This week we took the youth group on a mission trip to Atlanta, Georgia.
While there, we learned about how Atlanta is now the #1 city in the US for child sex trafficking, #13 in the world.
While there, we learned about how Atlanta is now the #1 city in the US for child sex trafficking, #13 in the world.
“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…to bestow on them a crown a beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61:1-3
THE PROBLEM:
– 30% of shelter youth and 70% of street youth are victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
– The average age of entry into prostitution is 12-14 years old.
– 100,000-300,000 children in the United States are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation at anytime.
– 75% of minors exploited through prostitution are controlled by a pimp.
– 30% of shelter youth and 70% of street youth are victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
– The average age of entry into prostitution is 12-14 years old.
– 100,000-300,000 children in the United States are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation at anytime.
– 75% of minors exploited through prostitution are controlled by a pimp.
THE STRATEGY:
– Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking victims require PROTECTION including secured safe homes and tailored services that rescue and restore while removing the child from the control of the trafficker/pimp.
– Strong legislation that criminalizes traffickers and buyers while protecting victims, together with PROSECUTION resulting in convictions with appropriate sentences is critical.
– PREVENTION includes proper victim identification enhanced by public awareness and training of those who interact with the vulnerable population of domestic minor sex trafficking victims.
What is being done about it?
“Girls who have been labeled as “throwaways” now have a chance to get a fresh start at life thanks to Covenant House in Atlanta. Young women who have runaway from home or just otherwise find themselves living on the street can take part in Covenant House’s Independent Living Program and have a chance to live on their own. 19 year old Joanna Joseph is now living in her own apartment and is in college pursuing her nursing degree after living on the streets of Atlanta from the age of 18. Some girls find themselves on the street after being put out of their homes. Sex traffickers target these young ladies and most often they end up being trafficked within the first 48 hours of being on the street. Joanna, thankfully, is an exception, as are many girls who enter Covenant House. She has gone through therapy, including Anger Management and is well on her way to full restoration.”
