Sexual Violence

What is Sex Trafficking?

Sex trafficking is a severe, profit-driven form of sexual violence and human exploitation where individuals are compelled to engage in commercial sex acts.

• The Mechanism: Traffickers rely on force, fraud, or coercion to manipulate, control, and exploit victims.
• Minors: If a person under the age of 18 is induced to perform a commercial sex act, it is legally classified as sex trafficking, regardless of whether any force, fraud, or coercion is present.

I’ve been Sexually Assaulted. What should I do?

First and foremost, know that what happened is not your fault. Your immediate safety and well-being are the top priorities.

• Find a safe space: Get to a secure location away from the perpetrator as soon as possible.
• Seek immediate medical attention: Go to an emergency room or a specialized clinic. Even if you don’t feel injured, you may need preventative treatments for STIs or pregnancy.
• Consider preserving evidence: If you might want to report the crime, try not to shower, bathe, comb your hair, or wash your clothes. You can request a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (often called a “rape kit”) at the hospital, which does not obligate you to press charges immediately.
• Reach out for professional support: In the U.S., you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.org. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
• Decide on reporting: You have the right to report the assault to the police, but the decision is entirely yours. Do what feels safest and best for you.

If Someone Discloses an Assault to You?

When someone trusts you enough to share this experience, your reaction can significantly impact their healing process.

• Listen and believe them: Let them talk without interrupting. Say clearly, “I believe you,” and “I am so sorry this happened.”
• Avoid playing detective: Do not ask probing questions about what they were wearing, why they were there, or why they didn’t fight back. Focus entirely on their feelings and safety.
• Reassure them: Clearly state that the assault was not their fault. The blame rests solely on the perpetrator.
• Give them back control: Sexual assault is a profound loss of control. Do not tell them what they must do (like forcing them to go to the police). Instead, ask, “How can I support you right now?” or “Would you like me to go to the hospital with you?”
• Respect their privacy: Keep their disclosure strictly confidential unless they ask you to speak to someone on their behalf or they are in imminent danger.

Protecting Children from Online Predators

Online safety requires ongoing conversations and active parental involvement, rather than just relying on software.

• Keep communication open: Talk to your child regularly about their online life. Ensure they know they will not lose their device or be punished if they come to you about something uncomfortable or scary they saw online.
• Educate on “stranger danger” for the internet: Teach them that people online can easily lie about their age and identity. Establish a strict rule against sharing personal information (full name, school, address) or photos with people they haven’t met in real life.
• Utilize privacy settings: Ensure all social media profiles and gaming accounts are set to private. Disable location-sharing features on apps and cameras.
• Supervise device usage: Keep computers and device-charging stations in common areas of the house rather than in bedrooms, especially at night.
• Watch for red flags: Be alert if your child quickly switches screens when you walk into the room, becomes unusually secretive about their device, or receives unexplained gifts in the mail.