DEVELOPED BY LOVE

GUIDE FOR PROFESSIONALS Resources to support a whole-school or entire-system response

WRITTEN BY Elaine Kim Action Coordinator, Love146

Jo MacLaughlin Action Coordinator, Love146

Carolina Fuentes, LMSW, M.Div. Senior Prevention Advisory Specialist, Love146

PLEASE FIND THESE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AND PRINT: • AT-A-GLANCE: #PARENTS & #CAREGIVERS DOWNLOAD R-A • A GUIDE FOR #PARENTS & #CAREGIVERS DOWNLOAD R-B • AT-A-GLANCE: #PROFESSIONALS DOWNLOAD R-C • A GUIDE FOR: #PROFESSIONALS DOWNLOAD R-D AT-A-GLANCE FOR #PROFESSIONALS DOWNLOAD R-C

What vulnerabilities can you identify in the populations that you work with? What services or resources are in place for addressing those vulnerabilities in your school, agency, organization, and community?

Traffickers often build a relationship with a youth over time and disguise themselves as someone who promises to take care of them. It may not always be obvious, even to the victim, that a youth is being W exploited, but being aware of the red flags can help one recognize risky situations. Signs to look for when identifying sexual WHAT A PROFESSIONAL CAN DO TO exploitation or human trafficking include:

ll The sudden presence of an older boyfriend/girlfriend PROTECT CHILDREN FROM TRAFFICKING ll The sudden acquistion of a lot of new stuff or the appearance that a lot of money has been spent on them (e.g., new clothes, new hair styles, manicures/pedicures) A RESOURCE FROM THE CHILD TRAFFICKING AND EXPLOITATION PREVENTION CURRICULUM ll Being secretive about who they are talking to or meeting ll Becoming more and more isolated from their regular friends (the groomer often does this to have as much control as possible over the child) ll Unexplained changes in behavior, temperament, or personality (e.g., chaotic, aggressive, sexual, mood swings) DEVELOPED BY LOVE ll Responding to a job offer online for modeling/acting or sharing information about a potential job that requires moving ll Inconsistencies in their family history Child. Sex. Trafficking. These three words should never be used in the same sentence, much less be a ll Knowledge and language about “the life” (commercial sex) reality for many of the world’s most vulnerable—including children in the United States. Human trafficking ll Signs of physical abuse (e.g., cuts and bruises) is modern-day slavery. It is the practice of using force, fraud, and coercion to exploit people through labor or commercial sex. It is the third-largest criminal enterprise in the world, and it is estimated that millions of men, women, and children are enslaved globally. IF YOU SEE THESE SIGNS AND ARE CONCERNED THAT A YOUTH NEEDS HELP, CALL THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE AT 888-3737-888 OR You can help the youth you work with to feel empowered to protect themselves by helping them access TEXT INFO OR HELP TO BEFREE (233733). information and support services, and by challenging attitudes, language, and beliefs that might contribute to the vulnerabilities affecting youth. MUST-KNOWS LEARN MORE Love146 has a free guide for professionals that covers what you can do to protect children from Providing services for survivors of trafficking and exploitation requires specialized training and experience. exploitation. The topics covered include: Professionals that work with youth do not need to have a completely different set of skills to play a ll Examples of what child sex trafficking looks like significant role in addressing trafficking and exploitation. Adults can have a very positive impact by way of ll What makes children vulnerable to trafficking prevention as they help youth access information, support services, and skill building. Adults can recognize ll Stockholm syndrome and trauma bonds attitudes, language, and beliefs that might contribute to some of the vulnerabilities affecting youth. They ll Online exploitation can challenge the harmful attitudes, language, and beliefs as they work with youth. ll How to respond to disclosures

HERE ARE EXAMPLES OF VULNERABILITIES Access the entire guide at www.love146.org/professionals that you might identify in the youth you work with:

INDIVIDUAL/ RELATIONAL CULTURAL/SOCIETAL ABOUT LOVE146 PSYCHOLOGICAL Love146 is an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation ll Low self-esteem ll Pressure to always ll The thinking that exploitation through survivor care, prevention education, professional training, and empowering movement. The Not ll History of look put together and doesn’t happen in the a #Number curriculum from Love146 is an interactive program that equips youth to protect themselves sexual abuse perform well in school neighborhood; a “that doesn’t through information, critical thinking, and skill development on the issue of human trafficking and ll Loneliness, ll Pressure from peers to do happen to us” mindset exploitation. wanting to fit in drugs, drink, have sex ll Pressure to own material items ll Drug or alcohol ll Victim of bullying/ ll Pressure to be involved in abuse/addiction cyber bullying sexual activity at a young age ll Questioning their ll Unhealthy romantic ll Glamorization of violence sexuality relationship(s) and drug use ll Struggling with ll High-conflict friendships/ porn addiction relationships with family members or caregivers LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS A GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS DOWNLOAD R-D

Dear professional,

Child. Sex. Exploitation. These three words should never be used in the same sentence, much less be a reality for many of the world’s most vulnerable.

Victims of trafficking and exploitation are not a number. They are individuals—young children, as well as adults of all social and economic backgrounds. It’s possible you may have come across a child at risk of exploitation at some point in your career and did not know it.

This curriculum includes information to help participants understand the reality of human trafficking and exploitation, and most importantly, what you can do as a professional working with children to prevent child trafficking and exploitation. I recognize you likely have multiple and competing demands— A GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS that the issue of human trafficking and exploitation is one of many that you need to consider. Thank you for taking the time to review this information. I also understand the information and stories shared here may be difficult to read, and that it can be especially challenging to read this information while considering how a child you know could be at risk. I’d like to ask you to press through those uncomfortable moments— because I know how important this conversation will be. As a professional that works with children, your voice and understanding in this process is irreplaceable. Thank you for journeying with us, and for your work on behalf of youth.

