Human sex trafficking is nothing new, but it is a growing problem in America and its market driven desires are bringing in new players into the world of modern day slavery. Though much of it is operated by large criminal organizations, it is now becoming a popular source of power and revenue for local gangs.
Human sex trafficking is nothing new, but it is a growing problem in America and its market driven desires are bringing in new players into the world of modern day slavery. Though much of it is operated by large criminal organizations, it is now becoming a popular source of power and revenue for local gangs.
On the national level, non-profit Ricky’s Revolution, a campaign to bring awareness and a solution to this growing problem estimates that 4.5 million Americans are caught up in this $32 billion industry. An estimated 50 percent of the victims are children.
San Diego County is no exception, as a matter of fact, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis released a recent report that indicates that sex trafficking numbers have more than tripled over the past four years. In 2013, the number of sex trafficking prosecutions rose to 40, compared to nine cases in 2009.
This is a joint effort, with County Supervisor Dianne Jacob, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department joining forces to try and stop the spread of this rancid problem. They are all working together with the San Diego County Regional Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Advisory Council.
This is a problem that is not going to go away without the support of the entire community. I first heard about the growth of young girls in our local middle and high schools at a breakfast with constituents with Jacob. This is a problem that she said she takes to heart, and breaks her heart and is working diligently with all parties involved to get the public and our public school systems on board in watching for the telltale signs of this problem in our local schools.
Although a majority of victims are young girls, there are no real boundaries when it comes to criminals making money. Gangs are turning away from drugs for this most profitable venture and it is our young girls that are at stake.
Jacob said there were some victories and obstacles in getting the word out to the public. Some of the school districts did not want the publicity that prostitution might be happening on campus grounds, but she also said that they are slowly overcoming that barrier and making headway into educating the school districts in identifying the problem.
There are many ways that criminals get these young women involved. Promises of money and things, threats against their lives or the lives of their families if they do not agree, but in the end it is all the same. These young girls are being forced into prostitution, with many having no way out once they are brought in. Here are some signs provided by the DA’s Office for parents, students, teachers and friends to look for that might indicate that one has been caught in this snare of sexual despair.
Running away from home, truancy, a sudden drop in grades, change of friends or alienation of old friends, rumors regarding sexual activity, change in behavior or attire, signs of anger, aggression, fear or suicidal tendencies, use of drugs (many times by force), mysterious boyfriends, signs of physical abuse, new or multiple cell phone use and prostitution related terminology could all be signs of a youngster in trouble.
At the end of this month, all parties involved will be holding a Human Trafficking summit, which I would encourage parents to make time to attend.
Now is not the time to be complacent. Our children are at stake and this is a problem that will not go away without the support of the entire community.
Report anything that you might find suspicious. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline is 1-888-373-7888. You can also report unusual behavior to local authorities and school districts.
