportation or prosecution and in their
country of origin, where they are often vulnerable
to retaliation or re-victimization if they cooperate
with law enforcement authorities.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Child Trafficking

The most odious of
trafficking offenses

Trafficking of children for
economic purposes is closely
linked to some of the worst
forms of child labor.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Victims are Forced Into. . .

Prostitution

Working in quarries,
sweatshops, farms
or as domestics
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Child Soldiers

Many forms of
involuntary servitude
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Children Suffer. . .
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Abuse
Exposure to hazardous working conditions
Confinement in the workplace
Denial of education
Denial of basic healthcare
Denial of adequate nutrition
Denial of leisure time
The absence of the safety and security of their families
Often they do not even speak the language
of the location they were transported to.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Victims Pay Through. . .
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Physical, sexual and psychological trauma
Sexually transmitted infections
Anxiety
Insomnia
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Other diseases such as tuberculosis
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Child Trafficking for Sexual Crimes
 Victims forced into sex slavery are often subdued with
drugs and suffer extreme violence
 Child Sex Tourism
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Child Trafficking: A Global Problem
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The State Department estimates that over 500,000 children
are trafficked across national borders each year.
UNICEF places their estimate at 1.2 million.
Everyone agrees that the trade is growing.
Keep in mind that these figures do not
consider the number of children trafficked
within countries.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
United States
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The State Department estimates that
18,000 to 20,000 children are illegally
trafficked into the US each year.
The CIA estimates between 45,000
and 50,000.
Most of the victims of child trafficking are
also counted among the 100,000 to 300,000
children in the U.S. who are being exploited
through prostitution and pornography.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
The Legal and Political Aspects

The United Nations
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The United States
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The State of Pennsylvania
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Title 18 United States Code
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1201 Prohibits kidnapping
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1203 Prohibits taking hostages
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1546 Prohibits misuse of visas and other documents
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1584 Prohibits the sale of humans
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1589 Prohibits forced labor
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1590 Prohibits the recruitment, harboring, transportation,
provision or obtaining a person for labor or services in
violation of a servitude or trafficking offense
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Title 18 United States Code
 1591 Prohibits the placement a person or profiting from a person
placed in a commercial sex act, where the person is either a minor
or their services are engaged by force, fraud, or coercion
 1592 Prohibits the misuse of official documents to further human
trafficking
 2421 Prohibits transportation for the purpose of prostitution or
other illegal sexual activity
 2422 Prohibits the coercion of any person to travel between states to
engage in prostitution
 2423a Prohibits the transportation of a minor across state borders to
engage in illegal sexual activity
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
U.S. Protection Act of 2003
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Strengthened law enforcement’s ability to prevent, investigate,
prosecute, and punish violent crimes committed against children

Established & Funded the AMBER Alert Program

Expanded the use of wire-tapping in investigating sexual abuse
and sex trafficking crimes involving children

Eliminated the statute of limitations for almost all crimes
involving the abduction or sexual abuse of a child
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
U.S. Protection Act of 2003

Made it more difficult for those charged with crimes against
children to obtain bail
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Strengthened existing laws against sex tourism

Increased penalties to a maximum of 30 years in prison for
engaging in a CST crime

Established “two strike” provision for serious sexual abuse
of a child

Eliminated cap on length of post-release supervision of
sex offenders
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Latvia
US State Department Grant

Produced public awareness conference
that lead to common definition

Training within capital city of Riga as well as
within rural areas (targeting recruitment areas)

Benefits include: Gathering of “groups”
whom had not been in regular
communication including social workers,
law enforcement officers, judges and
parents; creating sustainable working
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Ecuador
American Bar Association and
U.S. State Department Grant

Conducted social services assessment to determine
professional capability to deal with trafficking issues.

Training of government officials,
social workers and police at both
national and local levels.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Pennsylvania’s Current and Proposed
Laws
Sexual Exploitation of Children
(18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6320)
(May 10, 2000, P.L.41, No.14)
2000 Amendment. Act 14 added section 6320.
A person commits the offense of sexual exploitation of children
if he procures for another person a child under 18 years of age
for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Penalty: An offense under this section is a felony of the second
degree.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Pennsylvania’s Current and Proposed
Laws
Prostitution Laws of Pennsylvania
§ 5902: Prostitution and related offenses
 Prostitution is a misdemeanor of the third degree when
the offense is a first or second offense.
 Misdemeanor of the second degree when the offense if
a third offense.
 Misdemeanor of the first degree when the offense if a
fourth or subsequent offense.
 Felony of the third degree if the person who committed
the offense knew that he or she was human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive of manifesting
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Pennsylvania’s Current
Prostitution Laws
Promoting prostitution of a child under the age
of 16 years, whether or not the actor is aware of
the age of the child constitutes a felony of the
third degree.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Pennsylvania: Human Trafficking
State Human Trafficking Legislation
One bill on human trafficking was introduced in
Pennsylvania and passed on October 25th, 2012.
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center
Hotline Notification Act.
http://www.humantrafficking.neu.edu/responses/state_human_trafficking/
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Anti-Trafficking Strategies
Anti-Trafficking Strategies target
all three aspects:

Supply Side

Trafficking Side

Demand Side
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Supply Side – Community Involvement
The conditions that drive trafficking must be
addressed with programs that alert communities
to the dangers while also improving
educational opportunities
and school systems.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking
Law enforcement programs must:

Identify and interdict trafficking routes

Clarify legal definitions

Coordinate law enforcement responsibilities

Vigorously prosecute traffickers and those who aid them

Fight public corruption that erodes the law

Sentencing punishment must fit the crime.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Trafficking
 Awareness-raising campaigns must be conducted in destination
countries to make it harder for childhood trafficking to be
concealed.
 Local, state, national and regional programs to fight childhood
trafficking must be coordinated.
 Nations need to cooperate more closely to deny traffickers legal
sanctuary.
 Government officials should be trained in anti-trafficking
techniques.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Demand Side

Sex industry and the growing
demand for exploitable labor

Sex tourism and child pornography
have become worldwide industries

Use of the Internet permits instant
and nearly undetectable transactions

Profits from human trafficking are
estimated to be $13 billion annually.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Demand Side

Persons who exploit children must
be identified and prosecuted.

