Awareness Archives - Page 21 of 36 - Shared Hope International

April 24, 2013 by SHI Staff

As LGBTQ Youth Face Pressure At Home, Risk of Exploitation May Increase

According to the National Runaway Switchboard, between 1.6 and 2.8 million young people run away from home each year. These runaway youth need food and shelter, and may also be looking for acceptance and love they didn’t get at home. Their need to survive combined with their desire to be loved puts them at high risk of being trafficked.

Teens have a variety of reasons for running away, but the most common reasons may surprise you. One of the myths about runaway teens is that they leave home because they don’t want to follow their parents’ rules. The truth is that many leave home because they’re being abused, or because a family member is an addict. Many runaways honestly think they’ll be safer on the streets than at home, because “home” is violent and dangerous.

There is another disturbing trend on the rise among runaway teens – leaving home because they’ve been ostracized or even punished because of their sexual orientation. Studies have shown that between 20 and 40 percent of runaway youth identify themselves as LGBT, though the actual number could be much higher because some LGBT teens don’t self-identify.

For these kids, the place where they were supposed to be loved and kept safe becomes a place of isolation and neglect because their parents and/or siblings are unwilling to accept their sexuality At best these kids experience isolation, at worst – violent conflict and abuse.

LGBT teens who run away are not always welcome in shelters, either. They may experience the same isolation they experienced at home, causing them to live on the streets, where they’re at even greater risk of being trafficked. Traffickers and pimps prey on vulnerable kids, promising them money, shelter, and the acceptance they so desperately long for. But instead of finding a safe, happy new home, these kids find themselves forced into prostitution, threatened with violence if they try to leave.

Parents who struggle to accept a child’s LGBT lifestyle would never want their kids to be harmed or exploited. Shared Hope encourages parents to seek out resources that can help the entire family process and talk through their thoughts and feelings, and make sure the home is a safe and loving environment for every family member.

Here are a few resources (please note the resources may not reflect the opinion of Shared Hope):

StopBullying.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

It Gets Better Project

April 10, 2013 by SHI Staff

Why Her? What You Need To Know About How Pimps Choose

In 1943, Abraham Maslow published “A Theory of Human Motivation.” His theory is that humans have a hierarchy of needs ranging from the most fundamental needs at the lowest level to the need for self-actualization at the highest level. Humans can’t reach the next level of “need” until they achieve the prior level.

Here is a simple example of this concept:

But today traffickers are using this theory to identify the needs of our youth.

Traffickers may follow a recruitment process similar to this:

Identify the need of the child
Fulfill the need
Remove any other sources of need fulfillment
Exploit the child’s dependence for need fulfillment by forcing them into prostitution

One reason traffickers pray on kids is because they are more vulnerable than adults. They are more naive, and at-risk kids who have experienced abuse or extreme conflict in their homes may not only be eager to run away, but may also be desperate for the love and attention of an adult. Many kids who run away from home do so because they experience abuse, or because a member of the family is an addict, is violent, or both. If runaways have nowhere to go – no friends or other family members they can rely on and trust – they need to find food and shelter someplace else, which makes them especially vulnerable to trafficking.

Here’s how a pimp might use Maslow’s theory:

“It could never happen to my child”

That’s what Brianna’s parents thought too. Unfortunately, the scary, inconvenient truth is that unless your child has reached self-actualization and has no further needs, they could unsuspectingly fall victim to a trafficker.

Brianna was a 17-year-old high school student, involved in cheerleading, taking college courses for an early start on her nursing degree and worked at a local restaurant with her sister. She had no idea that friendly conversations she had with a regular customer could end with a trafficking ring planning to transport her to Arizona, likely to be sold.

You are not powerless.

On the contrary, you are the best advocate we have. Know why? Because you are here, reading this article about an issue that has still barely crept on to the radar of our society.

We’ve created a comprehensive presentation package for you, complete with a short 20-minute video based on the stories of two girls who were tricked by traffickers, pre and post presentation PowerPoints, suggested discussion questions, action ideas, indicator and reporting cards, and more. “Chosen” which will be released on May 1, 2013 is great for adult and youth audiences. Find out more…

If you know or meet a girl who exhibits some of these signs, don’t be afraid to ask questions:

At risk of being homeless or running away from home
Severe family issues like drug addiction, alcoholism or abuse
Signs of fear, anxiety, depression, tension or nervousness
Hyper-vigilant or paranoid behavior
Interest in relationships with older men
Unexplained shopping trips or purchases of new clothing and/or jewelry, especially if the clothing is revealing or suggestive
A “boyfriend” who seems overly-concerned with her whereabouts or is otherwise controlling

If she is in trouble, you may be the only one who tries to intervene. If you need help or guidance, or want to report a suspected case of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888.373.7888.

April 8, 2013 by Samantha

Raise Your Grade! Massachusetts Put to the Test

In 2011, the state of Massachusetts received an “F” in Shared Hope International’s Protected Innocence Challenge report. It received a final score of 45, with especially low scores regarding the criminalization of domestic minor sex trafficking and protective provisions for child victims.

Just a year later, Massachusetts has been named the Most Improved State, raising its score by nearly 30 points! It’s an exciting accomplishment about which state lawmakers and advocates should be very proud. But how did they do it? Here’s an overview.

In 2011, the state received just 2.5 out of 7.5 points for its domestic minor sex trafficking laws. In 2012, it increased that score to 7.5 out of 10. It’s a more than 30% improvement that happened mainly because Massachusetts passed its first-ever sex trafficking law. The law not only addresses sex trafficking specifically, but does not require victims under 18 to prove force, fraud or coercion.

