One in Ten
Engaging the brightest minds working to solve one of the world's toughest challenges—child abuse. Join us for conversations with leading experts on science, law, medicine, morality, and messaging. One in Ten is brought to you by National Children's Alliance, the largest network of care centers in the U.S. serving child victims of abuse. Our host is Teresa Huizar, NCA's CEO and a national expert on child abuse intervention and trauma treatment. Visit us online at nationalchildrensalliance.org.
One in Ten
The Child-Trafficking-to-Adult-Prostitution Pipeline
Episode 203, “The Child-Trafficking-to-Adult-Prostitution Pipeline.” Multiple states and jurisdictions are considering full decriminalization of adult prostitution. On the surface, it seems like a way to help an exploited population. But the potential for harm is real—especially for children. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and we spoke to Yasmin Vafa of Rights4Girls about the connections between child sexual abuse and sex trafficking and the adult sex trade. What are supporters of full decriminalization missing? And what would a truly survivor-focused approach look like?
Topics in this episode:
· The sexual-abuse-to-prison pipeline, a domestic crisis (1:30)
· No such thing as a child prostitute (4:27)
· State statutes; child sex trafficking is a form of child abuse (6:15)
· The connection between sex trafficking and the rest of the sex trade (9:30)
· Defeating a full decriminalization bill in Washington, D.C. (17:40)
· Other states considering decriminalization (20:43)
· Advice to child advocates (24:11)
Links:
Yasmin Vafa, co-founder and executive director of Rights4Girls (originally known as Human Rights Project for Girls)
“The Sexual Abuse to Prison Pipeline: The Girls’ Story”
The No Such Thing Campaign featured Withelma “T” Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, whose viral petition helped persuade the Associated Press to stop using terms such as “child prostitute.”
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children, Youth and Families “Guidance to States and Services on Addressing Human Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States”
“Vermont bill would decriminalize adult prostitution,” January 12, 2020, Associated Press
Current status of H.569, “An act relating to prostitution,” in the Vermont General Assembly
The equality model or Swedish model (partial decriminalization)
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). If you suspect an incident of child sex trafficking, call the NCMEC hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Don’t ask, “what if I’m wrong?” Ask, “what if I’m right?”
For more information about National Children’s Alliance and the work of Children’s Advocacy Centers, visit our website at nationalchildrensalliance.org.
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