Sex trafficking is a universal problem. The sex trade industry is the third largest criminal industry, following closely behind the drug trade and almost tying second place with illegal arms trade.
Sex trafficking is a 32 billion dollar industry worldwide. It is a 7-10 billion dollar industry in the United States. The United Nations has a record of 168 countries across the world that engages in commercial sex trade of children. These countries are organized into four “tiers” with the United States among the Tier 1 group i.e., meets minimum standards for combatting trafficking) with laws enacted since 2000 to protect our children.
Here, the numbers speak for themselves – 80% of young people in the business of human trafficking were once in foster care; over 1.7 million children are engaged in the human sex trade in the United States. Aging out the system, runaways, throwaways, histories of sexual abuse and abandonment are just a few of the causes that lead to later sex trafficking. The bottom line? Foster children are the most vulnerable children around the world and pimps are readily available and waiting to provide them with food, shelter, money – and exploitation. The cycle of terror, subjugation, and victimization then begins.
Who can I call to report a foster child who has been a victim?
If you are concerned about a child or adult being trafficked, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) can be reached at 1-888-373-78888 (24/7) or by email at NHTRC@PolarisProject.org.
Are there laws and funds to protect victims of sex trafficking?
There are currently laws that were enacted in the United States to protect our children.
1) The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA, P.L. 106-386). Enacted in 2000, and renewed in 2003, 2005, and 2008, now for 2012; the law defines sex trafficking as a criminal act. The purpose of the law is to prosecute pimps, protect the victims with medical help and safety; and prevent the gains and reduce demand. (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/about/index.html; Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-386,114 Stat. 1464).
2) Five states have passed “safe harbor” laws in which juvenile delinquents who have prostituted will not be prosecuted as criminals but as victims. It defines child and teen prostitutes as victims and removes them from any culpability with regard to their actions in regard to sexual acts. Foster children who have run away from home and become child or teen prostitutes are protected by this law. (http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/07/22/law-protects-child-victims-of-sex-trafficking).
3) The Mann Act was enacted in 1910 to protect interstate and foreign trafficking of children
Owner/Editor - Chris Chmielewski