Internet ads for sex for sale likely played a part in the brutal demise of four women who were found burned to death in Detroit on December 19 and 25, 2011. The victims, all in their 20s, were found in pairs in two car trunks. Three of them had previously posted ads on Backpage.com for escort services.
These incidents remind us of the dangers of the internet, and its use as a tool for sexual encounters. Although these unfortunates were not children, electronic media is a prime way that minors are drawn into relationships with predators through the deceptive picture of compassion and promises of a better life. Once entrapped in a life of crime and violence, the children are often sold as rape objects on the internet.
Overt or covert online ads for sexual services are used in outrageously growing numbers, both by the solicitors of sex or their pimps, and the customers looking for a “good time”. Sometimes, the subjects of the adult or personals sections are far from adults and are in reality, children under the age of 18. Last year, Craig’s List shut down their adult internet section after a concerted attack by several state attorneys-general decrying the site as a hothouse for child sex trafficking. Currently, Backpage.com is receiving similar heat. Commercial sexual exploitation of minors, also known as child sex slavery or forced prostitution of children, is a growing criminal enterprise. Little children are being sold for sex every day in our neighborhoods.
So, what was the first thing that came to your mind when you read, “Detroit”? Perhaps it was the uttering of words, “This incident occurred in Michigan, NOT my state.” There is no state or region that is inoculated against these atrocities and each has its own history of equally gut-wrenching headlines.
StreetLightUSASM continues to lead the fight for awareness and action against this horrendous form of exploitative child rape. Our newest rescued survivor made this comment about her pimp and the devastating abuse she endured from him, “How could I have believed he cared….”. After three weeks at StreetLightUSA’s residential program, she has stabilized and is now ready for healing.
We need your help to continue to STOP child rape for profit in our backyard. Your support to STOP all forms of child rape, and your financial contribution is what makes our work possible. Your donation helps to provide activities for the girls, ensure qualified and skilled staff, and increases our capacity to work with our justice system to fill the gaps that prevent children from receiving the needed services to aid in their healing. BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR CHANGE. Support our work with your tax-deductible contribution at any time throughout the year. Your offering will help provde care for a few girls and protect them from returning to the streets.
We can do this with your help.
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