In addition, the new laws distinguish between buying sex with an adult and buying sex with a minor, and make it possible for purchasers to be charged with trafficking crimes as well.

Massachusetts also recognized that the internet has changed the way human trafficking crimes are committed. In response, state lawmakers passed legislation that imposes a five year sentence, and/or a fine of $2,500 for anyone convicted of “human trafficking or commercial sexual activity by electronic communication.” There is also a mandatory five year sentence and minimum $10,000 fine for any subsequent offense.

But they didn’t stop there! Massachusetts also took significant steps towards protecting child trafficking victims. The state enacted laws specifically designed to provide specialized services to all sexually exploited youth, and allow trafficking victims to use trafficking as a defense against prostitution charges. The laws also allow victims under 15 years of age to testify via closed-circuit television. And finally, the statute of limitations was extended to 15 years for human trafficking charges, and eliminated entirely for sex trafficking of minors.

Governor Deval Patrick has high hopes that the new laws will serve Massachusetts well, saying that it will “protect innocent victims, and give Massachusetts the tools to prosecute the criminals committing these egregious crimes to the fullest extent.” Also showing optimism is Representative Eugene L. O’ Flaherty, who says the new laws “give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to combat this issue that is often hidden from society and provides victims, particularly young children, with the safety and services they need to get their lives in order.”

April 5, 2013 by SHI Staff

“Our Great Hobby:” New Findings on the Internet’s Impact on the Commercial Sex Industry

In January, the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) published a study about the role of the internet in the commercial sex industry. According to the study, an increasing number of people use internet-based communication to discuss and access commercial sex. In fact, 34% of men surveyed reported buying sex via the internet. “’Our Great Hobby:’ An Analysis of Online Networks for Buyers of Sex in Illinois,” focuses on the exchange of information among men who post on the USA Sex Guide in Illinois. This study is a qualitative analysis of a survey conducted in the summer of 2010.

The USA Sex Guide serves as a community and an important resource for men to inform themselves about buying sex throughout Illinois. The “mongers,” as they call themselves, have formed a brotherhood centered on protection, training for newer members, and of course, their “great hobby” of buying sex. For these men, information is control. Prior to the internet, they had to learn on their own how to navigate the world of commercial sex, but now they have a guide.

The commercial sex industry in Illinois is harmful, as it is everywhere. Men on the USA Sex Guide web site admit to being violent and/or aggressive towards the women they buy; they disregard the harm they cause, defending themselves by blaming the women – saying the women “deserve” the treatment they get because they are prostitutes. In fact, the study cites a survey conducted by Durchslag & Goswami in which 21% of the respondents said they believe rape of a prostituted woman is not possible; they don’t believe the concept of rape applies in the context of prostitution. And while some men appear concerned or preoccupied by the evidence of violence they see, it almost never deters them from buying sex.

The men that posted on the USA Sex Guide seem to view sex trafficking or sexual slavery as something separate from the broader commercial sex industry, when in fact it’s an integral part. Many users seem unconcerned about any potential “red flags” regarding minors, instead concentrating on the girls’ youth as a turn-on. These notions make it extremely difficult to protect the girls because they are seen as a transient commodity instead of someone’s daughter.

Many of the men blame women for enticing them to buy sex. One even states that “the only way to stop demand is to stop the prostitutes by giving them some type of work to do.” However, despite the assertion that demand is not the issue, we’ve seen that targeting demand has a significant effect on the commercial sex industry. Over 80% of the men surveyed for this study said they would be deterred from buying sex if they knew they could be charged with a crime, or if there was a risk their families would find out. Increased law enforcement presence in the area might simply end their “cruise” for the night, but getting busted would end their activity permanently.

“Our Great Hobby” is an enlightening survey. It reveals not only the underlying attitudes of men who buy sex, but more importantly indicates that the best way to fight commercial sexual exploitation is to address demand.

February 12, 2013 by Samantha

The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act Advances in the Senate Thanks to the Violence Against Woman Act

On February 12, 2013, the Violence Again Women Act (VAWA) passed in the Senate with critical amendments made by Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy’s (D-VT) to secure the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) as part of VAWA and by Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to authorize grants to enhance the safety of youth and children who are victims of, or exposed to sex trafficking, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was enacted in 2000 to create tools to enable the U.S. government to address the prosecution of traffickers, protection for victims, and prevention of human trafficking. This Act serves as the cornerstone of legal protection for victims of trafficking at the federal level and sets a standard for state legislatures around the nation. For 18 years, VAWA has been the foundation of fighting violence, providing services and resources for victims of violence. Together these two statutes have enabled America to lead the world in protecting and delivering justice to victims of trafficking.

“National leadership is the key to combatting this crime,” said Linda Smith, President and Founder of Shared Hope International. “When our federal government takes a stance against trafficking, they reenergize the prioritization of innovative and effective solutions to this national crisis.”

The TVPA serves as a baseline standard for Shared Hope’s Protected Innocence Challenge, a comprehensive analysis of existing state laws against a framework of legal components necessary to fully protect children from child sex trafficking. Under the Challenge, every state receives a Report Card that grades the state on 41 key legislative components that must be addressed in state’s laws in order to effectively respond to the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking. In addition, each state receives a complete analysis of this 41-component review and practical recommendations for improvement. Click here to find out how your state scored.

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