Kind regards,

Kimberly Casey U.S. Programs Director, Love146 ABOUT

ABOUT Love146 is an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation through survivor care, prevention education, professional training, and empowering movement. Slavery is still one of the darkest storiesLove146 on isour an planet. international But for human us, the rightshope oforganization abolition workingis a reality. to end Love146 child believestrafficking in helping and exploitation grow through the movementsurvivor of abolitioncare, prevention while providing education, effective, professional training, thoughtfuland solutions. empowering We believe movement. in the Slavery power isof stilllove one of the and its abilitydarkest to storieseffect sustainableon our planet. change. But forLove us, is the the hope of foundationabolition of our motivation.is a reality. Love146 believes in helping grow the movement of abolition while providing effective, Our Vision:thoughtful The abolition solutions. of childWe believe trafficking in the powerand of love exploitation.and Nothingits ability less. to effect sustainable change. Love is the foundation of our motivation. Our Mission: Abolition and Restoration! We combat child trafficking and exploitation with the unexpected and restore survivors with excellence. LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

DEFINITIONS What are human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation? The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) defines human trafficking as any labor or commercial sex act induced through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the profit of a third party (i.e., a trafficker). In the case of sex trafficking, the trafficker receives something of value (e.g., money, goods, drugs) for the sexual exploitation of the victims. When a minor is exploited by a third party for sexual purposes, there does not need to be any force, fraud, or coercion present for the situation to be considered human trafficking, because according to federal law children under 18 cannot consent to engage in commercial sex. The terms human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) are often used interchangeably. For the purposes of this curriculum, CSE is defined as the abuse of power differentials or the exploitation of SECTION 1 a person’s vulnerabilities in order to induce a sexual act(s) in exchange for something of value (e.g., money, a place to stay, goods). The CSE of children is defined as any sexual act(s) involving a child (under 18) in exchange for something of value. This includes child pornography, AN INTRODUCTION child sex tourism, and child marriage (when something of value is exchanged). Therefore, the difference between human trafficking and CSE is that human trafficking always involves a third party that is TO CHILD benefiting from the situation. What is force/fraud/coercion? The following are examples of force, fraud, and coercion in the context TRAFFICKING AND of human trafficking: FORCE llPhysical assault llSexual assault, rape EXPLOITATION llPhysical confinement or isolation FRAUD Understanding the issue of human trafficking and exploita- llFraudulent employment offers tion is the first step to help prevent it. llFalse promises about living or work conditions llWithholding wages THIS SESSION WILL: llPosing as a friend or romantic partner llDefine key terms: human trafficking, commercial COERCION sexual exploitation, force/fraud/coercion llThreats to life, safety, family members or others llProvide a brief overview of llThreats of deportation or arrest trafficking in a global context llDebt bondage llFocus on domestic sex trafficking of children llWithholding legal documents llPsychological manipulation llExplore recruitment tactics llBlackmail llAddress common misconceptions about trafficking Whether it is through the use of physical force, deception, fear, or any other manipulation tactic, human trafficking involves the loss of freedom and the use of people as commodities. For this reason, human trafficking is also known as modern-day slavery.

LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

COMMON RECRUITMENT TACTICS ADDRESSING COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS Traffickers often groom their victims by taking advantage of vulnerabilities. Sometimes a trafficker can spend weeks ABOUT TRAFFICKING and months in a process of building a false relationship and isolating their victims. It is not uncommon for victims to not In the past several years, attention to the issue of trafficking realize that they are being exploited. In some cases, it might has been increasing. Most people can say that they have heard even look as if the victims have walked into the trafficking about human trafficking at some point. Yet misconceptions and situations willingly. In a sense that might be true. But only myths around this issue still persist, even among professionals. to the extent that either they did not know what they were The following are some of the common misconceptions we’ve walking into or they were manipulated and controlled. Taking come across. a closer look at vulnerabilities and how they put youth at risk will expand the understanding of the psychological dynamics of this type of abuse and what prevention and early intervention MISCONCEPTION REALITY look like in this context. Session 2 will address vulnerabilities in more detail. The following are examples of common HUMAN Trafficking happens everywhere, including recruitment tactics and ways in which youth become involved TRAFFICKING ONLY the United States. Not only are people in the commercial sex industry: brought to the U.S., but also U.S. citizens HAPPENS IN POOR are trafficked domestically every year. No COUNTRIES. one knows for sure how many people are ll Grooming by providing expensive items or basic needs trafficked, but various reports estimate ll Grooming by fulfilling emotional needs (spending that thousands of men, women, and time, listening, giving compliments) children are trafficked domestically in the ll Peer pressure U.S. ll Using pictures, personal information, or anything else that might cause fear of embarrassment or fear of HUMAN Trafficking can involve smuggling in getting in trouble with family, school, law, etc. SMUGGLING IS the process, but such movement is not ll Online recruitment through social media or chat rooms necessary for someone to be trafficked. A ll Engaging in survival sex to fulfill basic needs AN EXAMPLE OF person can be trafficked in their own city, TRAFFICKING. neighborhood, or house. Grooming ONLY GIRLS Though it’s less frequently talked AND WOMEN about due to gendered stereotypes and Grooming is preparing or training someone for a particular ARE VICTIMS. assumptions, boys and men are also purpose or activity. Traffickers take advantage of emotions trafficked. In 2012, the International such as wanting to feel love, affection, and attention. They Labor Organization estimated that 55% of also take advantage of feelings, of wanting nice things or a trafficking victims for both sex and labor glamorous lifestyle, or even the feeling of wanting to be grown are women and girls. up and independent. The words of Donny Pauling, a former HUMAN While awareness about sex trafficking pornography producer, make this clear: TRAFFICKING has recently increased, labor trafficking is a more prevalent reality. In fact, the IS PRIMARILY 2012 report from the International Labor “Porn can give me this lifestyle?” she’d ask herself. “No ABOUT SEXUAL Organization estimates that of the 20.9 dear girl, this lifestyle isn’t for you,” I’d say. “You can’t EXPLOITATION. million enslaved worldwide, 4.5 million handle this business. What if your dad finds out you’re are in sexual exploitation, while 14.2 working for me?” The more a college-aged girl was million are in forced labor. presented with questions like this, the more she’d argue that I was wrong and this life was something she could handle. When her life began falling apart, I could pat myself on the back for having warned her against getting involved in the first place. LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

