WCLK's The Local Take has covered sex trafficking since our inception eight years ago. Atlanta is, unfortunately, a national hub for sex trafficking. I invited Jennifer Swain, Executive Director of youthSpark, back to our studio to talk about it in the run up to the Super Bowl. youthSpark is a non-profit organization with a mission of putting a stop to youth exploitation and sex trafficking.
Ms. Swain explains that anytime there is a large gathering from major business conventions to the Masters Golf Tournament, there is an increase in sex trafficking locally. While she couldn't explain exactly what to look for, she mentioned that often you will have a "feeling" that something doesn't look right with a young person and their companion. She urges us to call 404-577- TIPS that's 404-577-8477 if you see something that makes you uncomfortable. She cautions us about the language to use when making the call.
I ask Ms. Swain about men in our community and if they are involved with solutions. In other words, are men policing other men with regards to purchasing sex. Youth Spark has done research and an ad promoting "Free Sex" doesn't stand a chance next to an ad promoting "Barely Legal Sex." She speaks to their organization working with 13 and 14 year old young boys and educating them about prostitution. The age that most young people (boys and girls) enter into prostitution is age 12. Men who think they are purchasing sex are often engaging with underage children through willful ignorance.
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