Employers of childhood labor must
be publicly named and prosecuted.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Challenges
 Few serious studies have been conducted
 Access to victims is difficult
 There is an absence of research on trafficked persons themselves
 Evaluative studies need to be done on the effectiveness of
anti-trafficking legislation
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Certainties
 There is a growing number of children being trafficked
across and within borders.
 An emphasis on criminal prosecution of traffickers
as well as victims assistance must be stressed.
 International cooperation is essential to combat trafficking.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
International Best Practices
From 2009 TIP Report
1.
2.
3.
4.
Ethiopia: “Forum for Street Children” raise awareness through
training of police officers within Child Protection Units (CPUs)
in law enforcement offices. Since 2000, over 1,000 trafficked
street children were reunified with their families.
Panama: In June 2008, the government released a 3 year national
plan to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of minors.
European Community: The Council for Europe’s Convention
on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings was ratified
by 10 countries including non-punishment clause for victims
and resident permits not based upon cooperation with law
enforcement officers.
Romania: The government, in conjunction with NGOs, conducted
two demand reduction campaigns that specifically targeted clients
of the sex trade.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Improvements and Efforts Abroad

Mexico: national outreach campaign
against sexual exploitation of children/
relevant training for police.

Panama: one of the top recipients of
victims of trafficking, has had a
impressive national response and
developed one of the best laws for
fighting trafficking

32 countries have laws that allow
prosecution for their citizens who
commit CST crimes abroad
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Africa: Children Take on the Fight

Save the Children: Sweden to form a summit co-organized by
UNICEF and ECPAT to discuss how children can fit against
child sexual exploitation.

Sexual exploitation of children is on the rise

Kenya: 80% of surveyed children reported their introduction
of sex-work to be made by a friend or family member.

Global economic crisis creates higher food prices
and difficult economic conditions.

Children are having more economic responsibility
in their families.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Africa: Children Take on the Fight

22 children from 15 African countries met to debate the topic.

Discussed various forms of exploitation including sex tourism,
sexual violence at school, forced marriage and sexual violence
surrounding conflicts.

Youth-friendly and
non-threatening
communication tool:
Text messaging a help-line.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Africa: Children Take on the Fight
“We have to come together.
This is really affecting us young children.
Sugar-daddies give short term benefits but long-term problems.
We can make a difference - the future lies in our hands.”
Yassin (15) from Gambia
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
UNICEF and WHO Code
Suppliers of tourism services may adopt the UNICEF and WHO Code
of Conduct for the protection of children from exploitation in travel
and tourism:
 Establish an ethical policy regarding commercial sexual
exploitation of children
 Train the personnel in the country of origin and travel destinations
 Introduce a clause in contracts with suppliers, stating a common
repudiation of commercial sexual exploitation of children
 Provide information to local "key persons" at the destinations
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Improvements and Efforts at Home

A federal judge sentenced a trafficker
who put a 12 year old runaway on the
streets of DC to “turn tricks” to a
life-sentence.

Carlos Curtis was the first person in the DC area to be prosecuted
for trafficking juveniles under the TVPA Act.

Unfortunately, the teenager he trafficked has disappeared and
local authorities fear she is back on the street, making money
the way Curtis taught her to.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Improvements and Efforts at Home
We need to realize that we are 20 years behind
he traffickers in understanding this issue.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Language and Sensitivity T-Chart
“Teen/Child Prostitution”
“Teen/Child Prostitute”
CSEC
Sexually Exploited Child
 A young person who has
made a conscious and poor
choice to enter the
commercial sex industry
 A child not developmentally,
legally, or socially able to make
the choice to have sex for money
or to become involved in the
commercial sex industry
 Provides that no context for
“choices” made
 Indicates that multiple factors
impact how and why children
are involved
 A “bad kid” who is resistant
to help and may not be worth
the effort
 A young person who deserves
intensive support and services
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Language and Sensitivity T-Chart
“Teen/Child Prostitution”
“Teen/Child Prostitute”
CSEC
Sexually Exploited Child
 Used as an insult/derogatory
term
 A young person who has
been sexually used, coerced,
manipulated, and violently
controlled for another
person’s profit
 Associated with stereotypes
 Understanding of inequality,
power imbalance
 A label with long-lasting
stigma
 Takes into consideration
vulnerability of children
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Language and Sensitivity T-Chart
“Teen/Child Prostitution”
“Teen/Child Prostitute”
CSEC
Sexually Exploited Child
 Supports myths and
misunderstanding of the
issue and of youth involved
 Defines what has happened to a
child, rather than labels who the
child is
 Wrongly equated with a
“profession” or work
 A form of child abuse
 A juvenile offender,
a criminal
 Indicates a system of violence
against women and children
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Language and Sensitivity T-Chart
“Teen/Child Prostitution”
“Teen/Child Prostitute”
CSEC
Sexually Exploited Child
 Punishable-youth deserve
consequences of sexual
violence, social isolation,
incarceration, etc.
 A young person victimized by
multiple systems of oppression
 Denies social responsibility
and accountability to address
as an issue
 Call for social responsibility
and accountability to address
as an issue
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC is. . .
The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) comprises:

Sexual abuse and remuneration in money, goods, or services, or
the promise of money, goods, or services to the child or a third
person or persons.

Defined by an element of organization and/or intent, and/or the
context of the commercial sex industry.

The child is treated as a commercial and sexual object.

