Training and Awareness Programs Archives - Page 6 of 8

August 23, 2013 by Guest

It Happens to Boys, Too

Special guest blog post by Anna Smith, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Restore One. Commercial sexual exploitation “happens to boys, too.”

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”– William Wilberforce

The words of William Wilberforce serve as a stark reminder that with knowledge not only comes power but responsibility.

In Spring 2013, ECPAT-USA’s groundbreaking study And Boys Too created a buzz in the sex trafficking movement and forced us to expand not only our knowledge of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and sex trafficking but it increased our responsibility to act on behalf of boys too.

Experts estimate that annually between 100,000-300,000 American youth are victims of some type of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) within the United States. Without any education, most Americans assume sex trafficking and CSE happens only to women and girls. The majority view men as perpetrators and seldom consider them as victims. However the 2008 study, The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in New York City, suggests that as many as 50% of commercial sexually exploited American youth are young males.

While the victimization of each gender requires an equal grade of attention, the sex trafficking movement has largely overlooked the fact that it happens to boys too.

Such knowledge shaped the work I do at Restore One and the population we plan to serve through our long-term aftercare program, The Anchor House. Opening in 2014, The Anchor House is staged to be the first in the United States to provide long-term residential care specifically to domestic minor sex trafficked and CSE boys. The issues facing DMST and CSE boys, while similar to girls, are firmly unique. Some of the trends unique to DMST and CSE boys we’ve observed both through study and through relational interaction with male survivors include:

The common age of first exposure to the sex trade is younger; studies suggest that a boys average age of entry is 11-13 years old.
The game is different; boys are not always ‘pimped out.’ There is often a market facilitator involved in the recruitment and brokering of boys to buyers.
Boys express greater amounts of humiliation and shame when associating themselves as victims of sexual exploitation, thus decreasing solicitation of services.
Boys have an increased bewilderment toward sexual orientation and gender identity.
Studies suggest that the bulk of boys identify as heterosexual. Yet gay, bi-sexual, transsexual and questioning (GBTQ) youth represent a significant portion of sexual exploited youth. Along with boys, GBTQ populations must be addressed.
Boys in the sex trade are at an increased risk for physical abuse, sexual transmitted infections and HIV.

Also worth noting, boys exiting the sex trade report complications such as: depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, poor self image, sexual identity issues, sexual transmitted infections, HIV, lack of family support, drug dependency and obstacles with physical injuries.

At Sharing the Hope, I look forward to expanding upon not only these unique trends but discussing the framework application of The Anchor House program.

To hear more on this topic, join Anna Smith and over 25 national experts at Sharing the Hope, November 7-9 in Washington D.C. Early bird registration closes October 1. Book now!

Anna Smith is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Restore One. Anna works diligently on Restore One’s chief project, The Anchor House. The Anchor House will be the first shelter in the nation designed to meet the psychological, physical and sociological needs of sex trafficked and sexually exploited American boys. Aside from Anna’s work with the Anchor House, she oversees Restore One’s prevention program, Project So Loved, and serves as Chair of the Pitt County Rapid Response Team. Anna has dual a degree in Social Work and Religious Studies and is currently pursuing her Masters in Clinical Counseling. Anna is a strong advocate for sex trafficked and sexual exploited males. Anna has a resilient passion to see child sex trafficking victims experience true healing and restoration.

August 22, 2013 by SHI Staff

Announcing 2013 Pathbreaker Award Recipients

This year Shared Hope International is proud to honor the men and women who stand bravely against the force that drives the commercial sex industry: demand. The force of the buyer is powerful and is responsible for the estimated 100,000 American children who are exploited through sex trafficking every single year in the U.S. The 2013 Pathbreaker Award recipients have developed innovative strategies to combat demand and have inspired a culture of zero tolerance for those who purchase sex with children. These Pathbreakers join those of prior years who have led the fight against sex trafficking.

Congressman Judge Ted Poe

Second Congressional District of Texas

Congressman Poe is a dedicated ally in the battle against demand and a longtime advocate for victim rights. Congressman Poe sponsored the End Sex Trafficking Act of 2013, H.R. 2805, in July 2013. This bill amends the TVPA to clarify the range of conduct punished as sex trafficking to specifically include the conduct of buyers. The bill adds just two verbs: “patronize” and “solicit,” but will be a critical clarification of the intent of Congress to prevent, deter and punish demand. The bill also directs the U.S. Attorney General to engage existing task forces and working groups to increase the investigation and prosecution of demand.

In 2012, Congressman Poe rallied the crowd during the 2012 Protected Innocence Challenge press conference with his stern, unapologetic promise to keep his target aimed on buyers. Watch his inspiring speech here.

In 2006, he established the bipartisan Victims’ Rights Caucus (VRC) to advocate on behalf of victims and to serve as their voice. As co-chair of the VRC, Congressman Poe plays a vital role in passing legislation to safeguard our children and to advocate for the needs and issues facing crime victims. Congressman Poe also proudly serves on the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees where he fights for increasing victims’ rights as well as international human rights.

Prior to serving in Congress, Congressman Poe served as a judge for 22 years where he oversaw 20,000 of the worst criminal cases and 8 years as a prosecutor where, as chief felony prosecutor, he never lost a jury trial. Congressman Poe is known for his creative sentences, hard-nosed approach to enforcing the law, and compassion for crime victims.

