Did you know that sex trafficking is a crime that happens in the United States? Often we think of this crime happening in countries outside the US but the reality is there are few places in the world where this crime isn't prevalent.
Prevalence
● 1 in 3 young people are approached or recruited by a pimp or exploiter within the first 48 hours of being on the streets. According to one study, 70 percent of youth on the street eventually become victims of some form of commercial sexual exploitation, and 30 percent of youth living in shelters also fall victim.*
*Bought and Sold - U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
http://ncfy.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/bought_and_sold.pdf
Part of my advocacy work includes co-founding a non-profit that is building a response to domestic sexual exploitation. Hope to continue the dialogue online with this community.
I live in a hotbed of it: Louisville, KY.
It isn't visible. But you know it happens. There are organizations (Scarlet Hope and XXXChurch for example) trying to stem the flow, but it is a tough fight in a society that is so sexually desensitized (including myself).
Every choice and thought we have can move the scales in one direction, as it changes our decisions and our actions.
Agreed. There are many reasons why it remains hidden and many solutions to combatting the problem. It will take a concerted effort by a significant amount of people to move the needle. A continuum of care is needed for victims and advocacy efforts must be huge to stop the sexualization of our youth.