No girl ever chooses to be sex trafficked.
Sex trafficking can happen to any young person, regardless of age, culture, income, orientation, gender or neighbourhood. Traffickers find their young victims online, at schools, malls, parties, libraries and bus stops.
Studies have shown that although traffickers recruit from all areas and backgrounds, marginalized, lower-income young people are often more at risk.
We can, and must, do more to stop this horrendous practice.
Education and awareness can help prevent girls from being lured by dangerous traffickers who often pose as potential boyfriends. It's not always easy to spot the warning signs. It's not typically one sign but a combination of warning signs that can set off alarm bells. Sometimes they are so subtle that you question yourself.
Thirty per cent of trafficking victims are recruited by males they consider to be their boyfriends and 25 per cent are recruited through friends, often victims themselves.
No young women chooses to be trafficked but often these girls blame themselves for their situations. The feeling that they deserve everything that is happening to them is an unthinkable torment no one should have to live with.
We need to unite together to raise awareness and fight this horrific crime.
Covenant House is a national leader in providing direct support to survivors of sex trafficking. Our experience and research shows that education and awareness are key to prevention.
Gain greater awareness and help equip and empower a young person in your life.
Take the pledge and help protect youth from sex trafficking.
Every single voice counts.
