National Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 Or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733
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Learn ABout Sex Trafficking

Resources About Sex Trafficking and Childhood Sexual Abuse

I am often asked, “What is sex trafficking?”

Sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery that exists throughout the United States and globally.

Sex traffickers use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, and other forms of coercion to compel adults and children to engage in commercial sex acts against their will. Under U.S. federal law, any minor under the age of 18 years induced into commercial sex is a victim of sex trafficking—regardless of whether or not the trafficker used force, fraud, or coercion.

The situations that sex trafficking victims face vary dramatically. Many victims become romantically involved with someone who then forces or manipulates them into prostitution. Others are lured in with false promises of a job, such as modeling or dancing. Some are forced to sell sex by their parents or other family members. They may be involved in a trafficking situation for a few days or weeks, or may remain in the same trafficking situation for years.

Victims of sex trafficking can be U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, women, men, children, and LGBTQ individuals. Vulnerable populations are frequently targeted by traffickers, including runaway and homeless youth, as well as victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, war, or social discrimination.

Sex trafficking occurs in a range of venues including fake massage businesses, via online ads or escort services, in residential brothels, on the street or at truck stops, or at hotels and motels.

Key Statistics

I am also asked, why don’t they (victims) just walk away? Why do they stay?

Individuals who have experienced violence and trauma in the past are more vulnerable to future exploitation, as the psychological effect of trauma is often long-lasting and challenging to overcome. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, war and conflict or social discrimination may be targeted by traffickers, who recognize the vulnerabilities left by these prior abuses. Violence and abuse may be normalized or beliefs of shame or unworthiness lead to future susceptibility to human trafficking.

Helping Vicitims.. The needs of victims of trafficking are among the most complex of crime victims, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to address severe trauma and medical needs, immigration and other legal issues, safety concerns, shelter and other basic daily needs, and financial hardship. Some of the services victims of trafficking may need include:

Emergency Services

  • Crisis Intervention and Counseling

  • Emergency Shelter and Referrals

  • Urgent Medical Care

  • Safety Planning

  • Food and Clothing

Social Services

  • Case Management

  • Interpretation

  • Housing

  • Job Training and Education

  • Court Accompaniment

  • Employment Assistance

  • Transportation

  • Healthcare

Legal Services

  • Immigration Status

  • Criminal Case Services

  • Civil Case Services

  • Witness Protection

  • Family Court Services

  • Legal Representation

  • Vacatur of Convictions

A Complicated Issue

This is a very complicated issue. The prevention isn’t complicated, protect children from sexual abuse. 89% of all children runaways, drug & alcohol abusers, school dropouts, kids in jail, and a lot of other stuff including being sex trafficked… were sexually abused as children. Child sexual abuse, in my opinion, is the genesis of most of the issues our society faces as consequence.

As a “taboo” subject, many adult survivors continue suffer greatly years and even decades after their abuse. This breaks my heart.

My personal story clearly drives home the facts regarding the cause and effect of childhood sexual abuse, how one can escape, heal and transcend the bonds of PTSD and survival mode into a healthy happy panic free thriving ” life after surviving”. I used to call it “Surviving the Surviving” but actually its THRIVING after the surviving!

In my talks, I educate the audience to the cause and effect of childhood abuse by using my own story and the latest facts on child molesters, child victims, registered sex offenders, community support/resources and clear “What to do when you see something”. I am also grateful to share my story of freedom from debilitating decades of mental illness & suffering. Free from post traumatic episodes for over 10 years now, I share some of my own healing journey in hopes of motivating others to keep moving forward on their own journey!

I didn’t come out about my own story until I was nearly 50 years old. I realized the only way the end the taboo and create a culture norm of acceptance of survivors and compassionate zero tolerance of abuse was talk about it. My story is mine but is echoed by thousands of others by my side.

Together we really can have a significant impact on our community if we agree to take action. Educate yourself and others. If you see something, say something. Call 911. Report to your local child welfare services. Feel responsible to all children as if they were your own. If needed, do your own healing work.

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

I believe in the greater good of humanity,

Catherine

Some Helpful Links