We Prevent Trafficking
We are a community that is preventing trafficking through quick and easy tools that develop kids’ resilience, knowledge, empathy, safety.
Watch these videos
You Can Prevent Trafficking.
We Are Here to Help.
Whether you are a parent, a caregiver, or a teacher,
we've developed and curated a set of resources for you and the young people you care about.
curricula
Designed for parents and caretakers of youth ages 11 to 18
Peer-to-peer education resource for teens
Adult education to prevent child sexual abuse
Resources to talk to your kids about digital safety
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DRAFT HEADER
Link - Communicating with youth
BULLET POINT - We know that some of these conversations may be new to you and your child. As you two work through this material, especially the parts that may feel new or uncomfortable, you are providing opportunities to deepen your trust. Through our shared experiences at Freedom Forward, we have learned that there are some ways to help create and sustain that trust so that you and your child are able to have important conversations safely.
Your Body Language Matters
Did you know that research suggests that more than 80% of communication is actually nonverbal? Your child will pick up on your facial expressions, gestures, tone and pitch (paralinguistics), body language and posture, personal space (proxemics), eye gaze, touch (haptics), and general appearance. So, think about getting yourself relaxed and ready before you sit down with your child—creating a warm and inviting tone will matter.
Be Encouraging
As you work through the conversations and activities, thank your child for their answers and ideas. There may be times when things feel uncomfortable and that’s ok! If they share information that you disagree with, try not to over-correct or tell them that they are wrong. Instead, focus on giving them additional information and encouraging them to keep learning. Your job is to create an open environment where your child will feel safe continuing the conversation later on.
Listen and Respond Without Judgement
Do your best to listen and respond without judgment. Your child may have witnessed a friend in need or experienced situations you do not know about. If they feel judged when they share, it will be hard for them to share things again. Here are some statements that will show your child you value what they are saying: “I hear you,” “Thank you for sharing this with me," “You have every right to feel that way,” or “I get that.”
Meet Your Child Where They Are
You may want to adapt some of our activities based on who your child is and where they are in their own personal learning journey. As you share information with your child, ask them where they are in their thoughts. Depending on what they’re thinking about and how they’re feeling, you may want to ask them how they would like to continue this conversation and what would help them feel comfortable. You might find that your child giggles or looks away when they are uncomfortable. This is absolutely normal. Others may not react much at all. If you notice something has triggered them, this is an opportunity to pause and ask if they know what made them giggle, look away, sigh, or roll their eyes (or whatever their reaction was). This can help them identify their triggers and begin to label their emotions.
Power Over Fear
As you and your child learn about human trafficking, there may be moments that feel a little scary, overwhelming, or confusing. They may think of people they have seen who could have been exploited and begin to have concerns. Remind your child that this is about developing skills to make them powerful protectors of themselves and others. Our goal is not to create fear but rather to give tools for action. As they have concerns or fears, try to channel those into action plans. You might ask them, “Who have we identified who we can talk to?” or “What resources do we have?” or “What do you think would be a good next step?” Show them that they have developed helpful answers and that you are right there with them to help, too!
Developing Your Safety Plan
Creating a response plan can support you and your children if something comes up during your conversations. For example, how might you respond if your child tells you they’ve seen signs of an unhealthy relationship or sexual abuse? We know you’d never want to hear these words, but your response will be very important if something like this does come up.
Steps
1. Identify the people you can count on to listen to you and support you if a crisis arises. Criteria to consider:
They listen without judgment.
They don’t tell you exactly what to do, but rather support you in brainstorming ideas or responses.
They are someone you would trust with very sensitive information.
They simply make you feel safe.
2. Identify your local emergency resources.
Identify your local police number.
Identify your local child abuse hotline.
3. Remember there are other resources to support you. Here are a few:
Empower Yourself
Letter from a survivor
I wanted to write to you as a parent of young children and a survivor of child sex trafficking in America. I know firsthand that this conversation that you are going to have with your child is one that has to happen. I never thought I would go through trafficking when I was 13 years old. I didn’t even know that human trafficking existed. Maybe if I knew, it would not have happened to me. Sometimes, statistics feel like big numbers that don’t feel real. Only, I am real and this happened to me.
Myths and Facts
MYTH: Sex trafficking only happens to girls.
FACT: Anyone can be a victim of sex trafficking, regardless of race, class, gender, ability, or sexual orientation. Traffickers choose their victims based on vulnerability.
MYTH: If a teen (under 18) says that they wanted to sell their body, it’s really on them. They did it.
FACT: No one under 18 can legally be held responsible for being bought for commercial sex, even if they say they wanted or needed to sell sex. Even if they do give consent, consent to provide sex is not legally relevant for commercial sex involving minors. Nor is it relevant when there is force, fraud, or coercion, for victims of any age. Here is a state-by-state guide, so you can learn about your state’s laws. Under federal law, a person under age 18 cannot legally consent to being bought for sex, so all minors bought or traded for sex are considered victims of commercial sexual exploitation or sex trafficking.
MYTH: Victims of trafficking will immediately ask for help or assistance and will identify as victims of crime.
