Child sex trafficking is occurring in America and research has documented that 13 is average age a child is targeted and tricked by a pimp.  Advocates, law enforcement, service providers, and survivors have all come together to sound the alarm and reveal the brutal reality for the victims who are under pimp-control.  Federal initiatives such as the FBI's Innocence Lost Task Forces, which have recovered over 1,200 child victims through four law enforcement operations shows the severity of the problem.  And the stories shared by courageous survivors expose the methodical tactics used by pimps to recruit and trap their victims. 

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act states that any child, under the age of 18, involved in a commercial sex act is a victim of sex trafficking.  This law and many human trafficking state laws, which align with the federal standard recognize that children do not choose to be prostitutes.  These children are victims who deserve rescue and access to specialized services and shelter.   Unfortunately, to date there are limited federal resources available for American child victims of trafficking.  Even more shocking is the dearth of shelter options for these victims who have survived the unimaginable.  The Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victim Support Act 2010 attempted to bridge this gap by providing funding for six pilot shelter programs. 

This proposed piece of legislation received unanimous support in both the House and the Senate and was moving forward quickly.  Shockingly, out of left field, Concerned Women for America (CWA) issued a letter to the House of Representatives opposing the legislation.  Their main opposition points show a significant level of misinformation on the issue of child sex trafficking and appropriate, victim-centered intervention.

CWA states that they oppose the legislation because they believe that prostitution laws must remain in place for children as a layer of protection.  This is in direct conflict with Trafficking Victims Protection Act as well as numerous state laws which define children exploited through commercial sex as victims of a crime.  CWA argues that the arrest of the child is necessary to allow law enforcement to investigate the situation of trafficking.  Should we also start arresting children who have been molested in the home to force their cooperation in testifying against their parents or guardian?  Revictimization is not the proper response for children who have been sexually exploited.  These child victims deserve and are entitled to their rights as a victim of a severe and violent crime.  Furthermore, the intent of this piece of legislation was to provide funding for shelter services not decriminalize prostitution. 

Additionally, CWA argues that child victims of sex trafficking should receive restitution from their trafficker rather than have access to the Crime Victims' Compensation Funds.  While convicted traffickers should certainly be required to provide restitution to their victims for the harm they caused, access for victims to funding for services should not rely on the conviction of their trafficker, which can take years.  Victims of crime deserve access to services immediately, not when and if their traffickers are investigated and convicted!!

The answer cannot be to continue to pile the burden of responsibility on the victim.  We must advocate for additional resources for law enforcement so that they can pursue investigation and go after the real criminals.  CWA is correct; shelter options are severely limited!  Sadly, this piece of legislation that CWA opposes could have created six additional safe and appropriate places for victims to start their long road to recovery.

Please join me in telling CWA that their stance on this issue is misinformed.  Let's ensure that when this legislation is reintroduced that we are all on the same page so that shelter can be established for victims and justice is pursued for the real criminals. 

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