The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Alisha K. Morton Portland State University Capstone Presentation June 15, 2013

What is CSEC?...a commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age. (TVPA, 2000)

The Facts thousand children are victims to CSEC in the U.S. per year Average age of initiation into CSEC is out of every 3 runaways will be approached by an exploiter within 48 hours of leaving home Recruitment of children takes place in urban, suburban and rural areas Portland is a destination spot for traffickers along the I- 5 corridor Portland has the highest number of adult entertainment establishments per capita than any other city in the U.S.

Why this project? CSEC is happening in our community and it is thriving! Bringing awareness to the issue is the first step in combating this crime My personal passion of empowering girls and young women to believe in themselves and their self-worth

Project Process Extensive literature review Interviewed 5 local professionals working in the CSEC arena Interviewed a former Portland CSEC victim

Review of the Literature Some information by support organizations but not much literature on CSEC focused on the Pacific Northwest, specifically Portland and its surrounding counties The need for a comprehensive reference guide for public sector employees focusing on Multnomah, Marion and Lane counties.

Interview Results Victims Majority are victims of sexual abuse prior to entering the sex trafficking world Experienced repeated trauma-rape, beatings, psychological abuse, starvation, forced drug use High rate of STD/HIV Low self-esteem and self-worth Children/teens/women of sex trafficking are victims

Interview Results (cont) Traffickers Gang affiliated Physical marking-tattoos Nice clothes/accessories but no employment Manipulative Actions More comprehensive resources for victims Educating our youth Collaboration

Deliverable The creation of a CSEC Reference Guide covering: 1.Victims 2.Traffickers 3.The demand/buyers 4.What Can We Do? 5.Resources

The Next Step Currently working with Multnomah County Dept. of Community Justice in publishing up to 500 copies and posting on the county website Lane County Child Welfare hopes to include the CSEC Reference Guide as a tool in serving the affected population in their community Possible training tool and deliverable to other counties in Oregon

The Leadership Implications 1.Leverage my leadership skills to make a difference in something I am passionate about. 2.Experienced first hand the benefit of relationship building and collaboration in working towards a common goal. 3.I have proven to myself that I have the ability to lead from where I sit.

Questions?

Acknowledgements My fellow cohort members-special thanks to Lynn, Bridget, Kevin and Ted too. Dr. Nishishiba-the best advisor! Dr. Morgan-for encouraging me to stay in the program when I didn’t think I could do it I couldn't have done it without my better half, Ron My boys-Griffin and Conner My family