Protect San Diego Kids

Children are often enticed into sexual exploitation with the promise of something of value to themselves or another person. Traffickers offer love, safety, food, shelter, clothing, money and other incentives. Shockingly, across the nation, the average age of entry for victims of exploitation of this type is 12-14 years old. In San Diego County, the average age of entry is 16 years old.

If someone under the age of 18 is trafficked, this is child abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, caring and trained hotline staff are available 24 hours a day at 858-560-2191 or 800-344-6000.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (sandiegocounty.gov)

Below are some of the red flags that a child is being trafficked:

  • Running away from home
  • Truancy, chronic absenteeism
  • Sudden drop in grades
  • Change of friends or alienation from longtime friends
  • Rumors among peers regarding sex activities
  • Sudden change in behavior, attitude or attire
  • Anger, aggression, being suicidal or fearful
  • Claims of a new and mysterious/secretive partner
  • Drug use
  • Weight loss
  • Bruises or other physical trauma
  • New cell phone or multiple cell phones
  • Use of terminology related to sex work
  • Tattoos
  • Secrecy with social media and phone

The rejection of LGBTQ+ youth by parents or peers leads to increased homelessness, and homeless youth are a natural target for traffickers. Up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+. Of these:

  • 46% ran away because of family rejection
  • They are 7.4x more likely to experience acts of sexual violence than their heterosexual peers
  • They are 3-7x more likely to engage in survival sex to meet basic needs

Examples of CSEC include:

  • Street Walking
  • Pornography
  • Stripping
  • Escort Agencies
  • Phone Sex Lines
  • Video Chats
  • Private Parties
  • Internet-based Exploitation
  • Erotic/Nude Massage
  • Gang-based Prostitution
  • Interfamilial Trafficking