MISCONCEPTION REALITY MOST PEOPLE IN While there are some individuals that THE COMMERCIAL freely choose to work in the commercial sex industry, there are a disproportionate SEX INDUSTRY number of people in the commercial sex CHOOSE TO DO industry who are victims of trafficking IT, EARN A LOT or have been in the past. Victims of OF MONEY, AND trafficking only get a small portion of their earnings from their traffickers, if FIND PLEASURE any. Emotional and physical abuse are AND ENJOYMENT very common in the commercial sex IN THEIR WORK. industry, along with rape, robbery, and sexual assault. Some are driven to the commercial sex industry due to financial pressure and lack of opportunities. CHILD TRAFFICKING In the U.S., youth are most commonly VICTIMS ARE recruited into trafficking through seemingly caring and loving relationships USUALLY with traffickers who emotionally disguise KIDNAPPED. themselves. Typically, traffickers offer to provide for material or emotional needs. It is common for traffickers to also use different forms of psychological coercion and physical force to keep control over their victims. THE TYPICAL Traffickers and pimps can look like and PIMP LOOKS LIKE be anyone; businessman, grandmothers, celebrities, parents, firefighters, and WHAT USED TO religious leaders have all been found BE PORTRAYED guilty of trafficking. Even youth have IN THE MEDIA. been found guilty of trafficking their peers at school. WHY DON’T THEY The relationship between a trafficking JUST RUN? victim and their trafficker is very similar to other abusive relationships. Having a good understanding of trauma bonding, Stockholm syndrome, and the wheel of power and control aids in understanding the complexity of the issue. In some cases, victims don’t leave their trafficker because the situation at home seems worse than being with the trafficker. For others, financial pressure keeps the victim from leaving the situation.

For more information on human trafficking you can visit www. love146.org or www.polarisproject.org. Our youth curriculum also contains trafficking scenarios based on real-life events. LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

Ken “Pimpin Ken” Ivy, a notorious trafficker, writes in his book Pimpology: The 48 Laws of the Game, “It doesn’t matter to a pimp what hoes’ weaknesses are, so long as they have SECTION 2 them. Then he uses those weaknesses to his advantage....” If exploitation is to take advantage of vulnerabilities, it’s important to ask the question: what makes a child/youth VULNERABILITIES vulnerable? WHO IS AT RISK? AND RISK Although all youth are at risk of recruitment, there is a subpopulation of youth that are particularly vulnerable. This Understanding vulnerabilities and how they increase includes, but is not limited to, children in the foster care the risk of exploitation is the next step in addressing system, runaway and homeless youth, youth that identify as trafficking of youth. It also helps professionals and LGBTQ, and those with a history of complex traumatic stress— experts in various fields to recognize the connections and resulting from continuous exposure to family dysfunction, overlap between human trafficking and some of the other trauma, sexual abuse, and other forms of abuse (i.e., bullying). challenges that our communities face. THIS SESSION WILL: llProvide an analysis of vulnerabilities associated CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF with increased risk of trafficking VULNERABILITIES AND RISK llExamine cultural norms and media sources that promote sexual violence Providing services for survivors of trafficking and exploitation llProvide an overview of trauma bonding requires specialized training and experience. However, and Stockholm syndrome professionals that work with youth do not need to have a llProvide opportunities for participation completely different set of skills to play a significant role in and application addressing trafficking and exploitation. Adults can have a very positive impact by way of prevention as they help youth access information, support services, and skill building. Adults can recognize attitudes, language, and beliefs that might contribute to some of the vulnerabilities affecting youth. They can then challenge the harmful attitudes, language, and beliefs as they work with youth. Below, we break down some of the vulnerabilities and causal factors and find connections that can help you with prevention and intervention.

Types of vulnerabilities INDIVIDUAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL CULTURAL/SOCIETAL ENVIRONMENTAL ll Low self-esteem ll Gender stereotypes ll Poverty/financial pressure ll Depression ll Normalization of violence ll Drugs/drug culture ll Isolation/rejection and sexual violence in media ll Immigration status ll Age ll Homophobia ll Gang presence ll Disabilities ll Peer pressure ll Race and class discrimination ll Absent parent(s) ll Materialistic culture ll Exposure to prostitution ll Neglect ll Exposure to pornography ll Authority issues ll Abuse ll Rigid religious views/ ll Homelessness in the ll Bullying expectations neighborhood ll Relationship problems ll Early sexualization ll Unaddressed trauma ll Lack of good role models ll Lack of education ll Glamorized pimp culture ll Wanting love, affection, ll Glamorized drug use and attention ll Wanting to fit in, be accepted LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

