A recent Human Rights for Girls Project report finds up to 80 percent of girls in certain states' juvenile justice systems have been physically or sexually abused. Some of these are child sex trafficking victims. In some states, children as young as 13 can be arrested and charged for prostitution.
Arrest rates have grown over the past two decades, even though actual crime has not increased. African American, Latina and Native American girls are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice system.
Many children in the juvenile justice system are victims, not criminals. They need professional help to talk through their problems, not to be viewed as bad kids. According to the report, "When law enforcement views girls as perpetrators, and when their cases are not dismissed or diverted but sent deeper into the justice system, the cost is twofold: Girls' abusers are shielded from accountability, and the trauma that is the underlying cause of the behavior is not addressed."
The Exploitation Through Trafficking Act of 2015 would help child sex trafficking victims by diverting them to social services and discouraging or prohibiting charging them with a crime. Please sign the petition to urge Congress to pass this important act!
Dear Decision Maker,
As someone who cares about the health and welfare of girls who survive sexual abuse, I strongly urge you to support The Exploitation Through Trafficking Act of 2015.
A recent Human Rights for Girls Project report finds up to 80 percent of girls in certain states' juvenile justice systems have been physically or sexually abused. Some of these are child sex trafficking victims. In some states, children as young as 13 can be arrested and charged for prostitution.
Arrest rates have grown over the past two decades, even though actual crime has not increased. African American, Latina and Native American girls are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice system.
Many children in the juvenile justice system are victims, not criminals. They need professional help to talk through their problems, not to be viewed as bad kids. According to the report, "When law enforcement views girls as perpetrators, and when their cases are not dismissed or diverted but sent deeper into the justice system, the cost is twofold: Girls' abusers are shielded from accountability, and the trauma that is the underlying cause of the behavior is not addressed,"
The Exploitation Through Trafficking Act of 2015 aims to help child sex trafficking victims by diverting them to social services and discouraging or prohibiting charging them with a crime. We respectfully urge you to pass this important act. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
