An alarming number of children who are commercially sexually exploited have prior histories of abuse and neglect as well as experiences with the foster care system.
“Being in foster care was the perfect training for commercial sexual exploitation. I was used to being moved without warning, without any say, not knowing where I was going or whether I was allowed to pack my clothes. After years in foster care, I didn’t think anyone would want to take care of me unless they were paid. So, when my pimp expected me to make money to support ‘the family’, it made sense to me.”
On average, early adolescence, between ages 11-14 years, is the most common time for female children to fall victim to commercial sexual exploitation. While many of these children are girls, there is a rising population of boys who may become involved in sex trafficking. “Exploiters know where foster care group homes are and they directly recruit girls from these settings”. Exploiters may also use coercion and threats to get youth to recruit other foster youth living in the group home.” Additionally, out-of-home placement may trigger patterns of running away, which increases youths’ vulnerability to exploiters who target this population.
Youth who identify as Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender or Questioning (LGBTQ) are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. LGBTQ youth often experience further exclusion and ridicule, resulting in a large number of LGBTQ youth becoming homeless who are targeted by exploiters. More than one in four homeless LGBTQ children, and close to half of gay or bisexual boys, have been victims of trafficking.
For more information see the California Child Welfare CSEC Work Group
How does it begin? #
People in sex trafficking situations almost always know and even trust or love their traffickers. Traffickers target vulnerable people who have needs that the traffickers can fill. They often “groom” their victims. Sometimes they offer material support – a place to live, clothing, a chance to “get rich quick.” Other times they offer love, emotional support or a sense of belonging. Kidnapping victims and forcing them into the sex trade through violence is rare.
Who are the traffickers? #
Traffickers come from all genders, races, ethnicities and walks of life. In sex trafficking situations, they may be intimate partners or spouses of the victims, family members, friends or benefactors, business acquaintances and bosses.
Who are the victims? #
Anyone can be trafficked, but some youth are far more vulnerable than others because they have greater needs. These include foster youth, homeless youth, as well as people with a history of trauma or addiction.
For more information click here