Sex Trafficking and Grooming

As we're learning from the Ghislaine Maxwell trial (whether you believe she's guilty or innocent), not all child sex trafficking is like a Hollywood scene. Not every victim is pulled into a van kicking and screaming. Many of them are 13 or 14 years old, lonely, maybe they've been abused before. Easy targets. A rich powerful couple sits with her as she eats ice cream or maybe they buy her a meal. They seem friendly, nice. They smile and listen. They offer comfort, luxuries. Nice clothes, a warm bed. A trip to an island on a private jet.

The girl goes with them not realizing that they are monsters. That they only see her as a piece of meat, something to use and manipulat. She doesn't understand just how cruel and twisted these "nice" people can be.

THAT's the real issue here. These people take their time. They gain trust. There's a game plan. A devious plot that the girl cannot possibly even fathom.

And it's not just rich elites. This is how teachers, family members, co-workers, or even friends can gain the upper hand over someone who is not mentally able to handle the trauma of being molested.

Parents, neighbors, and communities need to be diligent and look out for our teens like we do for our children. Just because they're older and more developed doesn't mean they dont' need guidance.

We must also arm our children with the knowledge that they are valuable and that sex isn't a toy or a cheap act that is easily forgotten. It's a mature responsibility. Something that has unfortunately been turned into a game in the modern age--at the expense of so many young ladies who may never heal.