This week I went to the feminism for thought. Going into it, I did not know what to expect. I thought that we would be discussing women in the current age balancing career and personal life and overcoming challenges that hold women back. What we actually discussed was sexually exploited children. When the topic came up I assumed it was regarding sexually exploited children in another country but not in the US. I was completely shocked at the statistics. It is estimated that about 300,000 children are sexually exploited in the United States. My first questions was how could this be? Then I wondered how old these children were and where were their parents, who was protecting them at such a young age? Most of the girls are sought after between the ages of 12-15 years old. There are people actively looking for children that have run away from home, or that are vulnerable. I also learned that in other situations it can happen later in life. There was an instance where a women was a successful CEO but got addicted to drugs and her addiction led her to enter this life. When it comes to children however, they do not have a choice and they do not get any of the money. These kids are cut off from their old life and everything they know becomes controlled by their pimps. I was horrified. I can not imagine someone taking advantage of children in this way, yet it happens right here in our neighborhoods. I think law enforcement and the government need to take a more active role in protecting these children by getting them the support and help they need so that they are not vulnerable in the first place.

I also asked about how long it take for the few who find a way out to leave? It may take a few years before a girl can fully walk away. I think this makes for a dangerous cycle that women can not break free from. Many of these kids came from troubled backgrounds and that is all that they know. Children’s development is so critical between the ages of 12-15 years old. This is when kids are supposed to see what else is out there in the world and start dreaming about what they want to do and what they want to become. Without the support from loved ones and the opportunity to see what the world holds, these kids feel that nothing better exists. Under these conditions they get stuck in a life they never wanted and most likely if they end up having kids they also get stuck. I hope to be a good role model for young women and show them that they could have a future doing anything they want to do.