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    Teen Sex Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Awareness Brochure For School Administration

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    mccaininstitute
    Teen sex trafficking is a growing problem in the United States that occurs in both rural and urban environments. Schools are recognizing that they need to address this issue to protect student safety and well-being, as students spend many hours at school each day and it can be a site of recruitment. Teen sex trafficking can be difficult to detect unless those interacting with teens are trained to recognize signs of abuse and exploitation. Vulnerable youth, such as runaways and those in foster care, are particularly at risk of being targeted and manipulated by traffickers through psychological means and use of violence.

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    Teen Sex Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Awareness Brochure For School Administration

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    mccaininstitute
    948 views6 pages
    Teen sex trafficking is a growing problem in the United States that occurs in both rural and urban environments. Schools are recognizing that they need to address this issue to protect student safety and well-being, as students spend many hours at school each day and it can be a site of recruitment. Teen sex trafficking can be difficult to detect unless those interacting with teens are trained to recognize signs of abuse and exploitation. Vulnerable youth, such as runaways and those in foster care, are particularly at risk of being targeted and manipulated by traffickers through psychological means and use of violence.

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    Teen Sex Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Awareness Brochure for School Administration

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    Teen Sex Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Awareness Brochure for School Administration

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    Teen sex trafficking is a growing problem in the United States that occurs in both rural and urban environments. Schools are recognizing that they need to address this issue to protect student safety and well-being, as students spend many hours at school each day and it can be a site of recruitment. Teen sex trafficking can be difficult to detect unless those interacting with teens are trained to recognize signs of abuse and exploitation. Vulnerable youth, such as runaways and those in foster care, are particularly at risk of being targeted and manipulated by traffickers through psychological means and use of violence.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as pdf or txt
    948 views6 pages

    Teen Sex Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation Awareness Brochure For School Administration

    Uploaded by

    mccaininstitute
    Teen sex trafficking is a growing problem in the United States that occurs in both rural and urban environments. Schools are recognizing that they need to address this issue to protect student safety and well-being, as students spend many hours at school each day and it can be a site of recruitment. Teen sex trafficking can be difficult to detect unless those interacting with teens are trained to recognize signs of abuse and exploitation. Vulnerable youth, such as runaways and those in foster care, are particularly at risk of being targeted and manipulated by traffickers through psychological means and use of violence.

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    WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    Teen Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation


    Human Trafficking is a real and growing problem all over the


    world, including here in the United States. It defies stereotypes
    and experts continue to build new knowledge about the issue.
    Although there is limited data to quantify the exact number of
    human trafficking instances or number of minor victims, we
    know that teen sex trafficking is happening all across America,
    from rural to urban environments. In 2013, multiple cases of
    human trafficking were reported in all 50 states and
    Washington, DC (Polaris Project, 2013).

    Schools are beginning to


    recognize that teen sex
    trafficking is an emerging
    threat to the physical
    safety of students and the
    overall health of the
    school community. !

    !!
    Most adolescents spend

    more time at school than


    anywhere else. While
    some of the most
    vulnerable youth have
    dropped out of school,
    millions of American
    teens spend 6-8 hours a
    day at school and school
    related activities.
    Therefore, schools are an
    ideal place for school
    personnel to influence the
    health and safety of their students. (NAS,2013).

    Teen sex trafficking can be difficult to detect unless people


    who interact with victims are trained to recognize the signs.
    In addition, teen sex trafficking can be confused with teen
    dating violence or other forms of abuse.

    !According to the National Coalition to Prevent Child Abuse

    and Exploitation, the sex trafficking of minors is a severe


    form of child abuse with lasting effects on the health and
    wellbeing of individuals, families and society (National Plan,
    2012).

    !All school personnel are required to report suspected child

    abuse. Many schools


    are beginning to offer
    training to help their
    employees recognize
    signs of maltreatment
    and know how to
    report instances
    appropriately. Sex
    trafficking cases can
    be hard to detect
    because victims often
    hide their situations
    and are reluctant to
    disclose their
    victimization.

