Surely you have ever heard of child trafficking, and if so, it is very likely that it was through the media. Maybe a piece of news that sounds like something isolated that happens to a few people in the world, but that you don’t think could happen to you.
However, it is important that you know that Sex trafficking is quite common and can occur anywhere in the world and to anyone.: girls, boys, young people, men, women. Pay attention to the following figures:
- More than 25 million people around the world are victims of human trafficking, and of them, approximately a third are children (United States Department of State).
- Each year, about 300,000 minors are victims of trafficking in the United States (Department of Justice, Office of Victim Protection and Monitoring).
- The average age at which girls become victims of prostitution is between 12-14 years, while the average age at which boys become victims of the same scourge is between 11-13 years of age (NSVRC ).
It is evident that it does not occur only in distant places or occasionally. This crime is quite common in the United States and, Although many victims of this are deceived or forced, poverty and lack make some people curious to enter this world.
How to prevent child trafficking?
Child sex trafficking is part of sexual abuse and, for this reason, knowledge also becomes the most effective tool to avoid falling into it or to prevent someone in our immediate environment from becoming a victim of this scourge. Learn some tips to prevent child trafficking
Create knowledge and awareness
As we have already said, many times, education provides prevention tools against sexual abuse and all forms of sexual violence. Identifying warning signs and knowing how to act in these cases is essential.
Strengthen links
Poverty, inequality and remaining alone are some of the factors that can increase the level of vulnerability of children to child trafficking.
Protect minors
Parents, caregivers and authorities must guarantee the protection of children and adolescents against sexual exploitation and abuse. Likewise, they must guarantee that in the event of aggression, the perpetrators are held accountable.
Report
In the face of possible cases of child trafficking, it is important to report it and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and punished.
Stopping child trafficking is not a simple task and, furthermore, It requires the participation of several figures to act: governments, authorities, organizations, communities and families.
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4 things you should know about child trafficking
To prevent people in our immediate environment from becoming victims of child trafficking, it is important that Don’t lose sight of the following:
- It doesn’t just happen in other places. Cases of sex trafficking have been reported in all territories of the United States.
- Only young women are victims of sex trafficking. Both children and adults, men and women of any origin or economic level are vulnerable to becoming victims of trafficking.
- Perpetrators look for vulnerable children. Lonely children who do not have a good relationship with friends or family are the main targets of perpetrators.
- The perpetrators are not just strangers. Women, friends, partners or family members can convince minors to get involved in child trafficking. They can also force them to do so.
In it # Movement We want to provide tools so you can know how to protect yourself from sexual abuse or. Find resources on our official website to take care of yourself and the children in your immediate environment.
We have also created a safe and trusting space for survivors of sexual abuse to break the silence and begin their healing process. and.