Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking
(DMST)
and
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of
Children (CSEC)
MDT Training
State of Connecticut
Department of Children and Families
http://www.nestfoundation.org/
HUMAN TRAFFICKING DEFINED
•
According to the TVPA (Trafficking Victims Protection Act 2008), Severe forms of
trafficking in persons are defined as:
– sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or
coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not
attained 18 years of age; or
– the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person
for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud or coercion for the
purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or
slavery.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING DEFINED CONT.
•
Any minor under the age of 18 who is involved in a commercial sex act is a victim of
human trafficking.
•
The sex trafficking of a minor, an individual who is not yet 18 years of age, does not
require proof of force, fraud, or coercion.
•
“Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking” refers to the commercial sexual exploitation of any
American citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 18.
•
“Commercial sex act” means any sex act for which anything of value is given to or
received by any person. This includes: prostitution, stripping/sexual performance, and
pornography.
2
TVPA VICTIM RIGHTS
• They are not culpable for crimes committed as a direct result of their
victimization.
• They are not to be detained in facilities inappropriate to their status as
crime victims.
• They should receive necessary medical care and other assistance.
• They should be provided with protection if their safety is at risk or if
there is a danger of additional harm or recapture of the victim by the
trafficker.
CT Legislation to Protect Victims
•
2010 Public Act 10-115 − “An Act Providing a Safe Harbor for Exploited Children”
becomes law. The legislature amends Conn. General Statutes Section 53a-82 to
state that a person must be sixteen years of age or older to be guilty of prostitution,
and in any prosecution of a person sixteen or seventeen years of age, there shall
be a presumption that the actor was coerced into committing such offense by
another person.
•
2011 Public Act 11-180 - The law provides in part that upon the arrest of any
youth by an officer for a violation of section 53a-82, such officer shall report
suspected abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families in
accordance with the provisions of sections 17a-101to 17a-101d. Those reports
should be made to the DCF Careline at (800) 842-2288.
CT Legislation cont…
•
2012 Public Act 12-141 – An act concerning commercial sexual exploitation of a
minor. This new statute defines commercial sexual exploitation of a minor as a
person who knowingly purchases advertising space for an advertisement for a
commercial sex act that includes a depiction of a minor.
Commercial sexual
exploitation of a minor is a class C felony.
•
2013 Public Act 13-166 – An act concerning sexual exploitation and trafficking in
persons. Alignment with federal TVPA, Class C felony if the person knew or
reasonably should have known at the time that such other person was either
younger than the age of eighteen, forfeiture properties, affirmative defense for
minors, vacating records, public awareness and prevention, ongoing monitoring of
efforts to combat trafficking, mandatory data reporting, statewide oversight and
monitoring body.
CT Legislation cont…
• Newest legislation going into effect October 1, 2014:
2014 Public Act 14 -186 (S.B. 5040)
HT victims classified as “uncared for” DCF to provide
services
DCF provides training to law enforcement on human
trafficking of minors
Creation of MDT’s to work with human trafficking cases
Module 3
Types of CSEC/ DMST:
Youth in “The Life.”











Street prostitution (increasingly less common)
Stripping
Pornography
Escort services
Casinos/Clubs
Private Parties (increasingly more common)
Interfamilial pimping
Internet based prostitution
Survival Sex
Sex for Drugs
(www.bing.com/images))
Gang based prostitution