CSEC is a form of violence against children.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC includes:










Street prostitution
Pornography
Stripping
Erotic/nude massage
Escort services
Phone sex lines
Private parties
Gang-based prostitution
Interfamilial pimping
Forms of Internet-based exploitation
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Related Issues: SEC
Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC)

Taking unfair advantage of the imbalance of power between an
adult and a youth or child under the age of 18 for the purpose of
sexual pleasure.

Can also involve remuneration in money, goods, or services, or the
promise of money, goods, or services to the child.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Related Issue: Sex Trafficking
FACT:
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 defines “sex
trafficking” as:
the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision,
or obtaining of a person for a commercial sex act.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Related Issue: Sex Trafficking
FACT:
TVPA of 2000 defines “severe forms of trafficking in persons” in the
following two-tiered definition:

Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force,
fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such
an act has not attained 18 years of age, or

The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining
of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or
coercion for the purposes of subjection to involuntary servitude,
peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Related Issue: Sex Trafficking
MYTH:

Trafficking is defined by the crossing of state or national borders.

Only foreign nationals can be victims of trafficking.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Related Issue: Sex Trafficking
FACT:

CSEC victims are victims of sex trafficking in children when there
is a third party exploiter who profits from the exploitation.

Victims of human trafficking can be men and women, adults and
children, and U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC in the United States

At least 100,000 to 300,000 youth are at risk for commercial
sexual exploitation annually in the U.S. (Estes and Werner, 2001)

The average age of entry into the commercial sex industry
in the U.S. is 12 years old. (Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC in the United States

The National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway,
and Throwaway (NISMART) children estimate that 1.6 million
children runaway from home each year in the U.S.

One in three teens will be recruited by a pimp within 48 hours of
leaving home and becoming homeless.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC in the United States
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC in the United States
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC in the United States
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC in the United States
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Federal Legislation
Federal Legislation that addresses CSEC:

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, and its
subsequent Re-authorizations in 2003 and 2005

The PROTECT Act of 2003

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006

The Mann Act of 1910 (also known as the White Slave Traffic Act)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Children At Risk
Children at risk for recruitment into CSEC are children who:











Are younger than 18 years old
Walk to school or to the store alone
Own or have access to a computer
Are attracted to consumer goods
Desire to develop romantic relationships
Sometimes feel insecure
Feel misunderstood
Fight with their parents
Sometimes feel their parents don’t care
Want more independence
Test boundaries and take risks
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Children At Risk
QUESTION
According to this, who is at risk for recruitment into CSEC?
ANSWER
All Children!
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Children At Risk
Multiple studies estimate that. . .
70 to 90 percent of sexually exploited children
have a history of child sexual abuse.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Sexual Abuse, SEC & CSEC
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Pathways to Entry
Ways recruitment can happen. . .







