Child trafficking in the U.S. is a problem for more than just Americans. A large number of the children who get trafficked are from other countries and brought to the U.S. Children are forcefully taken from their families. They are exploited for sex which can cause long lasting physical and psychological trauma. Children are not only sexually exploited but are also used as laborers and servants to their traffickers. Trafficked children are often abused and raped by men and even women.
Human trafficking is a crime that deprives millions of people of their dignity and freedom. An estimated 27.6 million are currently victims of trafficking worldwide, and, sadly, many of them are often hidden right in front of us.
The average lifespan of a victim is reported to be 7 years, where they are found dead from an attack, abuse, HIV and other STDs, malnutrition, overdose or suicide. Child victims of exploitation can face a number of long-term health problems: such as depression, sleeping and eating disorders, guilt/shame, drug addiction, sexually transmitted diseases, PSD and more.
The media also plays a role in child trafficking. The portrayal of dealing unfortunate casualties in our media prompts a misconception of who is in danger, which makes it harder to comprehend what exploited people really need and what could keep them from getting to be casualties of dealing. The media demonstrates a clear image of who a victim of sex trafficking might be, but many times this is not who it actually is. Instead of a white girl from a wealthy or middle class home, as we are lead to believe through media, it is more likely a runaway, girl of colour, and or someone who has been in the foster care system would most likely be a victim of child trafficking.
Solutions
Schools and parents need to educate their children on the danger of predators and especially trafficking. There needs to be situational classes at school to teach children on what to do or how to prevent it.
We need support groups for children who have been trafficked and should be more advertised to the public. Lastly, we need to bring more awareness to this growing problem.