Cynthia Cordes

Assistant United States Attorney and Human Trafficking Coordinator
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri

Ms. Cordes is the first federal prosecutor in the country to use the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) to prosecute buyers of sex acts with minors. Her strategic use of this powerful law has helped obtain sentences from 10 to 15 years in federal prison for buyers. In 2006, she spearheaded and has continued to lead the Human Trafficking Rescue Project (HTRP), the local human trafficking task force in Kansas City, which is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service providers. Prior to her commencement of the task force, a human trafficking case had never been prosecuted in the history of the district. She has now prosecuted more human trafficking cases than any Assistant U.S. Attorney in the country.

Ms. Cordes presented at Shared Hope’s 2008 Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Conference in Dallas, TX during which Linda Smith challenged the prevailing interpretation and use of the TVPA to prosecute just traffickers, not buyers. Ms. Cordes returned to Kansas City and upon further examination of the statue and collaboration with the Task Force, developed a breakthrough buyer sting. In 2009, she designed and created a unique undercover sting, known as Operation Guardian Angel, to specifically target those who purchase children for sexual acts from traffickers in an effort to address the demand side of commercial sex trafficking. Her use of the TVPA has been affirmed by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and she has trained other investigators to employ the same sting operation in their cities.

Vednita Carter

Founder and Executive Director
Breaking Free, St. Paul, Minnesota

Vednita Carter is the matriarch of the anti-demand movement; a survivor who understands the impact demand has on the trafficked person and the industry. In 1996, she founded Breaking Free and today her organization serves 400-500 sex trafficked women and girls each year.

In 1999, Breaking Free developed one of the first Offenders Prostitution Programs (“John school”) in the nation to respond to the ineffective and damaging cycle of response to prostituted women. At the time, prostituted women were being arrested and buyers were required to pay a fine, with no additional punishment, leaving buyers completely undeterred. Through a partnership with local law enforcement, the City Attorney, survivors, and others, the Offenders Prostitution Program educates buyers– those who pay for sex with an adult–on the social, community, health and human consequences of their behavior. Ms. Carter has extensive experience in developing and planning programs for sex trafficked women and girls and serves a role model and leader for other survivors.

In 2012, she was invited to the White House to participate on President Obama’s committee on human trafficking as an expert in her field, as well as to New York to address the United Nations on the issue of domestic sex trafficking and the model programs developed by Breaking Free (2013). She has premiered in several documentaries including her own “A Day in The Life” to be released in 2013. She has dedicated her life to advocating for, rescuing and restoring victims of prostitution.

Don’t miss the celebration of the 2013 Pathbreaker Award recipients at:

Sharing the Hope Gala and Pathbreaker Award Ceremony

Washington, D.C.

November 8

Click here for the complete conference agenda, including Pathbreaker Award Reception and Gala, Networking Reception, National Colloquium, Protected Innocence Challenge Press Conference, tour of Congress with Congresswoman Linda Smith and more!

Buy Tickets Now!

August 7, 2013 by SHI Staff

5 Scary Statistics About Internet Safety

A new poll released by Netmums revealed shocking statistics on internet use by children. The survey of 825 children aged between seven and 16 and 1,127 adults showed that 16.7% of parents allowed children three years old or younger to go online. However, the most alarming statistics show how exposed and vulnerable children are online.

1. 42.1% of kids admit they have seen online porn. One in 16 have been exposed to hardcore pornography.
2. One in 12 have exchanged messages with sexual content to other people, while one in 25 have sent graphic photos of themselves.
3. 25% of children get away with pretending to be older to get an account online.
4. One in 20 children admitted arranging a secret meeting with someone they met online.
5. Almost three in 10 parents (29%) let their kids use the internet without any restrictions or supervision.

Child protection organizations have developed safety tools to help combat children’s ignorance and vulnerability to online predators.

Education

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has developed NetSmartz, a program that creates interactive, educational safety resources for children ages 5 to seventeen.
“Through age-appropriate activities, games, videos and safety presentations, NetSmartz prepares children to behave responsibly when confronted with issues such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online exploitation, revealing too much information, sexting and scams.” Netsmartzkids.org

In addition, NCMEC has created NetSmartz411, an online service to answer questions about internet safety, computers and the web. The site provides an online library for parents to find answers to their online safety questions. Visit www.netsmartz411.org for more information.

Protection:

Today, parents have a wide array of online safety restrictions available to help protect their children. Sheild Genie is a comprehensive parental control software that allows parents to limit or remove access online content and games, shield children from inappropriate contacts or advances, monitor and record all computer activity, alert dangerous behavior, receive danger alerts by text or e-mail and place restrictions on sharing personal information.

Report:

NCMEC, in partnership with the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, military criminal investigative organizations, U.S. Department of Justice, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force program, and state and local law enforcement agencies, operates a CyberTipline which receives leads and tips regarding suspected crimes of child sexual exploitation. The public can submit suspicious activity or suspected exploitation to the CyperTipeline 24/7. The TipLine is monitored by well-trained analysts who provide the information to law enforcement for investigation. According to NCMEC, over 1.7 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation have been made between 1998 and December 2012. Click here to make a CyperTipline report.

To learn more about internet safety and child sex trafficking, join us November 7-9 at Sharing the Hope for workshops and training sessions led by over 25 national experts, including presenters from NCMEC.

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.

January 9, 2013 by SHI Staff

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

President Obama is declaring January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. See how Shared Hope is participating and how you can get involved by viewing the events below.

‘Top 4 Fridays’ Interactive conversation video series on Google hangout: