A few years ago I read a book (Not for Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade–and How We Can Fight It by David Batstone) that opened my eyes to a heartbreaking reality. I was appalled to learn that the sale of human beings continues to this day – something our society so easily recognizes as an abhorrent part of our history, and yet, it is still allowed to continue!
Modern day slavery in Georgia is happening now. Most alarming is the rate of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) – approximately 400-500 girls are trafficked EACH MONTH in Georgia. 90% of these girls are African American and the age of first incidence is getting younger – some as young as 10 or 11 years old. Isolation, manipulation, physical and verbal abuse are all used to coerce these girls into believing they have no alternative and no safe place to go.
One of my greatest frustrations with this particular brand of cruelty is that I feel helpless to protect these girls. But there are ways to help. Recently, we have come into contact with several organizations that are working to fight CSEC in Georgia. This month Edgewood Church will be helping to support the work of these organizations in two ways: promoting awareness of the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) that goes on in Atlanta and collecting needed items for women and girls in recovery housing.
We need your help! On July 17th we will be canvassing the Edgewood neighborhood to leave doorknockers inviting our neighbors to learn more about CSEC and to help us collect items for shelters. Then during the week of July 19th – 24th, we will be collecting these items at the Whitefoord Community Program in Edgewood. Come out and help on July 17th – and bring a friend!
Click here for more details.
Other ways you can help:
- Become informed. Start here: Street Grace, Juvenille Justice Fund, A Future Not a Past.
- Commit to mentor at-risk teens.
- Pray for: the breakdown of the systematic exploitation of children, the rescue and restoration of victims, the protection of potential victims, the redemption of pimps, traffickers and customers, and our policy makers to pass effective legislation to ultimately eradicate child sex trafficking.. (Prayer from Street Grace)
Statistical information gathered from Street Grace and Hidden in Plain View: 2005 Mayor’s Report.
