The crime of sex trafficking is where a person uses force, fraud or coercion to get another person to take part in commercial sex acts in exchange for money, food, a place to stay, clothing, a job, drugs or even a ride. It is important to know that it is always a crime to cause a person under the age of 18 to engage in commercial sex acts, no matter how it happens.

Traffickers could be anyone. A person can be trafficked by someone they know, even a relative, friend, romantic partner or an adult they trusted. A trafficker often gains a victim’s trust by promising them love, a relationship or safety; this is called “grooming.” A trafficker might also lie, trick or threaten their victims. A trafficker might tell a lie, like that the victim will get in trouble for sexual behaviors. Traffickers may also give the victim gifts, offer protection or threaten the victim or their family members as a way to get them to cooperate.

Sex trafficking can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation or where they live. While sex trafficking can happen to anyone, there are young people who are especially vulnerable, including those who have a history of abuse and neglect, have witnessed violence or lack a strong support or family system.

Remember, sex trafficking is illegal, and it is never the victim’s fault. If a child discloses any information to you that would support that they may be trafficked or being groomed by a trafficker, focus on the child’s emotional safety first and honor that disclosure by asking simple and nonjudgmental questions. Let the child know you are a safe person and that the child can talk to you and be heard. Never promise to keep secrets, especially those that may involve abuse, neglect, assault or exploitation. Reassure the child that what they share will only be known by those who may need to be involved in making sure they are safe. There may be things that need to be shared with authorities, but be clear with the child that you will be there along the way to make sure the child is safe. Visit HumanTraffickingHotline.org or call 1-888-373-7888 for additional assistance. You can also contact your local Child Advocacy Center by visiting Nationalcac.org. SetMeFreeProject.net also has resources for parents.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

It is important to ensure your children and those in your care feel comfortable coming to you if they or someone they know has been touched inappropriately or encouraged to do something they are not comfortable with. Being a nonjudgmental listener and reassuring your child that they can come to you about anything without fear of punishment lays the foundation for children to come to you if someone crosses a boundary with them or they are concerned for someone they know. The easiest way to start these conversations is to talk about issues as they come up in everyday life, like while watching TV together.