My mom is a role model because she went from being on the streets and an addic [sic] to sobriaty [sic] and raising 3 kids on her own starting from nothing. Krysta*, A StreetLightUSA residentSM
President Obama championed National Mentor Month with a proclamation. Credits: Photobucket/emilysusan76
January has again been designated by President Obama1 as the National Mentoring Month. There is a lot of talk about mentoring these days. Young professionals in many fields link up with a more experienced colleague to gain valuable tips for the sector and to work through issues that may arise. There is also increased awareness that a strong, nurturing one-on-one relationship between a child and an appropriate adult can give incredible protections against some of the social ills that kids commonly face.
For the survivor of child sex trafficking and those who are potential victims, the involvement of a caring adult can make all the difference in the world. Some of the background factors which leave young people vulnerable to the deceptions of a slick-talking pimp include abuse in the home, lack of a proper father-figure, parental substance abuse, abandonment and inadequate nurturing from grown-ups. Each of these conditions in themselves can make a permanent mark of unfulfilled need and a negative cycle of self-destructive behaviors. If such young ones are also sucked into the world of forced prostitution or pimping, the resulting shame and intra-personal damage can become indelible scars that leave no hope.
Various studies2,3 demonstrate a remarkable strength that is instilled into children when there is even one person who can effectively model healthy relationships and good choice-making, and be a persistent voice of love, care, wisdom and encouragement. This is hugely important for prevention, but even more crucial for the process of healing from trauma experiences. Those who feel genuinely valued and nurtured will have no need for abusing others or falling prey to abusers.
StreetLightUSASM operates on the principle of providing mentors to the residents as an intrinsic part of the recovery process. Other survivors who have worked through much of their own past are able to have the proper empathy for the intense struggles the girls face, and are able to lovingly give appropriate guidelines and support.
My dad (is a role model) because he has shown me that no matter what we go thru in life, we can always stand back up. He went from living the street life, going to prison and now he is sober with a job and his own things. He does not let people get to him with there [sic] words and is always willing to help out others in need. Krysta*
Children and young adults are desperate for having heroes in their lives. They want people who live authentic lives, perhaps make mistakes, but are willing to take responsibility for themselves and work to turn their lives around. Kids need to know that they are valued, even when they make mistakes, and that someone stronger than they is committed to walking with them through hard times and into health.
Find out more about being a mentor and see what you have to give to a needy young person. Your involvement just may be the missing piece that will prevent him or her from being another sex trafficking statistic.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
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