The role of media

INDIVIDUAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL It’s no new development that mainstream media uses sexual VULNERABILITIES and violent images and stereotypes to sell products. They can play a powerful role in shaping a young person’s understanding Traffickers are experts in recognizing the struggles and of sex and violence, and also shape their ideas around sex vulnerabilities of youth. For instance, a youth experiencing trafficking and exploitation in particular. low self-esteem might be approached by someone online or offline with compliments, gifts, and other strategies that Application Activity make them feel like they are valued, loved, and have someone The famous catchy tune “P.I.M.P.,” by rapper 50 Cent, to count on. Over time, the trafficker often creates the is a powerful example. As you read the lyrics, look for illusion of a relationship (friendship or romantic) and starts isolating the victim through emotional and psychological how the song tells the story of a trafficker grooming manipulation that the youth doesn’t recognize as abusive. Soon, and exploiting a victim. Consider how media normalizes compliments, gifts, and kindness turn into demands, threats, violence, sexual violence, and violence against women. and manipulation. Perhaps even physical abuse. All of this Are there other examples that you can think of that occurs while the victim is compelled to engage in commercial have a similar effect as the “P.I.M.P.” song? sex with words like: “if you really loved me you would…” or “after all I have done for you, the least you can do is…” The To read the lyrics of “P.I.M.P.” see Appendix B trafficker might prevent the youth from reaching out for help by saying that no one else cares about them or even by making the victim feel shame and blame for the sexual exploitation: Gender stereotypes “imagine if people found out who you really are,” or “look what you have done,” or “no one would believe you.” In an interview with The Guardian in 2013, singer Chris Brown discussed the age at which he lost his virginity. He was eight, Application Activity he says, and the girl was 14 or 15. Choose a few vulnerabilities from the individual/ “Yeah, really. Uh-huh.” He grins and chuckles. “It’s psychological category and think about how they different in the country.” Brown grew up with a great connect to each other. How does one create another or gang of boy cousins, and they watched so much porn that increase the likelihood of another one being developed? he was raring to go. “By that point, we were already kind How might a trafficker use those vulnerabilities in the of like hot to trot, you know what I’m saying? Like, girls, process of recruiting or maintaining a youth in the we weren’t afraid to talk to them; I wasn’t afraid. So, at exploitative situation? eight, being able to do it, it kind of preps you for the long run, so you can be a beast at it. You can be the best at it.” CULTURAL/SOCIETAL VULNERABILITIES What if the tables were turned, and Chris Brown was Christine Many adults would be surprised if they paid attention to the Brown talking to an interviewer about how she had sex with a role that society plays in perpetuating factors that contribute 14-year-old boy when she was eight? No matter how much she to the many vulnerabilities that youth face. Human trafficking laughed off the experience, the writer would not refer to the does not happen in a vacuum. As a society, we contribute to experience as “losing her virginity.” creating and increasing risk, maintaining harmful societal phenomena such as the pimp culture, and even the demand Girls/women and boys/men face different expectations and for prostitution and pornography. Looking at aspects of our stereotypes: a female who has many sexual experiences is modern life can help us analyze how our culture creates vulnerabilities. considered a slut while a male is considered a stud. Because of this double standard, men who have been abused often feel ashamed to come forward and seek help. Many don’t recognize what happened to them as abuse until much later in life when they’re dealing with the after-effects of sexual abuse LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS such as depression, anger management, and difficulty forming emotional bonds. Challenging gender stereotypes with the ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITIES children/youth, especially around expectations surrounding sex, can help them acknowledge the abuse and seek help. There are environmental factors that can create strong vulnerabilities for youth. A youth may have a loving and caring family but still be at very high risk for exploitation due The power of language and victim blaming to factors such as immigration status, pressure to provide financially for their family, or exposure to violence or gangs Language can make someone feel powerless and vulnerable, or it can be used to twist a story so that the victim is blamed in their family or neighborhood. Traffickers may make false for their own exploitation. Perceptions can become realities promises to the youth about the amount of money they would and normalize behavior. Language has always had the power make if they engage in commercial sex or use the youth’s to create harm, but similarly, it also has the power to create desperate family situation to blackmail them. Recent arrests positive change. Talk to children/youth about the power and charges have shown that gangs are increasingly involved in their words have over how their peers feel about themselves human trafficking. They have discovered that a person can be and their situation. Taking a critical look at the words we sold over and over again, whereas drugs can only be sold once. use to talk about others is an important step in addressing Youth with family members that are addicted to drugs are at exploitation. high risk, as their addiction causes them to sometimes allow other people to abuse their children for sex. Youth that develop Below are examples of words suggested by students that a drug addiction are highly at risk of being exploited as well. Love146 has worked with, and a brief explanation that you can share with children/youth about the negative impact these words can have. These words hold a lot of power in shaping ideas around sexual exploitation: STOCKHOLM SYNDROME & TRAUMA BONDS llPimp: The word “pimp” is used in a way to describe something that’s “cool.” This indirectly The vulnerabilities and effects of trafficking overlap with other suggests that it’s acceptable to be someone forms of abuse. For that reason, it is important to review some who sells another person’s body for sex. of the main aspects of Stockholm syndrome, trauma bonding, llSlut: Words like “slut” are used to refer to girls who wear and power and control dynamics. This provides a better context certain types of clothes. This implies that girls should for understanding the psychological effects that victims and be identified by and valued by what they’re wearing. survivors of trafficking face, and for understanding what the llBitch: The word “bitch” is often used to call a male weak or feminine, implicitly suggesting that women are appropriate response and care may be. weak, and that being considered “a girl” is offensive. llGay: Using the word “gay” as a way to tell a boy that Stockholm syndrome is a strategy for survival that develops he’s acting “girly” or “stupid” creates stereotypes unconsciously when a victim of kidnapping or abuse develops about homosexuality and implies that it’s a negative/ an emotional bond with their captor or their abuser. unwanted quality, which can be isolating. Elements that are usually present when Stockholm Victim blaming occurs when the victim of a crime, or any syndrome develops: wrongful act, is held entirely or partially responsible for the llPerceived threat to one’s physical/psychological survival offenses committed against them. A common example of victim llThe presence of a perceived small kindness blaming is the phrase, “Well, look at what they were wearing— on the part of the abuser to the victim they were practically asking for it.” Commenting on what the llIsolation from perspectives other than those of the abuser l victim was wearing in this way suggests that the assault was lThe perceived inability to escape the situation their fault. Major symptoms: llPositive feelings by the victim toward the abuser/controller For examples of victim blaming from Steubenville, Ohio, and (e.g., intense gratefulness for a small act of kindness) Sayreville, New Jersey, see Appendix C. llNegative feelings by the victim toward family, friends, or authorities trying to rescue/ LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

support them or win their release llSupport of the abuser’s reasons and behaviors It’s important to understand that the person was not given llPositive feelings by the abuser toward the victim space to freely say “no.” It’s not that they didn’t say “no,” but llSupportive behaviors by the victim, that they couldn’t say “no.” at times helping the abuser llInability to engage in behaviors that may (Definition adapted from ConsentEd, 2014 - www.consented.ca) assist in their release or detachment Application Activity (Information adapted from “Love and Stockholm Syndrome: The Mystery of Loving an Abuser” by Joseph M. Carver, and the Rape, Abuse and Incest What vulnerabilities can you identify in the populations National Network.) that you work with? What services or resources are in place for addressing those vulnerabilities in your school, agency, organization, and community? How can you better coordinate responding to disclosures?