Parents selling children
Violence or force
Kidnapping
Seduction and coercion
False advertising for “modeling,” “acting,”
or “dancing” opportunities
Peer recruitment
Internet enticement through chat rooms or
profile-sharing sites
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Physical & Psychological Impact
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Street Terminology
The Life or the Game. . .
The commercial sexual exploitation
or the sex industry
Daddy. . .
Your own pimp
(evoking images of fatherhood)
P.I. . . .
In reference to another pimp
Stable. . .
A group of women/girls under
pimp control
Bottom Bitch/Bottom Girl. . .
The head girl
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Street Terminology
(continued)
Breaking. . .
To give all your money to your pimp
Choosing. . .
To choose another pimp
Folks/Family. . .
Your pimp or the person for
whom you work
Gorilla Pimping. . .
A pimp who uses force to get a child
Track/Stroll. . .
A street location for commercial sex
Turnout. . .
Someone who recruits you into
“the life”
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Street Terminology
(continued)
Wife-in-Law. . .
A group of girls who work for the
same pimp
Dates/Johns/Tricks. . .
Buyers of commercial sex
In House. . .
Someone who works from inside
a house
Out of Pocket. . .
To look at or talk to another pimp
Stay in Pocket. . .
To play by the rules of “the game”
Renegade. . .
To work for oneself or to hot have a
pimp
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Street Terminology
(continued)
Renegade. . .
To work for oneself/not have a pimp
Pimps Up, Hos Down. . .
A reference to power and status or a
rule of standing in the street and not
being allowed on the side walk
Pimp Circle. . .
A group of pimps surrounding a girl
for purposes of intimidation
Square. . .
Those who were never in “the life”
Squaring Up. . .
To get out of the game
Squad. . .
Cops
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC Victim Identification
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Identifying CSEC Victims
If the age of an individual has been verified to be under 18,
and the individual is in any way involved in the commercial sex
industry, or has a record of prior arrest for prostitution (or related
charges), then he or she is a CSEC victim.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Identifying CSEC Victims
Physical and sexual violence are the everyday reality of many sexually
exploited children and may leave visible signs of abuse, such as:
unexplained bruises, black eyes, cuts, or marks.
Exhibit behaviors including fear, anxiety, depression, submission,
tension, and/or nervousness.
Exhibit “Hyper-vigilance” or paranoid behavior.
Sexually exploited children and youth often express interest in,
or are in relationships with adults, or older men.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Identifying CSEC Victims
Wearing sexually provocative clothing can be an indicator of sexual
exploitation. But it should be noted, so as not to rely on stereotypes,
that not all children in the commercial sex industry wear such clothing.
Sexually provocative clothing is not a warning sign, in and of itself.
Wearing new clothes of any style, or getting hair or nails done with
no financial means to this independently, is a more general indicator
of potential sexual exploitation.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Identifying CSEC Victims
Most sexually exploited children have been trained to lie about their
age. Sometimes a child’s appearance and/or actions can contradict the
information they give. Be sensitive to clues in behavior or appearance
that could indicate that a child is underage.
Personal information- such as: age, name, and/or date of birth-might
change with each telling of his or her story, or the information given
might contradict itself.
Has no identification or is not in control of his or her identification
documents.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Identifying CSEC Victims
Has an explicitly sexual online profile via internet community sites,
such as MySpace.com, Plackplanet.com etc.
Excessive frequenting of internet chat rooms or classified sites, such as
Craigslist.org, known for recruitment.
Depicts elements of sexual exploitation or the commercial sex industry
in drawing, poetry, or other modes of creative expression. Prints lyrics
to sexually explicit music or songs that allude to the sex industry.
Doctors and nurses can consider frequent or multiple sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) or pregnancies a warning sign.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Identifying CSEC Victims
Homeless or runaway youth who are in the position of surviving on
their own may be forced to exchange sex for survival needs, such as
housing or shelter. This can lead to recruitment into the commercial
sex industry or a more organized or regular trading of sex for money,
shelter, or things of value.
Youth living in group homes and youth shelters are targeted by
exploiters for sexual exploitation.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Identifying CSEC Victims
Truancy or tardiness from school may be a sign that sexual
exploitation is occurring during school hours, or during
hours when the young person should otherwise be sleeping.
Family dysfunction-including: abuse in the home (emotional,
sexual, physical, etc.), neglect, absence of a caregiver, or
substance abuse-is a major risk factor for CSEC,
and therefore may be a warning sign.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Needs of CSEC Victims
Tangible Needs
Intangible Needs
 Crisis housing
 Long-term housing
 Food
 Clothing
 Education
 Job or income
 Viable alternatives
for employment
 Transportation
 Legal representation
and/or advocacy
 Safety
 Protection
 Nonjudgmental environment
 Respect
 Acceptance
 Engagement in positive
community
 Healthy adult relationships
 Mentors and/or positive
role models
 Supportive peers
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Needs of CSEC Victims
(continued)
Tangible Needs
Intangible Needs
 Opportunities to develop new
skills and strengths
 Medical and/or dental care
 Health education
 Mental healthcare
 Counseling and/or case
management
 Safety plan
 Childcare and/or
parenting skills
 Understanding of the recovery
process
 Affirmation of skills
and strengths
 Recognition of abuse and
trauma
 An opportunity to not be defined
solely by abuse and trauma
 Options
 A sense of empowerment in
one’s own healing and
restoration process
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Needs of CSEC Victims
(continued)
Tangible Needs
Intangible Needs
 Political education to
understand the issues of CSEC
 Youth leadership opportunities
 Love
 Holistic care
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Do’s and Don’ts
Appropriate Engagement with CSEC Victims
DO put into practice your knowledge of risk factors, pathways to
CSEC, and techniques for victim identification when identifying
and engaging with youth.
DON’T rely on stereotypes to identify or engage with sexually exploited
children.
DO provide a safe place for engagement.
DON’T question or engage a sexually exploited child at a location
where they feel threatened or unsafe.
DO be nonjudgmental when listening to a sexually exploited child.
DON’T react verbally or physically in a way that communicates disgust
or disdain. Refrain from displaying a shocked face or talking about
how “awful” the child’s experience was. This may shut the child down.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Do’s and Don’ts
Appropriate Engagement with CSEC Victims
DO work to build trust with a sexually exploited child.
DON’T expect immediate gratitude for your efforts.
DO pay attention to your body posture. Face the child and make eye
contact. Show interest, empathy, and understanding through
verbalizations, nods and facial expressions. Speak in a calm and even
tone.
DON’T act or appear to be distracted, or disapproving. Do not use
intimidation tactics like interrogating the child r standing over the
child.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Do’s and Don’ts
Appropriate Engagement with CSEC Victims
DO keep physical contact to a minimum. When there is physical
contact, let a child know exactly what you are doing and remind the
child that you are not there to hurt them.
DON’T use physical contact where it is not appropriate. Physical
contact as a comforting response should be initiated by the child.
DO be familiar with street language and slang that children and youth
might use.
DON’T try to use street language and slang out of context when talking
with children and youth.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Do’s and Don’ts
Appropriate Engagement with CSEC Victims
DO use language and terms that are appropriate and sensitive to a
child’s experience as a victim.
DON’T expect youth to always phrase their experiences in language
that is appropriate or to refer to themselves as victims. Do not use
inappropriate language, derogatory terms, shame, or belittlement when
discussing the child’s experiences.
DO recognize the various symptoms of trauma exhibited and coping
mechanisms used by a CSEC victim that my not be those one typically
associates with victims.
DON’T use strategies that switch intermittently between treating the
child as an offender, then as a victim.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Do’s and Don’ts
Appropriate Engagement with CSEC Victims
DO recognize the child as a victim and a survivor of severe child abuse.
DON’T treat the child as a perpetrator by prosecuting the child and not
using statutory rape, sexual abuse, and trafficking laws to prosecute
pimps, johns, traffickers, and recruiters.
DO help a child “slow down” and debrief if they seem overwhelmed or
disconnected when telling their story. Limit the amount of information
you ask them to disclose.
DON’T expect or push every child to disclose all the details of their
abuse. Sometimes heavy information will need to be gathered in stages.
DO keep the child talking and make them fee comfortable.
DON’T dispute facts or comment on a child’s motivation.
This is likely to stop the flow of information.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Do’s and Don’ts
Appropriate Engagement with CSEC Victims
DO take sexually exploited youth seriously.
DON’T diminish the seriousness of their experiences or concerns.
DO meet a sexually exploited child where they are and on their terms,
and try to meet the needs they present.
DON’T expect a child to recognize their situation as exploitative or to
present themselves as a victim in need of immediate intervention or
rescuing.
DO apply sensitivity and attention to a child’s cultural background.
DON’T draw conclusions based on stereotypes of a child’s culture,
race, ethnicity, class, gender, or sexual orientation. Do not impose
actions that are culturally inappropriate or insensitive.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Do’s and Don’ts
Appropriate Engagement with CSEC Victims
DO continually process your own experiences, feelings, and judgments
concerning the issues surrounding sexual exploitation.
DON’T ignore signs of vicarious re-traumatization or burnout fatigue.
DO improve a systemic response to CSEC by creating inter-agency
relationships to comprehensively meet victims’ needs.
DON’T assume sole responsibility for meeting the myriad and complex
needs of a CSEC victim.
DO collaborate with local experts and survivors of sexual exploitation
to engage with victims or to work for policy change.
DON’T marginalize the experiences or voices of survivors in a
community response to CSEC.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Tough Questions for Service Providers
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Tough Questions for Service Providers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
How do you engage with a child who doesn’t want to engage?
How do you get CSEC victims to understand exploitation when
they don’t think they are being exploited?
How do you deal with a child who you have been working with
long term, who is making positive progress in his/her life, who
understands the dynamics of exploitation, who goes back to the
life?
How do you work with a girl who has a “daddy” and says she is
in love with him?
How do you engage with sexually exploited kids on the street?
How do you deal with a child who is actively recruiting other
youth from your agency?
When recruiters and pimps know the location of your agency
what should you do?
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Essentials of Service Delivery for Youth

