DMST ( Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking)

A little insight into this huge problem

Text BeFree

Text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)

In March 2013, Polaris launched a texting shortcode to help victims of human trafficking find safety. When victims text to BeFree (233733) they reach one of our call specialists, who assist them in planning their escape and/or connecting them to services in the area.

 

Strides in the state of Georgia

The Governor’s Office for Children and Families, which leads the statewide Task Force and the State’s response to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), has also been instrumental in the fight against human trafficking in Georgia.  In addition to the strengthened human trafficking law, law enforcement has made the rescue of victims and prosecution of these criminals a high priority. All of these efforts have led to a strong collaborative approach to reducing the demand and eliminating human trafficking in the State of Georgia.

National Human Trafficking Resource Center

1-888-373-7888  | nhtrc@polarisproject.org  |  www.traffickingresourcecenter.org

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a national, toll-free hotline, available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year in more than 200 languages. 

Human Trafficking Prevention Month

On December 31, 2013, President Barack Obama proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. He called upon private businesses, civil society groups, faith leaders, families, and individuals to recognize the vital role they can each play in ending all forms of modern slavery. For individuals everywhere, now is the time to learn about the way this crime intersects with our lives, and to learn what we can do to contribute to a solution. Let us also provide survivors of this crime with the help and support they need to move on with their lives, and listening to their voices as we chart the path forward in this effort.

Presidential Proclamation

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Over a century and a half after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, millions remain in bondage — children forced to take part in armed conflict or sold to brothels by their destitute families, men and women who toil for little or no pay, who are threatened and beaten if they try to escape. Slavery tears at our social fabric, fuels violence and organized crime, and debases our common humanity. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to ending this scourge in all its forms.

Because modern-day slavery is a global tragedy, combating it requires international action. The United States is shining a spotlight on the dark corners where it persists, placing sanctions on some of the worst abusers, giving countries incentives to meet their responsibilities, and partnering with groups that help trafficking victims escape from their abusers’ grip. We are working with other nations as they step up their own efforts, and we are seeing more countries pass anti-human trafficking laws and improve enforcement.

At home, we are leading by example. My Administration is cracking down on traffickers, charging a record number of perpetrators. We are deploying new technology in the fight against human trafficking, developing the Federal Government’s first-ever strategic action plan to strengthen victim services, and strengthening protections against human trafficking in Federal contracts. During the past year, the White House has hosted events on combating human trafficking, bringing together leaders from every sector of society. Together, we came up with new ideas to fight trafficking at the national and grassroots levels.

As we work to dismantle trafficking networks and help survivors rebuild their lives, we must also address the underlying forces that push so many into bondage. We must develop economies that create legitimate jobs, build a global sense of justice that says no child should ever be exploited, and empower our daughters and sons with the same chances to pursue their dreams. This month, I call on every nation, every community, and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our world, and let us finally restore to all people the most basic rights of freedom, dignity, and justice.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2014 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, culminating in the annual celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1. I call upon businesses, national and community organizations, faith-based groups, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we can play in ending all forms of slavery and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DMST?

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) is the commercial sexual exploitation
of American children within U.S. borders. It is the “recruitment, harboring,
transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial
sex act” where the person is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
under the age of 18 years.

How many children is this happening to?

1.2 million too many. About 1.2 Million children are trafficked globally every year.

Why do people decide to sexually exploit children?

The global slave trade makes 42 billion dollars a year. Unfortunately a large pecentage of that figure represents profits made from under age minors.

How many people are currently enslaved or trafficked ?

27 Million people are currrently enslaved or trafficked globally.

Are all people that are trafficked also sexually exploited?

A whopping 75% of all trafficking victims are also sexually exploited.

Is this happening in the United States too?

Not only is it happening but it’s rampant. Criminals in The United States are profiting 9.8 Billion dollars annually from human trafficking alone

This couldn't happen to my child, could it?

Sad to say the chances may surprise you. One out of every five girls, and one out of every ten boys will be sexually victimized before adulthood.