It is important to remember that all youth regardless of income, family composition, and school have some level of risk. All people, both adults and youth, have moments of vulnerability. Come up with two lists that represent the following: 1. The most likely vulnerabilities of a youth from an under-resourced family. Examples: Pressure to provide financially, homelessness 2. The most likely vulnerabilities of a youth coming from a middle-class family. Examples: Low self-esteem, pressure to fit in and be accepted, loneliness

Wheel of Power and Control adapted by Polaris Project from the Duluth Model Power and Control Wheel.

As we wrap up this section on vulnerabilities, risk, and the dynamics of victimization, it is important to remember the definition of consent. A proper understanding of consent can help reduce victim blaming attitudes, encourage bystanders to speak up, and help people identify abuse and exploitation when they see it. Consent is to give permission for something to happen, or agreement to do something. Being silent or not directly saying the word “no” does not mean consent; consent means communicating “yes” on your own terms. LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

RED FLAGS SECTION 3 By addressing vulnerabilities and decreasing risk, you are already having a significant role in addressing the trafficking of youth in your community. However, some of the signs to look SIGNS, RED FLAGS, for when identifying sexual exploitation or human trafficking include:

llThe sudden presence of an older boyfriend/girlfriend AND RESPONDING llThe sudden acquisition of a lot of new stuff or the appearance that a lot of money has been spent on them (e.g., new clothes, new hair styles, manicures/pedicures) TO DISCLOSURES llBeing secretive about who they are talking to or meeting llBeing secretive about their online activity llBecoming more and more isolated from their After gaining an understanding of human trafficking regular friends (the groomer often does this to and exploitation, and after analyzing the effects of have as much control as possible over the child) vulnerabilities, it’s important to draw connections llResponding to a job offer online for modeling/acting, between vulnerabilities and red flags, and have or sharing information about a potential appropriate response systems in place. job that requires moving llInconsistencies in their family history THIS SESSION WILL: llOverly submissive behavior llHigh levels of anxiety (e.g., jumpy, constantly nervous) llExplain the red flags to identify the llEngaging in risky sexual behavior trafficking and exploitation of youth llHistory of family engagement in commercial sex llProvide information on how to respond to disclosures llSexually transmitted illnesses llAddress online-initiated and online-based exploitation llKnowledge and language about “the life” (commercial sex) llProvide additional resources on topics llSigns of physical abuse (e.g., cuts and bruises) covered in this curriculum llA tattoo that the youth is unable/hesitant to explain

It’s important to remember that just one sign is usually not enough to be sure that a youth is being exploited, but a combination of signs can suggest a situation of trafficking. For more information on how to identify human trafficking and exploitation visit: www.traffickingresourcecenter.org/

RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURES

As mentioned before, an individual, school, agency, or organization does not need to be an expert in trafficking and exploitation in order to provide effective prevention and appropriate early intervention. Thinking about the strengths and resources already available in every individual—both in the youth and in the adult providing support—can help in the process of identifying best ways to address disclosures and to use what is already in place. LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

Although all disclosures should be taken seriously, two things Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts when talking should be the primary criteria for the initial response to a to a child/youth you suspect has been/is being disclosure: sexually exploited. 1. The age of the person making the disclosure. If the person making the disclosure is a minor, one DO llBe non-judgmental when listening to the child/ is is required to report the incident to the state youth, and make sure to avoid shaming the agency handling child abuse and neglect cases and/ child/youth in the way you ask questions. or law enforcement. Each state has a slightly different ll”I” questions can be very helpful. Rather than reporting protocol. But in general professionals working beginning your conversation by saying, “You (the in the field of mental health, health, teachers, and other child) did something/said something that made me adults working with youth and children are mandated worry...” consider starting your inquiry with the word “I.” For example, “I am concerned because...” reporters. In some states, every adult suspecting abuse llPay attention to your body language. Face the or neglect of a child is actually considered a mandated child/youth and make eye contact. Show interest, reporter. empathy and understanding through words, 2. The immediacy and level of danger. Is the youth nods, and facial expressions. Speak calmly. sharing something that happened six years ago or llPay attention to a child’s/youth’s body language during and something that is ongoing? Are they in immediate after their response to your question. Their body language danger and afraid to go home? Or is the person who should be congruent with what they are verbalizing. llLabel the behavior, not them. For example, “you’re is abusing or exploiting them still in their lives? Even involved in prostitution” rather than “you’re a prostitute.” though an abuse that took place in the past has to llAsk if anyone has been touching them in ways that be reported when the individual is still a minor, the don’t feel OK or that make them feel uncomfortable. situation might give you more time to follow up and llKnow that sexual abuse can produce a physical think about possible resources available. It might not response that feels good to the victim, so asking be necessary to drop everything you are doing right at your child if someone is hurting them may not get the information that you are looking for. the moment. However, if the child discloses information llEmphasize the child’s/youth’s own choices that is about a recent incident and involves immediate and wishes in the recovery process. danger for the child and/or their family, beyond an immediate call to Child Protective Services, you might DON’T want to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline llDispute facts or comment on the child’s/youth’s and locate all the appropriate referral information that motivations. This is likely to stop the flow of information. l seems relevant at the moment, such as sexual abuse and lExpect the child/youth to recognize their situation as exploitative or to present themselves as a victim domestic violence centers, homeless shelters, emergency in need of immediate intervention or rescuing. services, law enforcement, and trafficking-specific llReact verbally or physically in a way that communicates services. Use your good judgment in assessing whether disgust or disdain. Refrain from displaying a “shocked” the situation is so severe or urgent that a call to 911 face or talking about how “awful” the child’s/youth’s might be appropriate. experience was—this may shut the child/youth down. llExpect the child/youth to disclose all of the details of their abuse. Sometimes difficult Remember to be sensitive to the victim/survivor’s feelings, information will need to be gathered in stages. needs, and preferences, and don’t do things without the youth’s knowledge. As you probably know already from your own training and education, it is important to acknowledge your own level of comfort and the boundaries of your role. For example, don’t take on the role of an investigator or take someone’s safety in your hands if you are not a Child Protective Services worker, an FBI agent, or law enforcement employee. LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

