Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Allison Boynes, MSW Forensic Interviewer Georgia Center for Child Advocacy April 10, 2012

Pre-Test CSEC victims choose their lifestyle and control their own money. FALSE Children in the sex trade are not victims. Victims are usually sent to a juvenile detention center initially when they are picked up. TRUE Victims are charged with prostitution when the police arrest them.

Atlanta……. 32 streets with the name "Peachtree“ the largest mall in the Southeast - Lenox Square the largest 10K race in the world - The annual Peachtree Road Race with 45,000 runners the oldest ballet company in the nation - The Atlanta Ballet the second-largest convention center in the world - the Georgia World Congress Center

One more thing about Atlanta… One of 14 cities in the nation for the HIGHEST incidence of children used in prostitution.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Definition: Sexual exploitation of a child primarily for financial or other economic reasons involving both monetary and non-monetary exchanges (i.e. food , shelter, drugs) for activities

Is it really a problem in Atlanta? In May 2011: 200-500 young girls are sexually exploited in Georgia every month. 40-90 girls were engaged in street prostitution every month 100-115 girls were represented in Craigslist ads every month Average age is 12-14 years old. 25 girls were exploited monthly at major hotels. Can you imagine what the numbers are now?

Georgia’s Recent Milestones CSEC Taskforce GA Care Connection Dept. of Juvenile Justice Dept. of Family and Children Services Governor’s Office for Child and Families A Future Not a Past StreetGrace Senate Bill 69

What does CSEC look like? Internet ads (Craigslist; Backpage.com; Sipsap.com; gotfolks.com) Escort Services Girls exploited by johns at motels/hotels/street Exotic dancing in adult-themed clubs and/or private parties Party buses

Sample Craigslist Ad TWO OF THE BEST IN ATLANTA FROM PANAMA CITY FL. WE’RE HERE JUST LOOKING FOR SAFE, CLEAN, DISCREET FUN... PREFERABLY WITH OLDER WM BUT ALL ARE WELCOME. PLEASE BE SERIOUS BECAUSE WE ARE, BE GENEROUS, AND MOBILE. SURE TO HAVE 100% SATISFACTION . SO COME ON..YOU KNOW YOU WANA.. XXX-XXX-XXXX

Example: Parents Trade Girl For Car Payments Couple bought a minivan and they forced their 14yo daughter to perform sexual acts with the dealership manager in exchange for making payments Also forced her to perform sex with 6 other males in exchange for drugs and money Dodge County (GA), March 2010

Risk Factors Child sexual/physical abuse Runaway/Throwaway/Homeless DJJ Involvement Truancy / Suspension Unaddressed trauma Mental health issues Substance Abuse Gang Involvement Proximity

Sexual abuse in the home Case Evolution Child: Sally (12yo) Key Points: As we go through the chart, look at gaps where the service delivery could have affected the outcome for Sally. Sally Runaway Sexual abuse in the home Substance Abuse Truancy

Negative Outcome of Service Delivery Suspension for smoking marijuana DFCS Involvement Services implemented and Case Closed Child runaways Prostitution DFCS & DJJ Involvement Assessment Sexual abuse revealed Services implemented School referral for substance abuse and truancy DFCS and DJJ involved to assess for safety and risk The assessment revealed the she was sexually abused by her stepfather. Parent decides to move child to grandmother’s residence. Services are stopped (no follow-up from parent), Child runaways from grandmother’s residence. Involved in prostitution.

Positive Outcome of Service Delivery School referral for substance abuse and truancy (meeting with school & DFCS to discuss the family)*Factors were identified early DFCS and DJJ involved to assess for safety and risk The assessment revealed that she was being forced into prostitution by her stepfather. Law enforcement is notified timely and a forensic interview is completed) A referral is sent to GA Care Connection for services GCCA coordinates with CHOA for a medical exam. Reveals STDs Continuous staffings (MDT, CSEC) about the case. Services are monitored. Victim’s Witness along with the prosecution to assist the client for trial purposes. Suspension for smoking marijuana Medical exam (CHOA) Staffings (MDT/CSEC) Superior Court Trial Services implemented (GA Care Connection DFCS & DJJ Involvement Assessment Sexual abuse revealed (GCCA & LE) Sally SURVIVOR

Current Resources Georgia Care Connection (www.georgiacareconnection.com) StreetGrace (www.streetgrace.org)

What’s left to be done? CSEC Taskforce State Protocol Increased collaboration amongst agencies

Post Test What does CSEC stand for? COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN Continuous staffings are important to ensure the needs of the child and the case are met. TRUE Truancy and unaddressed trauma are two risk factors. Exploiters do not advertise women under the age of 18 on internet sites for prostitution. FALSE

QUESTIONS?