    !There have been

    !Teachers, nurses, counselors, social workers, coaches and other

    reported cases in
    several states where
    students are being
    recruited into
    prostitution on campus by other students, or where traffickers
    seek their victims in locations close to schools, where
    students frequent before and after school.

    !School administrators and educators may feel uncomfortable

    confirmed cases of sex trafficking and understand that


    schools may be recruitments sites. Existing school based
    programs focused on healthy relationships, bullying and
    interpersonal violence prevention give school personnel an
    excellent opportunity to address the topic of teen sex
    trafficking.

    officials are well positioned to recognize warning signs and


    changes in appearance and behavior that may indicate
    underlying problems with students in their care. Daily
    interaction with teens gives schools an ideal opportunity to
    prevent, identify and respond to sexual exploitation on campus
    and within the school community.
    discussing controversial subjects that are related to sex. Teen
    sex trafficking should be treated more as an issue of violence
    and abuse than an issue of sex or delinquency (NAS,2013).

    If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human


    Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888

    !Schools must be prepared to respond to suspected or

    Schools can work in partnership


    with student leaders to initiate
    school-wide awareness and
    prevention and intervention
    activities to help make their
    communities safer.

    THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A WILLING CHILD PROSTITUTE


    The Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) defines the crime of trafficking as the recruitment, harboring,
    transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act where such an act is induced by force,
    fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age. The most important
    thing to understand from the federal definition is that anyone under the age of 18 who is induced to perform a commercial sex
    act is automatically a trafficking victim.
    Examples of FORCE, FRAUD and

    COERCION used by pimps:


    (Polaris Project, 2014)

    FORCE
    Slapping and beating with objects
    Burning
    Sexual assault
    Rape and gang rape
    Confinement and physical restraint

    FRAUD
    False promises
    Deceitful enticing and affectionate
    behavior
    Lying about working conditions
    Lying about the promise of a better life

    COERCION

    How do teens become


    victims?

    !-Recruitment by Romeo/boyfriend
    pimps who convince them that he
    loves and cares for her

    !-Kidnapped by a gorilla pimp who


    forces the victim into the life using
    violence.

    !-Gang related prostitution either as a


    means of entry, initiation or for
    protection by the gang.

    Vulnerable youth can be lured into


    prostitution and other forms of sexual
    exploitation using promises, psychological
    manipulation, provision of drugs and
    alcohol, and violence.

    out their child for drugs, money or


    needs such as food or rent.

    profile of a victim, certain populations are


    more vulnerable than others.

    !-A parent of family member pimps


    !-Running away and living on the

    streets and are forced to exchange sex


    for basic needs.

    Threats of serious harm or restraint

    A lot of victims do not


    identify themselves as
    being a victim. Some may
    feel like they got
    themselves in this
    situation and its their
    responsibility to get out.

    Intimidation and humiliation


    Creating a climate of fear
    Enforcement of trivial demands
    Occasional Indulgences
    Intense manipulation
    Emotional abuse
    Isolation
    Dependency for basic needs

    - Jane, survivor

    Creating fear of independence

    !
    !
    !

    (National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted,


    Runaway, and Thrownaway Children, 2002)

    HOMELESS, RUNAWAY,
    THROWAWAY AND FOSTER
    CHILDREN ARE THE MOST
    VULNERABLE POPULATION OF
    YOUTH AT RISK FOR
    TRAFFICKING. (ECPAT USA,
    2013)

    If you suspect human


    trafficking, call the
    National Human
    Trafficking Hotline at
    1-888-3737-888

    !While there is no commonly accepted


    !RUNAWAY

    Pimps/traffickers target runaway or


    throwaway teens or those who are
    having trouble at home. These youth are at
    an increased risk for predators as they have
    few resources, may not be old enough to
    legally get a job, and are often running
    away from difficult situations.
    FOSTER CARE
    Youth in foster care move around a lot, and
    are prone to victimization because they
    may not have someone looking for them or
    making sure they are safe. They may crave
    the attention a pimp can provide.

    !GANGS

    Increasingly, gangs are moving to


    prostitution as a means of income, much
    like selling drugs or guns. While drugs or
    guns can be sold just once, a human body
    can be sold over and over. Some girls are
    told they must sell their bodies as part of
    gang initiation, membership or for
    protection.

    !JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM

    Youth who have been arrested or are


    currently on probation are at a higher risk
    for trafficking. Juveniles are most
    commonly arrested for related crimes such
    as loitering, curfew, runaway or minor in
    possession of drugs or alcohol.

    !
    !
    !

    THE THREE Ts of
    TRAFFICKING

    !
    !
    TARGETED
    !

    Pimps shop for their victims online, in


    shopping malls, bus stops, at schools,
    at after school programs or hang out
    locations like a popular fast food
    restaurant or park, near foster homes
    and other places where teens gather.

    !
    TRICKED
    !

    Pimps invest a lot of time and effort in


    forming a bond with their victim.
    They often buy gifts, provide a place to
    stay, and give affection before
    revealing their true intent to sell them
    for sex.

    !
    TRAUMATIZED
    !

    The pimps use of psychological


    manipulation, physical violence and
    rape can make the victim feel trapped
    and powerless. The trauma bond is
    very difficult to break and may
    require intensive long term treatment
    and counseling.

    !(National Center for Missing and Exploited


    Youth, 2012).

    Recruitment: What is a pimp?

    Pimps are predators and referred to as traffickers, as they commit the crime of
    human trafficking.

    !A pimp is someone who forces another person into prostitution, and then keeps
    some or all of their earnings. A pimp makes arrangements for customers to
    have sex with their victim.

    !Pimps often tattoo or brand their victims to show that they are property, much

    Did you know?


    Law enforcement have apprehended


    pimps by infiltrating their attempts
    to contact victims on social media.

    If you suspect human trafficking, call the


    National Human Trafficking Hotline at
    1-888-3737-888!

    like a rancher might brand their cattle. Pimps sometimes sell or trade their
    victims to other pimps, and victims may have multiple branding tattoos.

    !Pimps can look like an ordinary person.

    Pimps may also be a family member who


    pimps out their child for drugs or rent
    money. Pimps can be girls, too and often
    times couples work together to recruit young
    girls.

    !
    !

    (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 2012)

    The pimp /traffickers main purpose is financial gain


    and will make every effort to establish trust and
    allegiance in what initially seems like a loving and
    caring relationship.

    !It is helpful to revisit Maslows hierarchy of needs

    (Maslow, 1943) to understand human behavior and


    motivation, especially in the context of how a pimp
    has the ability to control their victims by fulfilling
    their basic physical and psychological needs.

    !Basic needs: food, clothing, place to stay


    !Safety and security: Protection against abusive
    parents or peers, and provision of financial security
    !Psychological needs: Love and belonging- even
    affection and nurturing that is missing or craved
    !Self esteem: verbal praise and verbal berating or
    physical abuse to compromise victims self-worth
    (Hall,2014).

    Did you know?

    Most runaway and homeless children


    are approached by a pimp within the
    first 48 hours of landing on the streets.

    (National Center for Missing and Exploited Youth,


    2012)

    Pimps commonly sell minor girls for a


    premium- at an average of $400 per
    hour. (Shared Hope, 2008)

    If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888

    RED FLAGS FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL

    WARNING SIGNS FOR TEENS

    !- unexplained absences and truancy

    - sudden change in behavior


    - sudden academic decline
    - sudden possession of expensive clothing, purses, or
    -

    electronics
    sudden change in dress/appearance
    surprising change in friendships/ relationships with peers
    uncharacteristically promiscuous behavior or references to
    sexual situations
    signs of physical abuse or restraint
    signs of self mutilation (cutting)
    sexually transmitted infection/disease
    Use of terminology like the game the life daddy
    manager date/trick
    suicide attempt
    presence of, or reference to older boyfriend
    gang affiliation
    depression
    extreme anger
    loss of or lack of school ID or other state issued ID such as a
    drivers license
    deprivation of food, sleep or medical care
    loss of contact with parent/ guardian
    running away/ couch surfing
    thrown out of house by parent/guardian

