Help G.E.M.S. End Child Sexual Exploitation

In the previous post, we talked a little bit about Child Sexual Exploitation, around the U.S. and right here in NYC. Here is some additional information on the NY-based organization Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) and what YOU can do to learn more an get involved.

“Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the only organization in New York State specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. GEMS was founded in 1999 by Rachel Lloyd, a young woman who had been sexually exploited as a teenager. GEMS has helped hundreds of young women and girls, ages 12-21, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and to develop to their full potential. GEMS provides young women with empathetic, consistent support and viable opportunities for positive change.”  Source

Know the Facts

• 2,200 children are estimated to be victimized by commercial sexual exploitation each year in New York City alone (OCFS Prevalence Study 2007).
• 325,ooo are estimated to be at risk for commercial sexual exploitation annually in the United States (Estes and Wiener, 2001).
• A 2001 University of Pennsylvania study states “Child commercial sexual exploitation is the most hidden form of child abuse in the Unites States and North America today” (Estes and Wiener, 2001).
• The majority of victimized youth have run away from home, or were running away from a foster care home, juvenile detention center or group home (Estes and Wiener, 2001).
• 70-90% of commercially sexually exploited children have a history of child sexual abuse (Murphy, 1993).
• 1.6 million children run away from home each year in the United States (NISMART). Source

Watch the Film (Trailer)

And read the survivor stories.

What Can You do TODAY Help End the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children?

• When you see examples of pimp culture glorified in the media, music or movies, acknowledge this kind of societal acceptance adds to the program by not buying those products, albums or movie tickets.
• Change your language around the issue and encourage those around you to do the same. Instead of saying “teen or child prostitute,” recognize them as legitimate victims by calling them “commercially sexually exploited children and youth.”
• Join the FB page.

Adults:

• Be active in the lives of young people you know. Attention, interest, support and love at home will keep children from running away to find it.
• Volunteer your time to GEMS or other youth-centers programs in your community.
• Donate to GEMS and support them.

Source

Who Can You Contact For Help?

GEMS (here in New York City): 212-926-8089

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC): 1-800-THE-LOST/ 1-800-843-5678

National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-RUNAWAY/ 1-800-786-2929

National Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE/ 1-800-656- 4673

To find organizations that offer help in your state (if not NYC), GEMS offers many additional resources here.