National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline
1 (888) 373-7888
In spite of what many Americans believe, slavery did not end in this country in 1865. Child Sex Trafficking and Exploitation is a form of modern-day slavery. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that is thriving in the shadows of society right here in America. Right here in Georgia.
Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) — colloquially known as child prostitution — occurs when American children (under the age 18) are sold or exploited for purposes of sex.
This crime occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his/her will. (Trafficking Victims Protection Act, 2000)
Key Statistics
- United States – About 293,000 U.S. children are at risk of being exploited and trafficked for sex, according to a 2011 FBI report on trafficking.
- Atlanta, Georgia – Atlanta is one of the United States’ largest trafficking hubs. It has higher rates of human trafficking than Washington, D.C., Miami, and Las Vegas.
- Columbus, Georgia – Children’s Tree House in Columbus, GA, conducted 83 forensic medical exams in 2015. They conducted 337 forensic interviews — 89 percent came from Columbus. The rest were from surrounding counties.
About the Victims
Victims have diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Sex traffickers target children because of their vulnerability and naïvety.
The average age at which girls become victims is between 12 and 14. For boys, it’s between 11 and 13.
Victims are often abducted or lured by pimps/ traffickers, beaten into submission, and sometimes even branded with the pimp’s name. Many victims are controlled through psychological means, such as lies, manipulation, and the threat of violence. Many become addicted to drugs. These children are victims and survivors of rape.
Source: PolarisProject.org
Local Resources:
Georgia Council on Child Abuse
- 1-800-532-3208
Muscogee County DFCS Child Protective Center
- 2100 Comer Avenue, Columbus
- View Website
- To report child abuse: 1-855-GACHILD / 1-855-422-4453
- For other inquiries: 1-877-423-4746
Children’s Tree House Child Advocacy Center
- View Website
- Opelika: 334-705-0770
- Columbus: 706-327-9612
- LaGrange: 706-298-5064
Russell County Child Advocacy Center
- 67 Downing Drive, Phenix City, AL 36869
- View Website
- 334-297-4962
New Horizons Behavioral Health Services
- 2100 Comer Avenue, Columbus
- View Website
- 706-596-5500
