METEC Middlesex Essex Teen Exploitation Collaborative Department of Children and Families, Middlesex District Attorneys, Lowell Police Department, Lowell Public Schools, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Lowell Juvenile Court, South Bay Mental Health, Lowell Alliance, Alternative House, Lowell General Hospital, Lowell Community Health Center, MSPCC, Rape Crisis Center, United Teen Equality Center, Umass Lowell, Salem State, Boston College

What is Sexual Exploitation “Hollywood” version Movies like “Taken” - Trafficking of women from Eastern Europe to US for example Real Life Version young girls being seduced by older men; promises of a “better life”; being forced into sex for a place to stay

Sexual Abuse vs. Exploitation Abuse means: any sexual contact between a caretaker and a child under the care of that individual. Exploitation means sex is used as leverage or as an exchange for goods or services i.e., a place to stay, food to eat, etc. A caretaker could exploit someone.

Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC) What it is: Taking unfair advantage of the imbalance of power between an adult and a youth under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual pleasure. It can also involve an exchange or a promise of an exchange of status or standing within a peer group or gang.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) What it is: A form of violence against youth under the age of 18 years old. Sexual abuse and remuneration in money, goods, or services; or the promise of money, goods, or services to the child or a third person or persons

CSEC includes: street prostitution pornography stripping, erotic/nude massage/escort services, phone sex lines, private parties, gang-based prostitution forms of Internet-based exploitation

Pathways to Entry Violence and force Kidnapping Seduction and coercion False advertising for “modeling,” “acting,” or “dancing” opportunities Parents selling children Peer recruitment Internet enticement through chat rooms Profile-sharing websites, such as Facebook or MySpace Gang initiations/recruitment

How to identify victims Visible signs of abuse, such as: unexplained bruises, black eyes, cuts, or marks. Behaviors including fear, anxiety, depression, submission, tension, and/or nervousness. Exhibit “hyper-vigilance” or paranoid behavior. Youth often express interest in, or are in relationships with, adults or older men.

How to help victims: Tangible Needs Opportunities to develop new skills and strengths Medical and/or dental care Health education Mental healthcare Counseling and/or case management Safety plan Childcare and/or parenting skills Crisis housing Longterm housing Food Clothing Education Job or income Viable alternatives for employment Transportation Legal representation and/or advocacy

How to help victims: Intangible Needs Safety Protection Nonjudgmental environment Respect Acceptance Engagement in positive peer/social group Healthy adult relationships Mentors and/or positive role models Supportive peers Understanding of the recovery process Affirmation of skills and strengths Recognition of abuse and trauma An opportunity to not be defined solely by abuse and trauma A sense of empowerment in one's own healing and restoration process

Who is at risk in Lowell? Average age of entry/recruitment is 12 year old in the US (ECPAT International, 2009) Risk is increased with: – A history of abuse or neglect – Family substance abuse – Poverty – Poor supervision – Poor school attendance or school participation

Statistics According to statistics provided by the Department of Children and Families: Massachusetts overall has seen a 69% decrease in reported sexual abuse allegations from Lowell has shown a 185% increase sexual abuse allegations from

Statistics Continued: According to statistics provided by the Department of Children and Families: The age of victims in sexual abuse allegations between most frequently reported was between 3-5 years old. The most reported age of sexual abuse allegations between was between the ages of years old

A Three Tier Approach to Address Sexual Exploitation in the Lowell Community: 1. Education and Community Prevention 2. Legal and Law Enforcement 3. Treatment and Victim Services

Education and Community Prevention: Assist the community in understanding sexual exploitation Implementing sexual exploitation into the 6 th grade health classes of Lowell Public Schools Address the diversity and complexity of the Lowell Community

Legal and Law Enforcement: Middlesex District Attorneys Office Lowell Police Department Department of Children and Families Federal Bureau of Investigation Lowell Juvenile Court

Treatment and Services: Harm reduction programs Therapeutic mentoring Support groups for victims/survivors Supportive placements for victims in the care and custody of the state

What Can You Do To Protect Children? Talk to the children with whom you are working Know who children are spending time with to ensure they are age appropriate Support parental supervision of activities in the community Watch for changes in behaviors Watch for changes in emotions

What to do if you are concerned a child is the victim of exploitation? Contact your school social worker, guidance counselor or principal Contact the Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline at: Contact your local Police Department

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

References ECPAT, Estes, R.J. & Weiner, N.A. (2001). The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in the US, Canada and Mexico. University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Work. The Department of Children and Families, Annual report 2008, doc The Family Justice Center. (2010). My Life, My Choice.