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Last Updated: Jan 23, 2019 - 10:07:54 AM |
 The thought of one’s child(ren) being lured into the world of commercial sex for commerce and economic gain is unthinkable, but for many, it is a reality; Let’s talk about Human Trafficking of minors and actions parents can take to decrease the possibility of this happening to their child(ren).
Human Trafficking is a complex topic and is most likely not a conversation that parents are having at the dinner table with their teenagers. However, like the “birds and the bees,” this too should be a topic of discussion. Moreover, since traffickers do not consider age, ethnicity, culture, race, sex, gender or socio-economic status, all families are potential victims. Because traffickers use tactics to lure children, it is imperative for communities to be vigilant in recognizing potential threats to the safety and well-being of children.
Traffickers are known to use coercion, mental and physical control, force, threats, and fraud to gain control over their victims. Providing parents with the necessary tool(s) to equip their child(ren) to resist trafficker’s tactics is an important step.
A survivor’s story
While working with a 14 years old female, a survivor of sex trafficking, she shared her story. She explained how she was gradually lured into prostitution by someone she assumed was her boyfriend.
She described his strategies (grooming process). She said, “he took care of me. He always told me that I am beautiful and that he was proud of me.” She explained how he would "take up" for her if someone spoke badly about her, and always reminded her of much he loves her.
In this case, what he did was provided positive affirmation, something she needed to hear at the time, and perhaps was not receiving in her home. Research has demonstrated that at-risk children, children that are from dysfunctional homes, have mental health illness, and or have had some form of system involvement(dependency/delinquency) are at a higher risk of being lured into human trafficking. So how can parents safeguard their children from predators of this nature?
Tips for Parents:
1. Be intentional about letting your child(ren)know that you love them; Express it verbally as it could help build self-esteem and self-worth.
2. Speak positively to and about your child(ren); encourage your child(ren) by supporting his or her uniqueness, and talents.
3. Get to know your child(ren). Learn about their individual need(s). Once you have learned their need(s) be intentional about meeting the identified need(s).
4. Pay attention to your child(ren) whereabouts, their friends, internet usage, phone usage, and new marking or tattoos on their body.
5. Provide emotional support to your child(ren). Be willing to listen when they speak, no matter how much you disapprove of their opinion.
6 Never be too busy to provide a hug or sit in silence with your child(ren).
Common places recruiters target:
1. Juvenile Detention Centers (JDC)
2. Youth programs
3. Group homes
4. Colleges
5. Online video games forums
6. Social media hangouts
Finally, the best way to combat crime against children is to deal with it as a community. Taking a collaborative approach and implementing community forums, training, programs and resources in strategic places can prove to be helpful overall.
Racquel Piper is a Bahamian author and
consultant with over 21 years working with children and families locally
and internationally. She is an expert in working with children and
families that are system involved (Delinquent/Dependent), and or victims
of crimes to include human trafficking. Ms. Piper offers various staff
development training to help educators, law enforcement, and
organizations help protect children and gain better outcomes when
interacting with children and families within the community. You can
reach Ms. Piper at piper@protectingallkids.com.
© Copyright 2019 by thebahamasweekly.com
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