Safe Space

Cultural Competency

Youth Development
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Safe Space: Physical Safety

Choose a safe location

Install a security system

Maintain a confidential address

Recognize and respond to limitations of a confidential
address: protocols around exploiters knowing location
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Safe Space: Physical Safety
(continued)

Set rules for appropriate conduct for youth

Create a staff code of conduct/ethics and ensure training

Create an inviting, youth friendly space

Provide space for confidential interviews/counseling
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Safe Space: Emotional Safety

Appropriate music (do not play music that promotes sexual
exploitation)

Decorate the space with appropriate, informational, and/or
inspiring images

Use appropriate language (be especially sensitive to derogatory
terms in reference to sexually exploited youth)

Create policies that address recruitment in the agency

Respect children’s need for privacy and confidentiality
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Safe Space: Emotional Safety
(continued)

Set protocols for counseling that ensures privacy and
confidentiality (i.e. Door open or closed)

Conduct mental health assessments

Encourage and practice self-soothing/self-care for staff and youth

Promote an inclusive and non-judgmental community

Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure
a trained and sensitive staff
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Cultural Competency

Staff have a thorough understanding of impact, dynamics,
and subcultures of CSEC

Build on the cultural strengths of youth & incorporate these
into programming.

Employ staff that speaks the language(s) of clients

Print promotional materials in languages used in the community

Make an effort to maintain a staff population that is representative
of client population (consider gender, race/ethnicity, sexual
orientation, etc.)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Cultural Competency
(continued)

Support survivor voices and/or work with survivors of CSEC

Work with a CSEC victim as a whole person, not just a victim
of abuse.

Accommodate mental health services to ensure they are sensitive
to cultural/community perception of mental health care

Take into account community relationships with outside agencies
when building relationships

Celebrate and foster diversity in your agency
(staff and youth populations)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Youth Development

Believe that all sexually exploited youth have the ability
to be leaders

Infuse programming with youth leadership opportunities

Give youth ownership of aspects of program planning

Provide age appropriate engaging, and youth friendly activities
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Youth Development
(continued)

Provide a continuum of services to meet immediate and
long term needs

Address all areas of adolescent development in programming:
physical, cognitive, psychosocial

Offer access to diverse learning experiences

Create opportunities for youth to learn and master new skills
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Youth Development
(continued)

Focus on providing opportunities for youth to build healthy
self esteem

Foster a sense of belonging and importance in the community

Create opportunities for investment and empowerment within
the community
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Incorporating CSEC
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Making CSEC a Priority
At Your Agency
1.
Decorate the space with posters or materials from CSEC
awareness campaigns.
2.
Make available youth friendly brochures on CSEC and local
resources/service providers.
3.
Offer staff training on CSEC and working with sexually
exploited youth.
4.
Include questions about CSEC on intake and processing forms.
5.
Incorporate the issue of CSEC into broader social justice
education programming
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Making CSEC a Priority
At Your Agency (continued)
6.
Offer special workshops on CSEC.
7.
Purchase educational materials from agencies serving CSEC
victims.
8.
Invite speakers from survivor led organizations to speak with your
youth.
9.
Offer a weekly prevention youth group that is and non-judgmental.
10. Design or modify intake, assessment, and referral forms to gather
information specific to CSEC and risk factors.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
INVESTIGATING CSEC CASES
Interviewing Victims
“It took them almost a year and a half of being locked up a
bunch of times in adult jail till they realized I was juvenile.”
CSEC survivor
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
INVESTIGATING CSEC CASES
Interviewing Victims
OBJECTIVES. . .

To focus on victim-centered investigation and prosecution

To learn strategies for building a case against CSEC

To practice appropriate protocol for interviewing victims
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Tough Questions for Law Enforcement
And Legal Professionals
1.
How do you interact with sexually exploited kids on the street?
2.
How do you build a case against an exploiter or trafficker to put
them away?
3.
What do you do to try to prevent a victim/witness from running
away?
4.
What do you do when interviewing a child who presents as an
“unwilling victim,” who is resistant to police intervention, or who
protects her exploiter?
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Tough Questions for Law Enforcement
And Legal Professionals (continued)
5.
What strategies do you use to build a case against an exploiter that
is not hinged on a child’s testimony?
6.
How do you deal with a child that goes AWOL and returns to the
life?
7.
How do you hold johns accountable for CSEC? How do you
address demand?
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
INVESTIGATING CSEC CASES
Interviewing Victims
“These are really the hardest cases I’ve ever worked on in all my
years on the job. So hard. It’s so tough, so complex, there is so much
involved. And people don’t want to believe that these are real victims.”
Sergeant, Special Projects Squad
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Before you begin. . .

