was always getting kidnapped or held hostage. The
bad guys would say, "We're going to kill you," but
else, giving her a couple of hours to come up with a
creative way to escape. Thanks in part to Nancy, I
grew up thinking that to be captured was cool, that it
would be exciting to get close to danger because
there was always a way out, and I would be a heroine.
They've learned what works, and one
of their most effective tools these days
is the Internet. "The men once had to
recruit in the streets," says one investi-
gator. "Now they can spend eight to 12
hours a day texting or using Facebook."
a website. Yes, I know that's strange.
He said he'd like to cut the hair himself. Could I meet him
at his office after hours or at a hotel somewhere? Um...no
thank you!
or remember, so I accepted this one and soon after got this
personal message: "When I saw your profile, I was thrilled.
Everything about you interests me. You look honest, caring,
and above all you are beautiful. I want to have a communica-
tion with you and see where it leads us, do not mind the age
difference as it's only a number while distance can be
countered with a good communication."
a hundred kids, or a thousand, waiting to see who would
respond? What if it went to a young girl who had never
encountered a predator before, or who was in a difficult family
situation (victims of sexual abuse are often targeted by
predators--they exhibit certain traits seen as exploitable) and
desperate for a way out? What if she was insecure and longed
for someone to treat her with value and worth?
The average age for a girl in the United States to be
trafficked is 13; for boys it's 12. Children are less aware, more
trusting, and therefore more vulnerable. But you can help.
Here's how:
making this a topic of your child's school project (stats at www.kimberlyrae.com).
in dangerous places.
struggle.
teens or be teens working for
traffickers. Make sure your young
people know never to go alone or with
another teen to meet an online friend.
their friends. That way if they bring up
a concern about so-in-so, you'll know
who they're talking about.
dangerous behavior or friendships even
though it might make them angry.
difficult situation. Give them the
or experience. A lot of kids exposed to
pornography online are too ashamed to
admit it.
When does physical contact or a
conversation with an adult cross the
line? Abuse can occur when the victim
isn't sure about what is permissable,
especially if someone in a position of
trust or authority is involved.
writes and speaks on human trafficking.