All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Edmund Burke
Atlanta is awakening from a long slumber of ignorance to the reality that its children are bought, traded, and sold on busy streets every day. While a long way off from being fully understood by the public, the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) no longer enjoys the cover of secrecy that it did twenty years ago. However, recognizing the crime, while crucially important, is only a part of the rescue system solution: the next step is response.
HB 200 makes it clear that human trafficking is not a “victimless” crime. The victims are real, and they need to be empowered by the law to stand against their perpetrators and find the assistance they need to succeed in their life after the crime. And today, in a 54-yes; 2-excused vote, the GA Legislature affirmed the fight against trafficking by providing harsher punishments for the crime and greater opportunities for victim care.
The summary below is available thanks to Georgia Women for a Change:
The statistics about commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Atlanta are overwhelming. At least 400 children are being trafficked in Georgia each month. 14 years old is the average age of a CSEC victim. And up to 300,000 children in the U.S alone are at risk of being exploited. It can seem like a daunting problem to take on. However, the Rescue system, a four-step approach to ending CSEC in Atlanta, provides space for everyone in the advocacy movement, from CEOs to crossing guards. CSEC is a business: one that has been named the 3rd largest moneymaker for organized crime. Because it’s a systematic industry, the most effective means to take it down is through a system of our own. The rescue system is comprised of four elements of action: Recognition, Response, Restoration, and Review. Each part is vital to the process of eradicating CSEC, but recognition is the catalyst for all of it. Read More…
Within the relatively short history of the United States of America, one can discern an overarching theme: Freedom. This country was formed from the idea that men and women can and should exercise personal freedom without fear of repercussions from any government or person. But even after fighting two wars to enable autonomy and abolish slavery, not all in this country are free. Beneath the glittering pride of this nation lies a hidden shame, a shame that many in this nation don’t even know exists, and those who do often choose to ignore. Slavery not only still survives, it thrives within these streets that have been paved with the blood our ancestors gave to abolish its existence. Read More…