Understand that this will not be an easy case

Understand that these cases may not be
priority for your supervisor

Understand the dynamics of CSEC

Be willing to invest a lot of time

Be willing to work collaboratively
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
As you work with the victims. . .

Be persistent and patient

Be respectful and nonjudgmental of your victims

Know what resources are available

Bring in people who are experienced with dealing
with CSEC victims immediately
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Gain trust and confidence. . .

First engagement can make a huge impression, whether you
develop the relationship that lets you build a case and/or truly help
the victim

Victims may be resistant upon first engagement, but if you start
building trust immediately, they may later visit or contact you with
the information you need

Be clear you are not there to hurt them
(most adults in their lives may have)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Gain trust and confidence. . .

Refer cases to Special Victims Unit, Anti-Trafficking Unit, or other
units experienced in dealing with CSEC

Invite CSEC-specific service providers to be involved in the case
from the beginning. The child may have an existing relationship
with service provider, or feel safer talking to a child advocate

Make sure the child understands his/her situation and/or legal
rights by translating all legal terms into terms the child can
understand
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Gain trust and confidence. . .

Provide a safe, non-threatening place for questioning

Do not be judgmental

While not condoning exploitation, appear neutral
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Gain trust and confidence. . .

Maintain appropriate boundaries

Do not treat victim like a perpetrator

Do not threaten victim with consequences for not cooperating with
investigation for or testifying against exploiter
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Address Immediate Needs. . .

Sleep – Let the child sleep if he or she was up all night. Children
are much more receptive to questions after getting sleep

Clothing appropriate to place and temperature

Food

Medical attention
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Address Immediate Needs. . .

Determine appropriate guardianship (call and/or visit guardians

Connect victim with CSEC-specific services/service providers

Safe Placement

This is challenging, but keeping a child close serves the officer and
the child well. You may not get truthful information the first
interview, but you may in conversations to come
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Address Immediate Needs. . .

Check up on the victim, and let the victim know you are checking
up on him or her

Let the victim know you care

Prevent additional missing-persons reports
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Debriefing. . .

Use CSEC-appropriate language and a calm, even tone

Prepare to spend more time than with most crime victims

Behave unlike most victims or confidential informants

Be respectful and nonjudgmental
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Debriefing. . .

Use logic to sensitively confront denial, i.e., “I know you think he
protected you when you had a bad date, but what happened after
that date? He put you in a car with another date. . .Do you think
that he’s really protecting you?”

Involve service provider or child advocate

Get pedigree information and ask questions about background

Expect lies and misinformation
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Debriefing. . .

False name and background information

Protect pimp/exploiter i.e., “He’s just my boyfriend.”

The more information you get the better- somewhere in there,
something will be true. Enter all information given into the system
and look for missing-persons reports, etc.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Sample Questions. . .

“Tell me about your family?”

“Is there anyone I can contact? I need to contact a family
member?” (Child may give you the phone number of a relative, or
the phone number of her pimp or the “bottom.” either way, this
information is helpful for a case)

Where is the child living? Where was he/she living?
(shelter, group home, family, etc.)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Key Points
For Effective CSEC Investigations
Sample Questions. . .

What help does the child need?
(convert or keep case as a PINS instead of a criminal case)

Ask about traveling to other states/cities/countries
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Strategies for Prepping a CSEC Victim
Challenge 1: Fuzzy on dates/details
Strategy 1: Get a calendar and begin to talk to the victim about
personally significant dates in his/her life (i.e. their birthday,
anniversary of mother’s death, little sister’s graduation.) This will make
it easier to begin to prep victim and make sure that she/he isn’t tripped
up on the stand. Help them to remember little details such as their
outfit or the weather. Help the victim build a strong mental picture of
the incident so that they will be able to draw on their ‘picture’ if they
get confused. Be patient with your victim. He/she has been through a
lot and may have blocked out certain incidents to avoid the pain. Be
sure to have someone who has a privileged relationship with child there
to prep and work with before and after interviews or giving testimony.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Strategies for Prepping a CSEC Victim
Challenge 2: Doesn’t display ‘appropriate emotions,’ i.e. doesn’t cry
or breakdown, may smile when talking about abuse
Strategy 2: Make sure that you understand that CSEC victims, due to
extreme trauma, may not be able to fully process or express their
emotions in a way that “makes sense” to others. This doesn’t mean that
she/he is not upset, scared, hurt, or a “real victim.” Its not your job to
make a victim look “upset” or cry on cue, but it is up to the prosecutor
to help the jury and judge feel empathy for the victim. Don’t make the
victim feel like they “should” express their emotion in a particular way.
However, secure an expert witness on the issues of CSEC and/or
violence, PTSD, sexual abuse. The expert witness, or victim witness
advocate, should be able to help the jury understand the psychological
dynamics of the trauma of CSEC, how victims develop trauma bonds
and loyalty to prep, and how this may impact the child.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Strategies for Prepping a CSEC Victim
Challenge 3: Wavers on following through
Strategy 3: Time, time, time. You may have lots of other cases, however,
CSEC cases really need an investment of time and patience. Be
prepared to spend more time with your CSEC victims than with other
victims, Familiarize yourself with the service providers working with
the victim. Stay connected with them and with the victim, particularly if
the case is taking a long time to come to trial. The victim may be
struggling with fear, guilt, relapse, or recovery issues. Be sure to let
your victim know constantly that she/he’s doing the right thing and
that you are working on the case. Testifying is scary, make sure your
victim feels as prepared as possible. Before testimony, try to take
him/her into a courtroom and practice being on the witness stand.
Point out where people might be. Reassure them as much as possible.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Strategies for Prepping a CSEC Victim
Challenge 4: Unsympathetic to the jury
Strategy 4: People make judgments on many things, particularly race,
class, gender, and sexual orientation. As the prosecutor it’s not possible
to address ingrained prejudices in the context of the courtroom. People
also often judge others on first impressions. How they look or what
they’re wearing will unfortunately make an impact on the jury. This is
something that a prosecutor can address. Don’t assume that the child
has appropriate court attire, or even many clothes to choose from. Try
to secure money to provide for some appropriate court clothes, ask if a
service provider or victim advocate can accompany the child in picking
out clothes that would be suitable. While this is a small thing, it can
have a great impact o how the jury perceives your victim.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Strategies for Prepping a CSEC Victim
Challenge 5: Changes story-gives different answers
Strategy 5: It can be frustrating for anyone to be asked the same
question over and over. Like most people, CSEC victims can get
frustrated with the process, get defensive, or just shut down. CSEC
victims will also often think that if you ask a question again, it mans
you didn’t like the first answer they gave. They will often change the
answer to something that they think you want to hear. Explain to the
child that she/he will be asked the same question in multiple different
ways. Explain that it doesn’t mean that you think she’s stupid, or that
you’re stupid, it’s just the way the system works. Practice asking and
answering the same questions with your victim prior to trial so that
he/she’s used to the process.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Understanding PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Definition of PTSD
1.The person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which both
of the following were present:
a) The Person experiences, witnessed, or was confronted with
an event or events that involved actual or threatened death
or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self
or other.
b) The person’s response involved intense fear, helplessness, or
horror.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Definition of PTSD
2.PTSD can develop in people who have experienced:
a) Childhood physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, including
prolonged or extreme neglect; also, witnessing such abuse
inflicted on another child or an adult.
b) Experiencing an event perceived as life-threatening such as:







a serious accident
Medical complications
Violent physical assaults or surviving or witnessing
such an even, including torture
Adult experiences of sexual assault or rape
Warfare, policing and other occupations exposed to violence or disaster
Violent life threatening, natural disasters
incarceration
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD
Intrusion
The traumatic event is re-experienced in:
Recurrent, distressing recollections (images, thoughts, perceptions)
Recurrent distressing dreams
Acting/feeling as if traumatic event were recurring
(sense of reliving event, hallucinations, flashback episodes)
Intense distress/reactivity to internal/external cues that
symbolize or resemble aspect of traumatic event
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD
Hyper-Arousal
Persistent symptoms of increased arousal:





Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Irritability or outbursts of anger
Difficulty concentrating
Hyper-vigilance
Exaggerated startle response
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Defense Mechanisms & Coping Strategies
Dissociation
Intense levels of anxiety and fear cause dissociation.



Primary Dissociation: in the face of overwhelming threat, thoughts
are split from experience.
Secondary Dissociation: emotions or affected are not experienced
during overwhelming stress.
Tertiary Dissociation: stressor is so overwhelming that a “separate
self” develops in order to deal with the trauma. Initially an
adaptive pattern that can become the only pattern response to fear
and stress.
Includes feelings of depersonalization and disconnection between
memory and affect. The person is “in another world.”
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Defense Mechanisms & Coping Strategies
Trauma Reenactment




An attempt to relive, master, come to terms with, make meaning of,
and transform traumatic experiences through recreation in literal
and symbolic ways.
Destructive process of abuse translated into self-destructive
behaviors that reflect earlier trauma.
Range from adaptive experiences to risk-taking behavior.
Driven, tenacious, compulsive, and involuntary.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Working Group Instructions
Choose 1 or 2 “counseling snapshots” to discuss.

What symptoms to PTSD is the child demonstrating?

What behaviors of CSEC trauma should the counselor
be aware of?

How would you work with this child if he/she was in your office.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Behaviors and Symptoms Associated with CSEC Trauma
Psychological Symptoms







Anxiety/fear/paranoia/flashbacks
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Inability to trust, extreme confusion about who to trust
Lack of eye contact
Somatization (complaining of physical problems that have
no physical origin)
Unusual interest in or avoidance of all things of a sexual nature
Hyper-sexualization
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Behaviors and Symptoms Associated with CSEC Trauma
Psychological Symptoms (continued)






Out of control emotions and impulses
Difficulty controlling anger
Self-destructive behavior (substance abuse, cutting, suicidal)
Withdrawal
Depression
Dropping our of school
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Behaviors and Symptoms Associated with CSEC Trauma
Body Symptoms









Digestive system upset
Sexual problems, complaints
STDs and HIV/AIDS
Headache
Chronic Pain
Heart/lung symptoms
Auto-immune disorders
Multiple sexual/physical assaults
Pregnancies and abortions
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Behaviors and Symptoms Associated with CSEC Trauma
Changed Feelings or Beliefs About Oneself







Ineffectiveness
Shame
Feeling damaged
Isolation: “No one can understand me”
Excessive guilt and responsibility
Minimizing: “I am/it is not important”
Loss of reasons to hope or future plan
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Behaviors and Symptoms Associated with CSEC Trauma
Changed Perception of the Perpetrator




Distorted beliefs
Idealization of the perpetrator
Preoccupation with hurting the perpetrator
Traumatic bonding with the perpetrator
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
CSEC and PTSD
Behaviors and Symptoms Associated with CSEC Trauma
Changed Relationships with Others





Inability to trust
Victimizing others
Re-victimization
Re-enactment of previous traumas and abuse in relationships
Dependency on exploitative relationships
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Challenges and Barriers to Intervention
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Inherent in the Nature of CSEC







Transient population
Underground/illegal activities
Intervention poses safety concerns for victim
Exploiters make an effort to keep children disconnected from
resources and services where intervention could happen
Victims are trafficked within and out of state
Victims are accustomed to running away
Victims and perpetrators can be homeless and hard to track
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Inherent in the Nature of CSEC
(continued)







