In March, two representatives from CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) were invited to speak about an important issue: domestic child sex trafficking. Jaime Hanks Meyers and Suma Ananthaswamy presented to the Plano/Collin County and Irving chapters of the League of Women Voters on this heartbreaking issue, the harms associated with this crime, and how individuals can get involved in ending it. The call to action was clear: “Help us raise awareness so our children are not victimized, our men do not perpetuate this industry, and our representatives make it a priority when putting laws on the books!”
“I was surprised at the number of children that are involved in it. It’s just unbelievable what some of them are going through,” said Maxine Reed from the Plano League of Women Voters. “Before Jaime came, I had no idea it was that bad here. It’s pretty scary.” The issue seems overwhelming, especially in the face of some startling statistics. “They told us one in every three runaways are approached by a trafficker,” said Maxine. “Every time I see a story about somebody that’s missing, I wonder if that’s what happened to them.”
Statistics and stories about child trafficking prompt communities to discuss solutions. “If kids knew what to be on the lookout for, maybe this wouldn’t happen,” said Emily Kirwan, an event attendee. “But we also learned how hard it is to make that happen. Not everyone wants to expose their children to this topic.”
With the support of individuals and collaborative organizations in Texas, including the League of Women Voters, C@R is confronting the hindrances in our legal system through human trafficking legislation. “We have made huge strides in Texas but there is much more to be done,” said Suma Ananthaswamy, Staff Attorney for C@R.
Suma spoke about several pieces of proposed legislation and solutions, including diversionary courts: “If a girl is identified as a victim, she is diverted away from the criminal system and into a rehabilitation program, where she can work towards healing and have the opportunity to leave without a criminal record.”
“Suma told us even when law enforcement believes these children are victims, there are few, if any, long-term placement facilities equipped to handle the needs of these kids. This means that the victims often return to the traffickers and their old way of life,” said Emily.
“One bill would mandate the training of CPS [Child Protective Services] workers, who are often left behind,” said Suma. C@R currently conducts similar training for CPS workers, “At the beginning, we ask if anyone has come into contact with a victim of human trafficking, and no one will put up their hand.” At the conclusion of the training, the instructors ask the same question, and the number of hands is much higher.
Organizations like the League of Women Voters are helping C@R spread the word about human trafficking and how to get involved in the fight. Raising awareness is crucial as we continue to look for more opportunities to make North Texas a safer place for our children. If you or your organization would like C@R to speak at your next engagement, please contact Amanda Steger and asteger@childrenatrisk.org.