    dating an older guy (he might give you the creeps)


    she's super secretive about him
    he buys her lots of expensive presents
    he made her get a weird tattoo
    she has lots of unexplained cash
    she shops for clothes and stuff you know she cannot
    afford

    she has a second cell phone


    you find hotel room keys in her purse
    she has cuts and bruises
    she has a fake ID
    she has been really depressed, nervous, tense or afraid
    she misses a lot of school or dropped out of school
    she runs away a lot and avoids her family and friends
    you never know when shes telling the truth
    she started drinking or doing drugs
    you feel like she is brainwashed
    (Florida campaign: droppingfbombs.com)

    (Blue Campaign) (STIR training materials)

    NEARLY ALL TEENS ARE


    CONNECTED ONLINE AND
    USE CELL PHONES AND
    SOCIAL MEDIA FOR A
    MAJORITY OF THEIR PERSONAL
    COMMUNICATION.

    !Teachers and school officials should be

    aware that pimps use social media to


    recruit victims. Students should
    repeatedly be reminded to turn off their
    location services function on their cell
    phones and never disclose personal
    information such as full name, address or
    check in on social media with their
    current location.

    If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888

    Common myths and stereotypes


    about sex trafficking can affect
    judgement and response in a school
    setting:

    She is just promiscuous


    That only happens in foreign countries
    That only happens on the border or is part of the
    immigration problem
    It was consensual
    Prostitution is a victimless crime
    She did it to herself- no one is controlling her
    That only happens in bad parts of town
    It only happens to girls - not boys

    MINDSET OF A VICTIM
    VICTIMS OFTEN DO NOT SEE THEMSELVES AS
    VICTIMS

    !VICTIMS MAY FEEL SHAME, SELF BLAME AND


    FEELINGS OF UNWORTHINESS OF A BETTER LIFE
    !VICTIMS MAY BE COACHED TO LIE TO
    PROFESSIONALS AND OFTEN GIVE SCRIPTED
    STORIES

    !VICTIMS ARE OFTEN FEARFUL AND DISTRUST


    LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GOVERNMENT
    SERVICES OUT OF FEAR OF ARREST

    !VICTIMS MAY HAVE FORMED A TRAUMA BOND

    WITH THEIR EXPLOITER AND MAY HAVE DEEP


    LOYALTIES AND POSITIVE FEELINGS FOR THEIR
    ABUSER

    !VICTIMS OFTEN FEAR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND


    THE SAFETY OF THEIR LOVED ONES DUE TO
    THREATS OF VIOLENCE

    !DRUGS OFTEN PLAY A ROLE IN SEX TRAFFICkING


    SITUATIONS- SOMETIMES AS A WAY TO COPE OR
    VICTIMS SOMETIMES ENTER THE LIFE TO

    SUPPORT A DRUG HABIT

    !The more teachers, counselors and other school officials

    learn about the victim population, including the mindset of a


    victims, the better equipped they will be to identify victims
    and focus on prevention strategies at school.
    School personnel are uniquely positioned to notice changes in
    appearance and behavior among students. Teachers overhear
    rumors and are privy to private conversations among students
    that may offer clues about victimization.

    !If you suspect abuse or a sex trafficking situation, follow

    your schools reporting protocol. If you believe a student is


    in immediate danger, call 911.

    !It is far better to report suspicious activity than to overlook a


    trafficking situation. Teens are good at hiding their
    victimization and lying to avoid consequences at home or
    school. Trust your experience and instinct. If something
    seems wrong or feels wrong, it probably is.

    If you hear something, !


    say something.!

    (US Department of Health and Human Services)

    If you suspect human trafficking, call the


    National Human Trafficking Hotline at
    1-888-3737-888

    Authors:
    Angelyn Bayless, BA, Director of Communications, STIR
    Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, MSW, PhD, Director, STIR

    Phone (602) 496-0093


    [email protected]

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