Victim perceives exploiter to be “meeting” his or her needs
Money: even if a child is giving away the money they earn, there is
still the illusion of getting fast cash
Use of internet maintains anonymity
Victims are often provided with false identification documents
Manipulation and coercion is used by exploiters to recruit and
keep children in the commercial sex industry
Trauma bonding and brainwashing means victims can be reluctant
to prosecute exploiters
Violence and threats make victims afraid to come forward
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Presented by the Child







Challenges related to the nature of adolescent development
(i.e. impulsive decision making, risk taking behavior, etc.)
Mistrust of authority
Fear of violence and retaliation from exploiter
Fear of losing an intimate relationship with exploiter (through
abusive)
Fear of going into system, or returning into the system
Children lie about name, age and personal information
Children minimize abuse and/or effects of the abuse
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Presented by the Child
(continued)







Children protect exploiter
Children often run away from protective placement
“Relapsing”/Will get out of “the life” and go back
Lack of self esteem resulting in inability to reach out for help
A result of being in an abusive relationship, a victim may be
convinced she/he has no abilities or identify outside of it
With a history of abuse, the situation can seem normal and not
worth reporting
CSEC victims often do not present themselves as a victim that
wants help or rescuing
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Systemic Challenges:








Lack of specialized services and resources to address CSEC
specifically
Lack of interagency communication and collaboration
Differing approaches and philosophies of agencies
Lack of agency wide training and institutionalized knowledge
Agencies overburdened with cases and/or clients
Criminalization of victims
Inconsistent prosecution of johns or exploiters who buy children
Lack of appropriate emergency shelter and long-term housing for
runaway and homeless children and youth
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Personal Challenges for Professionals:










Belief in myths and stereotypes
Belief that children choose to be exploited and can leave when ever
they want
Response to CSEC or victims triggered by personal history
Lack of training
No direct personal connection to the issue
Lack of understanding of systemic oppression (how issues of
racism, poverty, sexism, and homophobia impact children and
perpetuate CSEC)
Overburdened with job responsibilities
Burn-out/lack of professional support
Lack of connection to children and youth in general
Lack of comfort level with sexual abuse and sexual violence
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
An Amber Alert for “Our Girls”
This report signals an Amber Alert* for American girls, (under 18
years of age) who, in large numbers, are being prostituted in their own
back yards-and back alleys-yet are uncounted, unseen and denied the
resources becoming available to girls brought illegally into this
country from abroad.
*The AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) plan is a voluntary partnership between
law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an urgent bulletin. Amber Alert, is the most serious child
abductions. It was named for 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered in
Arlington, Texas, in 1996.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Prostituted Girls in the U.S.
Are Off the Radar
The majority of prostituted girls are literally hidden behind closed
doors in escort services, massage parlors, dance clubs and other “legal”
establishment where sex is bought and sold. They are often abused or
rejected by overwhelmed families, unseen by their schools and face
contempt from their schoolmates and contemporaries. When arrested,
many slip through the adult system overnight with false IDs and/or bail
paid by their pimps. Girls held in the juvenile justice system are often
returned to abusive home situations, released back on the street or
mandated to group homes or facilities which neither recognize nor
address their problems.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Prostituted Girls in the U.S.
Are Off the Radar
Youth agencies, therapists, social workers, even foundations, are
sometimes reluctant to deal with this population. Ultimately, viewing
themselves in the mirrors held up by families, schools and society, the
denial, disassociation, shame and low self-worth of girls make them
most invisible to themselves.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Age of Entry into Prostitution
Anecdotal evidence and experience suggest 13 or 14 as the typical age
of girls entering “the life.” According to some advocates, that age is
“plummeting” to 10 and 11. Special outrage at the prostitution of
prepubescent girls is appropriate, but the majority of prostituted girls
are in their teens and an overemphasis on this age group runs the risk
of diluting attention to the prostitution of older adolescents.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Domestic Trafficking
A sizeable number of girls are trafficked interstate along well-worn
circuits that include the Southwest, (Los Angeles, Las Vegas and
Reno), the Pacific Northwest circuit (Hawaii to California), and the
Northern and Eastern circuit (New England and new York south to
Florida). A center for sports events and conventions, a city like
Atlanta is both a good stopover and d popular destination spot for
pimps. Eighty percent of prostituted girls in California, according to
one service provider, are moved around among different counties and
suffer the isolating and disorienting impact as those who are
trafficked interstate.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
Who Are the Girls
And Where are They From?
From all appearances, the majority of prostituted girls do not see
themselves as victims until many years later and only then if they are
well out of the life. They often cling to the false belief that they are
doing what they want, that their pimp is the only one who can save
them, that he will fulfill all his promises and that their lives will
change.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
From Risk to Reality:
Childhood Conditioning
Early Sexual abuse:
A 1994 National Institute of Justice report (Freeman) claims that
sexually abused children are 28 times more likely to be arrested for
prostitution at some point in their lives than peers who did not suffer
abuse.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
From Risk to Reality:
Childhood Conditioning
Other Circumstances:
Many Other factors contribute to “girls’ vulnerability. Exposed to
physical, emotional and verbal abuse, they may be “throwaways,”
rejected, abandoned or ejected from their homes. A proliferating sex
industry that targets young females, peer pressure, a media
bombardment of consumer values and glamorizing of sex and easy
money are all powerful lures to girls with no job skills, no guidance
and no base of support.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
In the Name of the Law
A girl’s first encounter with the system is usually the police. Once
arrested, the vast majority of girls lie about their ages. Passing as over
18 will get them into adult court and the criminal justice system where
they will at worst spend a night in jail and, in the morning, be back out
into the arms―or hands―of their pimps.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Human Trafficking
There is Another Way―A Way Out!
Service Agencies and Advocates
If there is a changing environment, much credit goes to the small
number of under-funded private non-profit service agencies in a small
number of cities. All focus on the needs of exploited girls and women.
Services range from court advocacy, harm reduction (providing
services without requiring that a girl exit the life), counseling, therapy,
job training, and in a very few cases, residential housing.