We’ve received several comments following a rise in public exposure via news outlets and conversation, that critique the fundamental argument we try to make that:
Child Prostitution (aka Child Sex Slavery) = A heinous Injustice
Even more specifically, domestic child prostitution is considered Human Trafficking according to definition. Therefore we must address the elements of this issue that are being Critiqued:
The two assumptions being made by critics are:
- Child prostitutes choose their vocation (oppression) - Let us not be so naive to think that there is not correlation between the Valley being the worst in the country in kidnappings AND one of the worst cities for Child prostitution. Many girls are abducted and forced into this life, tortured, enslaved and left completely helpless to the will of the Pimp. Case-in-point Jaycee Dugard. Though she was not prostituted out by her captor, this still represents an abduction that led to sex slavery. AND IT HAPPENS ALL OVER THE VALLEY!
- “Good parenting” will prevent this issue from occuring - Along the same lines, we must dispel the idea that “good parenting”, though helpful in many ways, eliminates the threat. It doesn’t take much from peers and good-looking, older guys to manipulate their way into a teenager’s favor. Promises of fancy clothes, VIP lifestyles and adventurous love will barrage any “secure” and “supportive” home. This is why “good parenting” must include educating future-victims of the dangers that exist. It is more than just “stranger-danger”; This is potential slavery and rape, preying on children at schools, malls, and parks.
If you continue to question the idea that Child Prostitution is a Justice issue that all must embrace, we welcome you to continue the discourse by commenting to this Blog Post. We also invite all to learn more about this issue, and what is being done around the valley to combat Child Sex Slavery, to BRANDED screenings that are schedule and posted regularly on the home page. At BRANDED screenings we facilitate a panel discussion and Q&A with members of the Phoenix Vice Squad, former Victims, and City Advocates.
I read a book recently that was set in France in the early days of World War II. The story centers around a Jewish family that is taken from their home and hauled away in a train car to a concentration camp and ultimately to their death. The story was like many Holocaust-era stories; innocent Jewish people forced to wear a yellow star on their clothing, being denied entry into public places and businesses, a slow progression of alienation and discrimination, ultimately leading up to the atrocities that occured during the Holocaust.
What struck me the most about this particular story was the response of their community members. This family had been living in the neighborhood for many years. They were well-respected amongst their neighbors and friends. People knew them. And yet, while injustice was taking place against them, those people stood by and merely watched as it happened. Their friends were literally paraded through the streets, being taken against their will, and yet they did nothing… perhaps not wanting to get involved, thinking it was not their business, or perhaps fearing for their own safety.
I’ve wondered how I would have responded, had I lived during that time and in those communities. Would I have turned a blind eye? Pretended nothing was going on? Not wanted to risk my own comfort for the lives of others? I said to myself “I’m sure it’s not as bad as they say…I’m sure those people, my neighbors, are going of their own accord.”
Friends, let history not remember the people of Phoenix as the ones who stood by and did nothing against slavery that took place in our own backyards. Let us not turn a blind eye and choose to live in a false sense of reality. Let us be remembered as a people who rose up against injustice, who fought for freedom, and rescued young girls from a life of sexual abuse and slavery.
By Lisa, BRANDED Advisory Coucil
What an exciting weekend in Phoenix for the cause against child sex slavery! Two different churches focused their attention on the need to seek justice, and act against the vile crime of child prostitution in the area.
In Chandler, Pat McCalla of Food for the Hungry spoke at Crossroads Nazarene, focusing God’s heart for justice and the call in Micah 6:8 for us to “do Justice” as an act of worship and devotion. Click here to watch the sermon in it’s entirity.
Also, Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) of Peoria hosted Gary Haugen, President of International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org). Mr. Haugen spoke abou the growing injustice of Human Trafficking that goes unristricted throughout the world, and the need for us as Global Citizens to make prioritize this issue. Click here to watch Mr. Haugen’s message at CCV.
The quest to educate the general public of Phoenix is gaining momentum, and will not stop soon! This upcoming Sunday, August 16, Crossroads Nazarene will be hosting a Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery Symposium at which BRANDED will be screened. Phoenix Vice Officers and others leaders in the fight against slavery will be in attendance. Please invite your friends and family to this event, as it will provide meaningful information towards preventing the injustice, and offer action step for YOU to be involved in the cause!
Crossroads Nazarene - 2950 W Ray Rd Chandler, AZ 85224 - www.crnaz.com
There was a study completed by the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) in 2006-2007 to find out who “John” really is. They interviewed over 100 men who purchased sex in order to gather this information.
• They interviewed men of all ages - ranging between 20-71 years old.
• 79% were college educated
• 62% made over $40,000/year
• 62% had a wife or girlfriend
• Over 50% of them paid for sex as frequently as several times a week to at least once a month.
• The average age that a man first purchased sex was 21 although the range went from 10-52 years old
Johns come from all walks of life. They have jobs, families, and live in our neighborhoods. We need to be educated about who is making rape for profit a demand just as much as we need to educate the Johns about what life is like for these young girls. It is commonly stated that Johns don’t feel bad for what they are doing because the girls are “willing” to sell their bodies. However, in this same study, 75% of the men stated that they saw a pimp or “manager” with the girl that they were purchasing. 25% of the men who saw a Pimp said that the relationship looked “exploitative and harmful to the woman” - that doesn’t imply “willing”!
To find out more about their findings go to: www.stopsexualexploitation.com and click on “Why Men Buy Sex”.