Child Sex Trafficking on rise Hawaii covid

[brwn]

https://www.kitv.com/story/44146227/chi ... -in-hawaii



The demand for support services for children involved in sex trafficking or those in danger of exploitation has quadrupled during the pandemic.

That's according to local nonprofit Ho'ola Na Pua. The program provides one-to-one mentoring for exploited children and demand for their services is the highest it's ever been.



"There's been an increase in commercial sexual exploitation because that encompasses anything from online pornography where children are being victimized, escorts, trafficking," Leanos said. "And just the even like inter-familial and peer-to-peer where you're exploiting your boyfriend or your girlfriend."

An uptick in boredom, frustration and uncertainty among youth has turned into more riskier behaviors, especially online. Exploiters are targeting the vulnerable -- homeless youth, those with substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as children home alone.

"We've seen it everywhere but online has been the biggest growth because so many people have been home with access to computers, children all have smartphones, and unless you're watching like a hawk, you know, anybody can slide into DMs and proposition," she said.

She cites the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which saw an increase of 97.5% in online enticement last year.

Alannah Collat is a social worker and one of the mentors to a survivor of sex and domestic abuse. She meets once a week for about two hours with a youth matched with her by the organization.
They've been to art museums, on picnics and even attempted surfing.

"An important part of healing from trauma is restoring childhood experiences so just the act of playing, going to the beach boogie boarding, you know, doing art together," Collat said. "It's those types of activities that strengthen the relationship but then also teach them other skills about confidence and maybe show them that they can have self-efficacy for building a future."

Mentor Taryn Nakamura said the biggest difference a mentor can make is being a consistent presence.

"It's about being the person who can be in the youth's corner. Through thick and thin, without judging and to just help them make their own decisions, because that is something that trafficking can take away from them," she said. "I think that means a lot to different youth in vulnerable situations, to know that there are caring adults who will show up for them."


https://www.kitv.com/story/44485881/hom ... e-pandemic

[EricKaliberhall]

Hey brwn!

I moved this submission from v/pizzagate to v/news. I hope you understand!