Is child sex trafficking happening in Arkansas and the US?

YES. The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is happening right here in Arkansas and in every state in our nation. The stark reality is 77% of trafficked persons are exploited in their own country, per the U.S. Department of State 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report.

What exactly is sex trafficking?

Sex trafficking occurs when a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion. It is imperative to note when the person induced to perform the act is under 18 years old it is child sex trafficking and force, fraud, or coercion need not be present or proven.

A commercial sex act means any item of value is traded for any sexual service (forced prostitution, pornography, image-based abuse, stripping, and other sex acts are all examples). 

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) who are U.S. citizens for monetary or other compensation (shelter, food, drugs, etc.). You may also hear it termed child sex slavery, child sex trafficking, and prostitution of children. These situations most often include an exploiter/trafficker/pimp who benefits from the exchange but it is not always the case.

What makes a child vulnerable to child sex trafficking?

Age

While any vulnerability can be exploited and manipulated, age is a primary factor. Youth of all ages, particularly pre-teen and adolescents are highly susceptible to tactics used by traffickers. Exploiters are master manipulators who all or a combination of deception, false promises, threats, and violence to control their victim.

Any place youth are found are where traffickers target from social media sites to malls, parks, and schools, to group homes and shelters. Additionally, youth with an increased risk of being trafficked have experienced physical or sexual abuse, are homeless and/or runaways. 

Internet Safety Threats

Exploiters/Traffickers regularly begin interactions with youth online. They utilize every social media platform as well as apps that allow chatting to begin relationships. They will often spend an abundance of time building trust, and emotional attachment. It tends to progress without threats or force until they agree to meet in person, send a compromising photo or share something that can be used against them. That’s when the predator takes action.

What about the girls who choose prostitution? Are they victims of trafficking too?

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) sex trafficking requires force, fraud or coercion UNLESS the victim is a minor. Any minor used in a commercial sex act (the exchange of any item of value for a sex act) IS a victim of trafficking, regardless of their willingness or desire to engage in the sex act.

Why don’t victims escape when they have the opportunity?

Traffickers use physical, emotional and psychological abuse to coerce young women and girls into a life of sex trafficking. Traffickers are master manipulators and employ tactics to create trauma bonds with victims. Traffickers often use the threat of violence against them or their loved ones to secure their submission.

How do traffickers recruit victims?

There are many different ways and the methods, while predictable, are as fluid as individual personalities. Many are Romeo pimps who use a “lover-boy” technique to recruit victims. They present themselves as a boyfriend and woo them with gifts, promises of fulfilled dreams, protection, adventure, love or whatever the felt need is for that person. After securing her love and loyalty, he will force her into prostitution. Guerilla or (gorilla) pimps primarily use force and violence to overpower their victims, as well as to control them after recruitment. Familial trafficking is unfortunately not uncommon and occurs when an immediate or extended family member is the exploiter.

What is the difference between a trafficker and a pimp?

Nothing, it is just another name for a trafficker. A trafficker/pimp is any person who causes an adult (using force, fraud or coercion) or any minor to engage in commercial sex in order to profit from the exploitation of that individual.

Where does trafficking occur?

Trafficking happens in various places. It can occur on the street like many think of when they imagine prostitution. It also occurs in hotels, motels, residential homes, clubs, camps, colleges, businesses, strip clubs, massage parlors, cantinas, escort services, and online.

Who buys sex?

Buyers come in all shapes, sizes, genders, races, professions, and socio-economic groups. To put it simply, buyers look like us. They can be the neighbor, teacher, coach, mayor, banker, clergyman...literally anyone. They can also be family members.

To view information about buyers in your state, visit www.demandingjustice.org.

How does pornography affect the trafficking industry?

Pornography is to trafficking what fuel is to a fire. It may be viewed individually, but it is not victimless. Pornographic materials are created by both children and adults who endure rape, abuse and brutality at the hands of the creators. Pornography tends to skew the viewer’s perception of healthy sexuality and boundaries, which has a negative impact on their personal relationships. Additionally, pornography and pornagraphic materials have increasingly become more and more violent and deviant, further skewing expectations of healthy sexuality. This is also leading buyers to expect what they have seen exposing those being trafficked to an even higher risk of violent and degrading sex acts.

What if someone I know is being groomed for trafficking or is being trafficked?

Click here to learn the signs and steps for reporting.