Page 54 - AK Parent Spring 2020

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“That second cell phone is used as a way to slowly remove the child from their healthy support system,” Jolene says. “It’s their private way of connecting.”
PROTECTING CHILDREN
Being an involved parent and working to build your child’s self-esteem are important to help protect children from sex trafficking.
“Know their friends. Make sure they know you’re proud of them, that you believe in them,” Gwen says. “During those rotten (teenage) years, make sure that not every encounter with them is negative. Shower your kids with words they might hear from the trafficker first.”
Because online trafficking and recruitment has increased, parents should limit access to digital devices and talk to their children about what’s appropriate to share online.
“The internet has just made it so easy to really just take advantage and hurt people like that,” Sherrie says. Prohibiting phones in the bedroom at night and allowing kids to use them only in a public part of the house lets parents more easily monitor what they’re doing. Parents should also share stories about sex trafficking they hear about in the news, she adds.
Keeping the lines of communication open and letting kids know they can share anything that’s happening to them is also important – even if they choose to share it with another adult.
“Traffickers slowly try to pull the child away from trusted people, and parents are going to be first,” Jolene says. “Make sure there’s another adult in the child’s life – whether an older sister, aunt, uncle, or someone who’s a little cooler than you – to have
those conversations.”
Resources
If you’re a victim of sex trafficking, or if you have concerns that a child you know is involved, these organizations can help. In an emergency, call 911, or file a report with the local Police Department or the FBI local field office.
Covenant House Alaska. Provides safe shelter, hot meals, medical counsel- ing, and employment services to youths ages 13-21 experiencing homeless- ness, abuse and trafficking.
755 A St., Anchorage, AK 99501
907-272-1255 covenanthouseak.org
Priceless Alaska. Works closely with the FBI, Anchorage Police Department and other law enforcement personnel and helps victims navigate available resources.
pricelessalaska.org
National Human Trafficking Hotline. Provides information on trafficking and ways to help, including a 24/7 crisis hotline. All calls are confidential and answered live by trained anti-trafficking advocates.
National Hotline: 888-373-7888
Text: 233733 (BeFree)
STAR (Standing Together Against Rape). Trained advocates answer STAR’s 24/7 crisis line, provide crisis intervention, and offer case management to sexual assault survivors.
1057 W. Fireweed Lane #230, Anchorage, AK 99503
Statewide Crisis Line: 800-478-8999 staralaska.com
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