Message from the First Lady

FROM THE FIRST LADY

Conversations We Must Have With our Girls

By Cathelean Steele, Founder, Justice for Girls

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year since 2010, the President has dedicated this month to raising awareness about sex trafficking. Research shows that 80% of all trafficking victims are women and children (UN TIP Report), girls specifically ages 1217. I am finding an immense amount of information encouraging everyone to become more educated and aware of this growing pandemic we call sex trafficking. Parents, you must not assume that your child will never be in the presence of a trafficker. Research shows that sex traffickers (men and women) are generally well dressed, well spoken, and very persuasive. There is also the presence of social media platforms that have become major influencers in the way our daughters interact with others, the way they dress, and how they feel about their bodies. The social media platforms that I am referring to are Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and You Tube. Therefore, it is our responsibility to start conversations with our children at a young age educating them about the trappings all around us.

Survivors of sex trafficking have shared that they “didn’t always understand what was happening to them as they were being lured, groomed and later trafficked.” Parents become your child’s best friend, make them aware that promises from strangers can be dangerous. Be aware of new friends in their lives and notice if your child is acting out of character. I was recently reading an article authored by Chrissy Duke, in her writings she wrote the following “Let me start by introducing you to the traffickers – those who exploit and enslave people. Traffickers are men and women who seek out vulnerable people to exploit. They are friends, boyfriends, family members, internet trollers, and strangers, male or female.

Parents, make sure that your daughters know that they are loved. Teach them to recognize exploitation when they see it and also be aware of new friends that seek to separate them from their families and friends. Teach them to trust their gut. Let them know that the promise of expensive purses, clothes, jewelry or offers of large amounts of cash is not without consequences. SCLC National Magazine/ King 2022 Issue

According to Covenant House “parents should look for changes in your child’s attitude.” Please see below the signs of possible sex trafficking: . Becoming involved in an all-consuming relationship with a new boyfriend . Skipping school and miss curfew

. Showing increased interest in their appearance

. Doing things out of character like drinking or drugs

. Acting secretive about activities, new friend or boyfriend

. Have a new or unusual tattoo

If someone you know is being trafficked please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1 (888) 373-7888. JUSTICE FOR GIRLS is an educational awareness and prevention program designed to promote self- esteem and bring awareness of sex trafficking.

The only thing more important than starting the conversation is keeping it going.

We honor the men and women who began the dialog for social, economic and political justice through our commitment to help continue it.