FACT: No. Most survivors do not see their situation as exploitation and do not immediately ask for help. They often feel scared and/or blameworthy. We must meet them where they are, without judgement. Offer help and time to speak.
MYTH: Sex Trafficking must involve some form of travel between states or borders.
FACT: The definition of trafficking does not require transportation, although travel may be involved in the crime. Sex trafficking is more accurately described as “compelled service” where an individual will is induced by force, fraud, or coercion.
MYTH: Girls and boys who are trafficked were often already extremely sexually active, so they aren’t being exploited. They are doing it to themselves.
FACT: Anyone of any gender can be trafficked, regardless of their sexual activity or reputation. Sex trafficking involves a trafficker (pimp) who is exploiting someone for profit using force, fraud, or coercion. In the case of commercial sexual exploitation, there may not be a trafficker/pimp involved; what is often referred to as “survival sex” of minors is really commercial sexual exploitation.
MYTH: There must be physical restraint or physical force involved to be considered a trafficking situation.
FACT: The legal definition of trafficking does not require physical restraint, bodily harm, or physical force. Psychological means of control, such as threats or abuse of the legal process are sufficient elements of the crime.
Know the Signs
What are some signs that a child might be at risk or experiencing human trafficking?
This list is not exhaustive. What you are looking for is likely a combination of these factors. You may notice this in a child at school, the playground, or even as one of your child’s friends.
Alone time with adults who are not trusted family or friends
Taking sexualized images or videos of themselves
Posting sexualized images of themselves online
Secret social media accounts
Using terms that seem inappropriate for their age, such as “wifey”
Suddenly having an interest in a boy or girl who is older than them
Moody and fearful reactions to certain places they used to feel safe, like school or a playground or a friend’s house
Wearing clothing that is sexualized
Sudden appearance of gifts or money that they did not receive from you or a trusted family member or friend
Drops in grades
Sudden avoidance of school or attempts to not go to school
Depression or sudden outbursts, mood swings
Starts drinking or using drugs
Expressions of wanting to harm or kill themselves
Running away or attempting to not come home
Communicating online with people they do not know
Communicating with adults online
Attempts to conceal who they talk to online
Having a mobile phone that was not given to them by a caregiver
Lack of friends and peer social support network
Tips for Responding to a Disclosure or Crisis
When children disclose abuse or trafficking, they often do so indirectly. They might come to you and say that they are concerned their friend might be being abused, trafficked, or exploited; that their friend told them something; or that someone is making them uncomfortable. Try to listen to the clues they give you and create a safe space for them to continue sharing.
If it is an emergency, dial 911.
If it is something you find out from a friend or something you see on their phone/computer:
Breathe, step back, and take time to plan. Call your support team (that you identified when creating your Safety Plan) to process what has happened and make a plan.
When speaking with your child:
Always start by believing your child, and try to stay as calm as possible.
Create a safe space. Your child needs to feel heard and that you are present, supportive, and confident. Even though you may be scared or shocked, try to avoid communicating this, as the child may feel they have done something wrong. Try to stay calm, speak slowly, and avoid cutting them off when they are speaking.
Thank your child for telling you something so important, and let them know you believe them and will support them. Statements or questions like “Can you tell me more…?” or “What were you feeling when..?” are good ways to help a child open up.
Ask open-ended questions and avoid accusatory questions. As you listen to your child and gather more information, your questions should be open-ended. Avoid asking accusatory questions like “Why didn’t you tell me?” or “Why didn’t you stop it?” and avoid leading questions like “Was it your uncle?” Let the child guide the conversation. You want to let them say what they want rather than feel like they have been through an interrogation. “What do you need right now?” and “How can I make sharing feel more safe for you?” are good open-ended questions. Through your conversation, try to gather information about the following:
What happened?
When did it happen?
Where did it happen?
Who did it? How do you know them? (if they are known)
Try to avoid having your child repeat themself. When children have to repeat themselves, they may feel as though they have done something wrong. Remember, as hard as it is to hear what your child is saying, it is important to stay calm. Your reaction will be a very memorable part of the experience for your child.
Make no promises. Your child will likely have fears about what will happen next and may ask you not to tell anyone what happened. Do not tell your child that you won’t tell anyone what they tell you. Instead, be honest about what you are going to do next and who else they may need to talk to. It is important to explain that if you are a mandated reporter (for example, if you are a foster parent), you have to make a report. However, you want to do it with them and for them. This is the law, and it’s there to keep them safe. If Child Protective Services or the police need to be called, explain to your child what you can, and reassure them you will be their biggest support through the process. Understanding these next steps will help the child have clarity and know you are fully there to support them.
Document quotes. After you talk to them, take a moment to jot down some of the main things that were said. Document quotes whenever possible, without having to go back to your child to ask the same question multiple times. Quotes can be helpful if other parties—such as Child Protective Services, the police, or a school—need to be involved.
Report suspected abuse or trafficking
It is your responsibility to keep the children in your life safe. Report any suspicion of child abuse or trafficking to the proper authorities. If you call the police or Child Protective Services, they will likely want to know what happened, when it happened, where it happened, who did it, and their relationship to the child. You will be also asked for some information about yourself, such as your name, address, where you work, and how the child disclosed information to you.