Fiction: Human trafficking of children mostly happens in third-world countries.
Fact: The U.S. is one of the largest markets for trafficking children. It happens in every state. Shelter has served children from the suburbs who have been victims of commercial sex traffickers.
Fiction: Minors who are victims are typically older, white teenage girls.
Fact: The average age of sexually exploited minors is 12, and boys are sold as well as girls. Marginalized children, particularly African-American girls and children in Foster Care are the most vulnerable.
Fiction: Traffickers abduct children from anywhere.
Fact: The average number of children abducted each year in the U.S., out of over 7 million children, is less than 350. Traffickers don’t practice abduction. They are proficient at identifying targets, then lure, coerce, and brainwash them by preying on their vulnerabilities.
Fiction: Exploited children can run away when they get a chance.
Fact: By the time they are being exploited for money, traffickers have often addicted their victims to drugs and physical and emotional dependency. The life expectancy for sexually exploited children from the time they are recruited is seven years.
Fiction: Human trafficking has been outlawed since the revolution.
Fact: It wasn’t until 2000 a law was passed making human trafficking a federal crime. In 2010, Illinois finally passed the Safe Harbor Act recognizing minors as victims and preventing them from being prosecuted for prostitution.
Drop the Fiction and Get the Facts!Carina H. Santa Maria, Executive Director of Shelter, is a licensed clinical social worker with a background in psychology and criminology. Recognized as an authority on human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children. Join Carina’s seminar, free and open to the public, and be informed about this critical topic that affects us all. Register now as seating is limited and filling up quickly.
Human Trafficking Seminar
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