ADDRESSING ONLINE-INITIATED AND We might imagine an “online predator” to be a creepy old man ONLINE-BASED EXPLOITATION with a mustache sitting at his computer pretending to be a young teen online. But studies and interviews with victims of Pornography exploitation have shown that more often than not, the abused teens were aware of the offender’s age when they chatted Recent studies on the effects of viewing pornography suggest online, and some thought of them as a romantic partner. The that youth who watch pornography may develop unrealistic abused teens thought that they were in love, and in many ideas and expectations about sex. Research also suggests that cases had sex with the abuser on multiple occasions. These youth who view pornograpy, especially on instant streaming encounters often took the legal form of statutory rape (Crimes websites, have higher levels of delinquent behavior, higher Against Children Research Center, 2000). levels of depression, and decreased emotional bonding with caregivers (Owens, et al.) If the topic of pornography comes up in a conversation, encourage the child/youth to think critically How do you know if a child/youth is having about the effects of what they’re watching and keep an open problems online? dialogue. It is difficult for children/youth to talk about sexual concerns or sexual exploitation, whether it’s committed by a stranger, Sexting someone they know, or a peer. Many tell no one at the time, and even when they grow to be adults many victims feel they Sending and receiving nude or suggestive photos is a part can’t tell anyone. of everyday life for many teens, but it can have negative consequences when a photo meant for one person is being Signs that a child or young person may be the target of sexual passed around the whole school. The consequences of sexting exploitation online include: can have lasting implications, including bullying, humiliation, llSpending increasing amounts of time on the Internet and expulsion from school. It can also provide unfortunate llBecoming increasingly secretive—particularly opportunities for someone to blackmail them and exploit them. around their use of technology llHiding what they have on their screen Even if a youth is taking and sending explicit material of when someone walks by themselves, they can be charged with the production and llIncreasingly using their phone/computer in private places distribution of child pornography by law enforcement, and be llNot being able to talk openly about their activity online listed on the sex offenders registry. Although it is unlikely for llAgitated behavior when answering calls or messages a teenager to face charges in court for sexting, it is important llMissing periods of school with no for youth to be aware of the realities of the possible legal explanation of where they are going consequences in addition to social/emotional ones. llVague talk of a new friend but not offering further information llUnexplained changes in behavior, temperament, or personality (e.g. chaotic, aggressive, sexual, mood swings) Healthy online/offline relationships llPhone shows a record of visiting lesser known chatrooms and social media sites, as opposed to An exploitative relationship can develop over time. People popular platforms like Twitter or Instagram gain trust by offering things that youth often crave such as a llTalking to people via text message, or messaging apps such listening ear, compliments, gifts, and promises of love. Making as Kik, Viber, Line, or Snapchat that they met online decisions can be a difficult emotional process for youth who are bombarded with competing images of what a relationship is “supposed” to look like. And when the interactions are happening online, it can be especially hard for youth to recognize risky situations. LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO? KNOW THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH Sometimes children and youth that are victims of human trafficking or CSEC do not disclose that they are victims of A child/youth may come to you for help with a topic that you these crimes because they are not able to identify that they are feel unequipped to talk about. For example, you may suspect victims. Yet, if you have enough reason to believe that they are that they are planning to run away from home and that it may being exploited, or if you notice vulnerabilities that indicate be difficult to stop them. high risk, address the vulnerabilities in the best way that you In these situations, you can talk to the child/youth about can by having a non-judgmental attitude, referring, providing support services such as the National Runaway Safeline information, and assisting them in safety planning. number or youth homeless shelters in your area so that they will know where to go for the help they’re looking for.

