Social Perceptions

  In all of my research of human trafficking (including reading Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd, founder of GEMS in New York) I am beginning to realize that there is way more depth to it than what is perceived. I am endeavoring to break down some of the myths that surround this issue, and create a sort of blog series, if you will. To preface, I will say that I could easily go into greater depth, and what I write here is just a tip of the iceberg. If you really want to get a greater understanding of this whole issue, Lloyd's book is an excellent resource, and has been my inspiration for the next few posts.


  People hear "human trafficking," and they picture a girl from Thailand or the Philippines starved and chained in a warehouse. While there is no doubt that is sometimes the case, even more often, it is closer to home. The truth is, the majority of the girls in the U.S. who are being sexually exploited today are home grown. Runaways, those in the foster care system, who have substance abusing parents/a missing parent, and poverty are factors that make young girls vulnerable to sex trafficking. Because of a lack of choices, hope for a better future is lost, and desperation is found. A common belief in society is that these girls chose to work in the sex industry, but a closer look into their background, and you'll find that there wasn't a choice to be made, but rather a lack of options that led to this occupation of "choice." What child ever says they want to have sex with strangers for money when they grow up? Think about it.

  A huge element in the issue of sex trafficking, is sexual abuse at a young age. The high percentage of women working in the sex industry (that includes pornography, stripping, and prostitution) who have been sexually abused during childhood or adolescence is undeniably significant. It is an estimated 80-90%. Given that fact, to some girls, selling sex may seem like a small price to pay, especially after being raped or abused.

  Also taking into consideration the average age of recruitment (thirteen), the emotional maturity and mental capacity to make sound judgments and weigh the alternatives at that age is severely lacking. The psychological and emotional limitations of teenagers, as well as the limited understanding of consequences, makes them generally impulsive, rebellious, and vulnerable to peer pressure. There is a reason we are given age limitations for driving, drinking, marrying, and moving out on your own, because as a society we recognize there is a difference between adolescents and adults, maturity wise.


  So how can we change these false social perceptions? One is by recognizing these factors play a part in how a girl ends up working the streets. Another would be to change our language. One of the statements drafted in the Agenda for Action against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children declares that the term child or youth prostitute can no longer be used. As these girls are being sexually exploited, the language and reference to them must reflect that belief. "Child prostitute" implies who a person is, rather than what is being done to her.

  Choices must be seen in context. It may not be wise to go home with someone you've just met, particularly when you've been drinking. Yet that in no way means you "chose" to get raped. When faced with these individual, environmental and societal factors, children are susceptible to traffickers who prey on their vulnerability.



More to come soon...