Changing The Voice Of Child Sex Trafficking - 1856 Words

Changing the Voice of Child Sex Trafficking In the US There is a global issue growing and it’s knocking on our own back door here in the United States. It’s a problem that affects millions of women, men, and children. This issue is the third largest global criminal enterprise. So what is the issue? The issue is modern day slavery, better known as human trafficking. Worldwide, there are over 20 million human trafficking victims, and of that 26% are children, and 55% are women and girls. In 2015 it was reported that 1 out of 5 endangered runaways reported to the National Center of Exploited and Missing Children were likely sex trafficking victims; furthermore, 74% of them were children in the care of social services and foster care when†¦show more content†¦Raising awareness of child sex trafficking is extremely important if a change is going to be made. Most think human trafficking is humans being brought in from other countries and forced to do labor, or sex tr ade against their will, but even on US soil adults and children can be targeted. One way to raise awareness is to understand signs and identify victims. In a recent article written by nurse practitioner Janet Selway said that â€Å"particularly those working with children in school, health, other settings, we may have encounter young victims yet be completely unaware of their situation†(258) The US Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools(OFDFS), says trafficking can include school-age children, particularly those who are not living with their parents. The OFDFS has a list of signs that a victim may exhibit, while many of the signs of sex trafficking are similar to signs of abused children. Some additional signs can be that a child suddenly acquires expensive items, has an older boyfriend, and uses the terminology of the sex industry beyond age specific norms. It is extremely important that communities educate the public on this list of signs. If the publi c is more knowledgeable and aware of what to look for, then they can succeed in the prevention of child sex trafficking. Janet Selway emphasized that â€Å"All human trafficking is horrific, but the concept of defenseless children being sold