REVIEW It is important to encourage youth to reach out for help and let them know that in spite of their circumstances, they are valuable and there are people who want to help them find their When a youth discloses to you or you identify high risk and way out of unsafe situations. vulnerability in a youth: The following are national resources. We encourage you to do llBuild rapport and listen in a non-judgmental way an assessment of the resources available in your area. llAsk few but key questions, primarily about safety llREPORT Important Resources llMake referrals or connect them with services in your organization, including: HUMAN TRAFFICKING The National Human Trafficking Resource Center: ll Basic needs (food/shelter/safety) (this includes youth who 1-888-3737-888 ll Counseling services have been in “the life”) (Text “Be Free” 233733) l l Substance abuse programs RUNAWAY National Runaway Safeline: ll Job development and case management 1-800-786-2929 ll Prevention intervention (e.g., specific RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT National Sexual Assault Hotline Rape information about trafficking, abuse, Abuse & Incest National Network services, and safety planning) (RAINN): ll Mentoring 1-800-656-4673 llConnect them to services specific to trafficking victims DOMESTIC VIOLENCE National Domestic Violence Hotline: llReview/write policies in your school, agency, 1-800-799-7233 or organization that decrease risk and SUICIDE Suicide Prevention Lifeline: improve safety, reporting, and response 1-800-273-8255 llEncourage peer support ALCOHOL AND DRUGS Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-4357 PREGNANCY American Pregnancy Helpline: 1-866-942-6466 HEALTH Planned Parenthood Federation of America Counseling and Referral: 1-800-230-7526 LGBTQ GLBT National Youth Talk Line: 1-800-246-7743 POISON National Capital Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222 GENERAL SUPPORT Crisis Text Line: AND INFORMATION Text “LISTEN” to 741-741 LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS APPENDIX A LEGAL ACTION You may be wondering what legal actions you can take as a professional if you suspect trafficking in your school, agency, ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR ONLINE organization, or community, or find out that a child/youth has SAFETY been sexually exploited or involved in commercial sex. Internet filtering software options llNet Nanny In case of immediate danger, call 911 Net Nanny shows you what children do online. Parents If you witness a situation of exploitation or are told by can install software to help keep children/youth safe. a child/youth that they are facing threats of immediate www.netnanny.com danger, contact 911. llAVG Family Safety AVG Family Safety software monitors chat rooms Follow procedures for your institution and social networking sites, filters websites based on It is likely your institution has documented policies and age appropriate content, and sends you to text/email procedures regarding mandated reporting when there is reports on web usage. www.avg.com/us-en/avg-family-safety reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child under llWebWatcher the age of 18 has been abused, neglected, or is placed in WebWatcher collects data about user activity on imminent risk of serious harm. computers or mobile devices and creates detailed time tracking and activity reports that are available online. As with other forms of abuse and neglect, it is www.webwatcher.com required to report suspected human trafficking and exploitation to the state agency handling child abuse Online safety guide for teens and neglect cases and/or law enforcement. If this is not llLove146’s Online Safety Guide reflected in your institution’s policies and procedures, This page, written to be a resource for teens, walks the it is recommended that you speak to the appropriate reader through conversational red flags, safety rules of administrator. thumb to follow online, and advice for what to do if you feel uncomfortable. www.love146.org/online-safety If you suspect human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Tools for addressing pornography (NHTRC) Hotline, 888-3737-888 llThe Guideline This 20-page guide from Fight the New Drug is for The hotline is available to answer all calls 24 hours a parents/caregivers who want to address pornography with day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Calls received teenagers. The guide is based on the feedback that Fight by the hotline are always anonymous unless the caller the New Drug has received from thousands of teenagers chooses to provide the NHTRC with his or her name and research on the effects of pornography. www.store.fightthenewdrug.org/products/the-guideline-pdf and contact information and authorizes its use. This llFortify information is not given to law enforcement, other This online program is designed to help people, especially individuals, or other agencies without prior consent. children/youth, overcome their struggle with pornography through a series of video-based lessons. What happens after I report a tip? www.fortifyprogram.org After receiving a tip, the (NHTRC) team jointly conducts a thorough internal review process to determine appropriate next steps. Crisis calls and urgent tips receive immediate follow-up. Before reporting, the NHTRC will consider the needs and stated preferences of the caller as a primary consideration. Additional LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

considerations include the specificity of the information as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct provided, the presence of indicators of severe forms involving a minor (someone under the age of 18). of trafficking in persons, the involvement of minors, and the anti-trafficking services and law enforcement Visual depictions include photographs, videos, or digital available in the caller’s area. When known, the or computer-generated images that are indistinguishable preferences of the potential victims involved will be from an actual minor. This also includes images created, taken as a primary consideration. adapted, or modified, but which appear to depict an identifiable, actual minor. Follow-up may involve any of the following actions: ● An additional call to the caller to confirm Visual depictions of a minor created by the minor or by the accuracy of information (with the caller’s another minor are also considered child pornography. consent) ● Provision of materials and/or referrals to To report an incident involving the production, organizations in the caller’s area serving possession, distribution, or receipt of child pornography, trafficking victims file a report on the website for the National Center ● A report to a local anti-trafficking organization, for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at www. service provider, or law enforcement (Please refer cybertipline.com or call 1-800-843-5678. Your report to the NHTRC’s Confidentiality Policy.) will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action.

Find out the age of consent in your state You should also report the incident to federal, state, or The legal consequences of sexual exploitation or local law enforcement. involvement in commercial sex for a minor can depend on the age of consent, which varies from state to state. For example, the age of consent in California is 18, Understand statutory rape laws while in Connecticut it’s 16. If a minor under the age of consent has engaged in www.age-of-consent.info/ sexual activity with someone over 18, but it did not involve an exchange of money or goods, it is possible that the abuser can be charged for statutory rape. Become familiar with the laws in your state The laws regarding human trafficking also vary state by In cases of statutory rape, it’s possible that the child state. While the federal law defines any minor involved may not see it as abuse or exploitation, but rather a in commercial sex as a victim of human trafficking, sexual/romantic relationship with an older person. each state varies in how human trafficking charges are handled. In statutory rape, overt force or threat need not be present, because a minor is legally incapable of giving The State Map from Polaris shows a list of current consent to the act. state laws and service providers for human trafficking http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/08/sr/statelaws/summary.shtml victims/survivors for each state. www.polarisproject.org/state-map

Understand child abuse image laws Images of child abuse images (i.e., child pornography) are not protected under First Amendment rights and are illegal contraband under federal law. Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code defines “child pornography” LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

I’ll be there to pick you up, if ever you should fall If you got problems, I can solve ‘em, they big or they small APPENDIX B That other nigga you be with ain’t ‘bout shit I’m your friend, your father, and confidant, bitch!

