The Horrors of Sexual Trafficking, American-Style

for traffickers and provides increased resources for victims in the United States.



These are steps in the right direction, but efforts to crack down on traffickers should be reinforced with longer prison sentences, higher fines, and the reach of the law should be expanded to include even minor accomplices in these crimes.



But we must move beyond merely passing laws. Putting a stop to the sexual trafficking of young people must become a top priority of federal and local police agencies. It can largely be eradicated if the full force of the law is focused on ferreting out those who prey on young people.



Also, more needs to be done to raise awareness of the dangers posed to children. This means that the media must publicize the issue on a wide scale. Moreover, children should be further warned of the dangers of these situations in school, in our religious institutions and our homes. This means that parents and communities need to be informed as well. Hearing the chilling stories of victims like Jaycee, Debbie and Miya not only provides insight into the inner-workings of the sex trade in this country, but it may also encourage other survivors to speak out.



The only way to truly combat sex trafficking is to expose its seedy underbelly, harshly punish perpetrators and bring justice to the victims. Yes, as collective communities and as a nation, we must make sexual trafficking a priority. The future of our country hangs in the balance.



WC: 1001



This commentary is available online at www.rutherford.org







Constitutional attorney and author John W. Whitehead is founder and president of The Rutherford Institute. His new book The Change Manifesto (Sourcebooks) is now available in bookstores and online. He can be contacted at johnw@rutherford.org. Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at www.rutherford.org