One of the biggest misconceptions about sex trafficking and prostitution is that it is a foreign problem, not a problem that happens in America. Because it is such a touchy subject, most people prefer to turn a blind eye and ignore the facts. Approximately one million children will run away from home or will be kicked out of their home each year. Not all of these children make it back home, with about one third being drawn into the glamorized lifestyle of prostitution (Sher, 13). The greater part of society views prostitution as a victimless crime and has the same mindset: a whore is a whore is a whore. They neglect those being prostituted so there have been very few studies that document the actual numbers of those involved. They do
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The book is divided into three parts. The first part of the book, “Innocence Lost,” introduces the reader to the seedy world of prostitution with some personal accounts of those involved in it. It also introduces some of the officers and activists who are helping to provide alternatives to those who choose to get out. It also includes their struggles that they encounter dealing with such troubled individuals. Part two of the book, “Confronting the Pimps,” deals with how pimp culture is glamorized by society. Many pimps have mastered how to manipulate these young girls, and by way of doing this they are able to control them. This makes it harder for an individual to feel that she can safely leave and seek help. The majority of pimps are seen as untouchable, because they have become smart and tricky enough to cover their tracks. In reality, most pimp’s do not have the mentality that they will ever be caught and have charges brought against them. Even if a girl decides to turn on her pimp, it may be hard for authorities to find enough evidence against them. Part three, “Girls Are Not for Sale,” deals with how the court views and handles these types of cases and the people associated with them. Some judges are …show more content…
One of the main purposes of this book is to convey the importance that child prostitutes should not be treated as criminals. These children have been through horrific situations and do not deserve to be revictimized by the court system. Sher referred to an article from Newsday that stated, “Children can’t legally consent to sex. That’s recognized when they’re trafficked across national borders and forced into sexual slavery. And it’s recognized when they’re abused by pedophiles. It should be no different when the child is American, the predator is a pimp and the pedophile is a ‘John’” (Sher, 254). They should be treated as the victims they are and their pimps and the ‘Johns’ should be treated as the criminals. If there is no demand for a product, then there would not have to be a growing supply. The author wants to shed light on the fact that more needs to be done to help runaways. Children may run away because of problems at home, or because they believe they are not loved. Most runaways end up being trafficked because no one is looking out for them. The author believes that the perspectives of law enforcement is changing, but not fast enough. More needs to be done to help these girls transition into normal living once they get out. There are not enough shelters available or resources available, so they may stay with their pimp because they have no other option. Many believe that America does not have a sex
The book is divided into three parts. The first part of the book, “Innocence Lost,” introduces the reader to the seedy world of prostitution with some personal accounts of those involved in it. It also introduces some of the officers and activists who are helping to provide alternatives to those who choose to get out. It also includes their struggles that they encounter dealing with such troubled individuals. Part two of the book, “Confronting the Pimps,” deals with how pimp culture is glamorized by society. Many pimps have mastered how to manipulate these young girls, and by way of doing this they are able to control them. This makes it harder for an individual to feel that she can safely leave and seek help. The majority of pimps are seen as untouchable, because they have become smart and tricky enough to cover their tracks. In reality, most pimp’s do not have the mentality that they will ever be caught and have charges brought against them. Even if a girl decides to turn on her pimp, it may be hard for authorities to find enough evidence against them. Part three, “Girls Are Not for Sale,” deals with how the court views and handles these types of cases and the people associated with them. Some judges are …show more content…
One of the main purposes of this book is to convey the importance that child prostitutes should not be treated as criminals. These children have been through horrific situations and do not deserve to be revictimized by the court system. Sher referred to an article from Newsday that stated, “Children can’t legally consent to sex. That’s recognized when they’re trafficked across national borders and forced into sexual slavery. And it’s recognized when they’re abused by pedophiles. It should be no different when the child is American, the predator is a pimp and the pedophile is a ‘John’” (Sher, 254). They should be treated as the victims they are and their pimps and the ‘Johns’ should be treated as the criminals. If there is no demand for a product, then there would not have to be a growing supply. The author wants to shed light on the fact that more needs to be done to help runaways. Children may run away because of problems at home, or because they believe they are not loved. Most runaways end up being trafficked because no one is looking out for them. The author believes that the perspectives of law enforcement is changing, but not fast enough. More needs to be done to help these girls transition into normal living once they get out. There are not enough shelters available or resources available, so they may stay with their pimp because they have no other option. Many believe that America does not have a sex