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Who is at risk?
Sexual exploitation can happen to anyone. Youth at risk for recruitment may include:
- Youth with low self esteem who are seeking a sense of belonging.
- Youth experimenting with, and or addicted to alcohol or drugs.
- Youth who have run away or who have been kicked out of their home.
- Victims of abuse - sexual, emotional or physical.
Warning Signs
There are five warning signs to be aware of:
- Age Difference
Be aware if your child or peer is hanging out with someone much older then they are.
- Isolation
Physical - A recruiter will try to take you away from your community.
Emotional - They will try to convince you that they're the only person that cares about them.
- Gifts
Recruiters will give you money, drugs and anything of value and expect you to pay them back.
- Bad Vibe
Pay attention to your gut feeling when you meet new people.
5. Reputation
Avoid people with a reputation for being involved in crime, and or using and selling drugs.
How to report an incident
If you suspect that you or someone you know is being recruited, immediately report this information to your local police department. If it is an emergency situation call 911 or your local emergency number. When filing a report you will want to include as much information as you can. this might include:
- A detailed account of the incident: date, time, witnesses.
- A physical description of the victim, and or perpetrator.
- A description of the vehicle, make, model, license plate.
- Any details you may see relevant to the situation.
For youth who suspect a recruiter is working in their school and or community, they can call the Youth Against Violence Line at 1-800-680-4264, or online at http://www.takingastand.com/ . |