“P.I.M.P.” BY 50 CENT [Chorus]

[Chorus] I told you fools before, I stay with the tools I don’t know what you heard about me I keep a Benz, some rims, and some jewels But a bitch can’t get a dollar out of me I holla at a hoe, till I got a bitch confused No Cadillac, no perms, you can’t see She got on Payless, me I got on gator shoes That I’m a motherfuckin’ P I M P (x2) I’m shoppin’ for chinchillas, in the summer they cheaper Now shorty, she in the club, she dancin’ for dollars Man this hoe you can have her, when I’m done I ain’t gonna She got a thing for that Gucci, that Fendi, that Prada keep her That BCBG, Burberry, Dolce and Gabana Man, bitches come and go, every nigga pimpin’ know She feed them foolish fantasies, they pay her ‘cause they wanna You sayin’ it’s secret, but you ain’t gotta keep it on the low

I spit a little G man, and my game got her Bitch choose with me, I’ll have you strippin’ in the street A hour later, have that ass up in the Ramada Put my other hoes down, you get your ass beat Them trick niggas in her ear sayin’ they think about her Now Nik my bottom bitch, she always come up with my bread I got the bitch by the bar, tryin’ to get a drink up out her The last nigga she was with, put stitches in her head

She like my style, she like my smile, she like the way I talk Get your hoe out of pocket, I’ll put a charge on a bitch She from the country, think she like me ‘cause I’m from New ‘Cause I need 4 TVs and AMGs for the six York Hoe make a pimp rich, I ain’t payin’ bitch I ain’t that nigga tryin’ to holla ‘cause I want some head Catch a date, suck a dick, shit, trick! I’m that nigga tryin’ to holla ‘cause I want some bread [Chorus] I could care less how she perform when she in the bed Bitch hit that track, catch a date, and come and pay the kid Yeah, in Hollywoood they say, there’s no b’ness like show Look baby this is simple, you can’t see b’ness You fuckin’ with me, you fuckin’ with a P I M P In the hood they say, there’s no b’ness like hoe b’ness, you know [Chorus] They say I talk a lil’ fast, but if you listen a lil’ faster I ain’t gotta slow down for you to catch up, bitch! I’m ‘bout my money you see, girl you can holla at me If you fuckin’ with me, I’m a P I M P Not what you see on TV, no Cadillac, no greasy Head full of hair, bitch I’m a P I M P

Come get money with me, if you curious to see How it feels to be with a P I M P Roll in the Benz with me, you could watch TV From the backseat of my V, I’m a P I M P

Girl we could pop some champagne and we could have a ball We could toast to the good life, girl we could have it all We could really splurge girl, and tear up the mall If ever you needed someone, I’m the one you should call LOVE146’S GUIDE FOR #PROFESSIONALS

But the harassment didn’t stop there; one night, after the second game APPENDIX C of the season, it went too far. It started with a howling noise from a senior football player, and then the lights would flicker until the locker room went completely dark. Two witnesses reported that the seniors “tripped a freshman in a t-shirt and football pants, letting loud music EXAMPLES OF VICTIM BLAMING: SEXUAL muffle any noise the boy made as he fell. Two pinned the younger boy’s arms, while others punched and kicked him—not viciously, but hard ASSAULT CASES FROM STEUBENVILLE, enough to matter, two witnesses said.” OHIO AND SAYREVILLE, NEW JERSEY In the darkness, the freshman football player was sexually assaulted by multiple upperclassmen. Some pinned the boy to the floor while the others committed the sexual assault. RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES: Three similar locker room assaults occurred later in the season. In STEUBENVILLE total, four boys have shared stories of their assault—some were as A 16-year old girl, Amy,* left a party around midnight with several young as 13. football players, including Tyler* and Michael.* Her friends tried to talk *Quotes from The New York Times, “Football Players in Sayreville, N.J., her out of leaving. She had drunk a lot of alcohol and was already Recall Hazing” By Nate Schweber, Kim Barker and Jason Grant. stumbling and slurring her words. The group left to go to a second party where people said Amy looked “out of it.” They only stayed about 20 minutes before leaving. Some say Amy needed help walking. Others say Questions to consider: she had to be carried out. She woke up long enough to throw up in the llTo what extent do you think the victims street, a witness said. They also said her shirt had been taken off. were at fault for the incident?

On the way to a third party, Tyler sexually assaulted Amy in the back llIn what ways could blaming the victim for seat while his friends took video and pictures. When they arrived at the incident be harmful to the victim? the last party, Tyler assaulted her again. Now unconscious, Amy was llWhat is the role of the bystanders who may stripped and assaulted by Michael. One of Tyler’s friends said he told have seen/heard about the abuse? them to wait until she woke up, but Tyler said, “It’s alright. Don’t llHow could this incident have been prevented? worry.” The boys took more photos of her and some went back to the second party and shared them with friends. llIf you heard reports of a similar incident in your school/organization, how would you Later, Amy said she couldn’t remember much about the night, except react? What questions would you ask? for a short time at the second party. She said she woke up the next llHow would you feel about the incident if a morning in a basement living room with Tyler and others, and couldn’t child you work with was the victim? find her underwear, flip-flops, phone, and earrings. llHow would you feel about the incident if a child you The boys—and others—shared comments, video, and photos from the night work with was one of the perpetrators or bystanders? through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and text messages. One llHow do you teach the children you work with to photo posted on Instagram shows two boys carrying Amy, who had respect others and find value in every human being? passed out, around by her wrists and ankles. *Name has been changed to protect victim identity. Names of the When a guilty verdict was announced in the Steubenville case, perpetrators have also been changed because of their age at the time of mainstream media coverage was full of victim blaming. CNN the assault. discussed how the boys were “promising students.” ABC made *Name has been changed to protect victim identity. Names of the perpetrators have also excuses for the rapists, saying that they were “in a celebratory been changed because of their age at the time of the assault. mood” the night of the assault. NBC lamented the boys’ loss of “promising football careers.” The Associated Press and USA Today stressed that the victim was drunk. Yahoo News went so RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES: far as to say that the victim forced the town into an emotional SAYREVILLE situation. Harassment in the locker room at Sayreville War Memorial High School was not an uncommon thing for freshmen members of the Helping children question victim blaming language in reporting football team. They were constantly harassed by varsity players, and many would actually rush to the locker room to get dressed before can help victims disclose information about their own abuse, an more senior players could push them around. “They slinked away when important step for healing and preventing future exploitation. the older varsity boys barreled in, blasting their music, shooting each other with Nerf guns and stripping down with the kind of confidence that freshmen could only fake.”