Services exclusive to members

Human Trafficking vs. drugs and weapon sale
9
CT DCF HT Child Victim Data
• Trafficking type: DMST/CSEC
• Vulnerability: Majority of victims were on runaway/AWOL
status; Majority of victims had experienced sexual abuse
and/or neglect
• Age range: 2 – 18
• Referrals: DCF Social Workers, Law enforcement, EMS,
congregate care facilities, Courts, public defenders’ office,
NGOs, etc…
How Big is the Problem in CT?
Referrals Per Year
January 1, 2008 – July 10, 2014
N=242
78
80
70
60
50
44
40
38
36
30
26
18
20
10
2
0
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
11
CT. Referrals by Gender
January 1, 2008 – July 10, 2014
N=242
GENDER M-T-F,
3, 1%
GENDER F-T-M,
0, 0%
GENDER-Male,
14, 6%
GENDERFemale, 225,
93%
GENDER-Female
GENDER-Male
GENDER M-T-F
GENDER F-T-M
12
CT Victim Data: Referrals by Region
January 1, 2008 - April 30, 2014
N=203
Region 1 ( n= 28; 14%):
•
Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford
Region 2 (n=40; 20%):
•
Milford, New Haven
Region 3 (n=27; 13%):
•
Middletown, Norwich, Willimantic
Region 4 (n=51; 25%):
•
Hartford, Manchester
60
50
51
40
40
30
28
30
27
20
19
10
Region 5 (n=30; 15%):
•
Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury
0
8
Region 1
Region 6 (n= 19; 9%):
•
Meriden, New Britain
Region 0 (n=8; 4%):
•
NY; RI; MA; OR; TX
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
S1
Region 6
Region 0
CT Victim Data: Referrals by Ethnicity
January 1, 2008 - April 30, 2014
N=203
ETHNICITY TOTALS
Black (Non-Hispanic):
65 (32%)
Black NonHispanic: 65, (32%)
White: 52, (26%)
Hispanic : 69 (34%)
Unknown: 1, (<1%)
)
Other: 16 (8%)
Unknown: 1(<1%)
Other: 16, (8%)
Hispanic: 69, (34%)
White (Non-Hispanic):
52 (26%)
Black Non-Hispanic:
Hispanic :
Other:
Unknown:
White:
IN CONNECTICUT…
4
VICTIM PROFILE
•
Youth of any ethnicity, race, or religion
•
Youth of any socio-economic class
•
Youth both male and female
•
Youth of any sexual orientation
•
Youth of all ages, including teenagers
•
Vulnerable youth
•
Youth with histories of abuse
•
Homeless, Runaway Youth
•
Youth within the Foster Care System
•
Youth lacking a Safety Net
AT A HIGHER RISK FOR VICTIMIZATION
• Females
• Children involved with DCF
• Children from low income communities
THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH TRUAMA EXPOSURE
• It is not solely a history of sexual abuse that places a youth at risk for
victimization:
– Physical Abuse/Neglect
– Emotional Abuse/Neglect
– Deprivation of Necessities
– Separation of Family/Community
– Rejection by Peers and/or Family
– Bullying
– Community Violence
The Adolescent Brain
• Between 10-25, brain undergoes changes that impact behavior
• Creases in the brain develop during adolescence
• Biggest change in the cortex folds that process cognitive and
emotional functioning
• Biological brain changes during adolescence can trigger high
risk behaviors
Adolescent Risk Taking
• Risk-taking is normal development stage
• Question authority in all domains
• Most injuries to adolescents are related to risky
behaviors (car crashes, alcohol, unprotected sex)
• Wisdom and insight is developed through experience
(cannot be accessed by teenagers!)
Adolescent Romantic Relationships
• Romantic relationships increase
• By 15, 53% have had a romantic relationship lasting longer
than 1 month
(Carver, 2003)
• These relationships are “practice”
• Learn skills necessary for relationships that come later in life
(caretaking, attachment)
• Positive romantic relationships are associated with good
outcomes (self worth, higher commitment in early adulthood)
(Seiffge-Krenke, 2002)
What Adolescents Want
• Adolescents learn to make good decisions when they
understand which ones get them more of what they want, and
which ones result in more of what they don’t want (Lynn)
• Adolescents want: more fun, more independence, more time
with friends, more control over their daily lives
• Adolescents don’t want: arguments, conflicts with peers, social
drama, loss of privileges, and adults telling them what to do
THE TRAFFICKER
•
Can be a pimp, a boyfriend, father, mother, brother, uncle, a coach, a teacher or anyone
exerting control over a minor, even a peer
•
Not always organized criminals
•
Both men and women of varying ages
•
Any ethnicity or race
•
Anyone who benefits from the commercial sexual exploitation of a minor or facilitates the
commercial sexual exploitation of a minor
6
THE TATICS
• Force =Violence
• Fraud = Seduction, Grooming
• Coercion = Threats of Violence
– Infiltrating a congregate care setting with a “bottom bitch”
– Scouting a schools, train and bus stations, malls, cinemas,
ANYWHERE THAT CHILDREN AND YOUTH SPEND TIME
– Looking for weaknesses
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycgaPw38fkc
METHODS OF CONTROL
WHY DO VICTIMS STAY?
• Often kept isolated and activities restricted to prevent them from seeking
help.
• May be watched, escorted or guarded by traffickers.
• Traffickers may “coach” victims to answer questions with cover story
about being wife, student or tourist.
• Victims comply and don’t seek help because of fear.
WHY DO VICTIMS STAY CONT.
•Fear, distrust health providers, government, police
Fear of being deported
Fear of incarceration
Fear of Child Welfare Services
•Unaware what is being done to them is a crime
•Do not consider themselves victims
•Blame themselves for their situations
WHY DO VICTIMS STAY CONT.
• May develop loyalties, positive feelings toward trafficker as coping
mechanism
– May try to protect trafficker from authorities due to Trauma Bonding
• Sometimes victims do not know where they are, because traffickers
frequently move them to escape detection.
• Fear for safety of family due to threat of violence.
• Fear of safety for of self due to extreme violence.
Module 3
Trauma Bonding:
Definition & Indicators
A trauma bond is a strong psychological and emotional connection
between a victim of abuse and his/her abuser. Victims may be so
attached that they believe they cannot survive or are worthless
without their abuser.








Intensely grateful for small kindness;
Denies/Rationalizes violence;
Believes she has some control over abuse;
Self-blame for situation and abuse;
Seeks to keep the exploiter happy;
Sees outside authorities/providers as bad guys;
Sees the pimp as the good guy/protector;
Thankful and grateful that the pimp has not killed her;
DOCU: V.Y.G. PART 1 – YouTube ( 4:32 to 8:49)
29
Stages of Change
Precontemplation
(Not thinking about change)
Preparing to Change
(Preparation)
Making Change
(Action)
Relapse (Temporary
return to previous
behaviors/relationships)
Thinking About Change
(Contemplation)
Maintaining Change
(Maintenance)
Relapse
30
Young girls in “the life” are often brutally raped on
a daily basis, think of the impact that one rape
has on the life of a woman, imagine the impact
of a thousand…
DAMAGE TO THE VICTIM
• Victims suffer from host of physical and psychological problems stemming
from:
– Inhumane living conditions
– Poor sanitation
– Inadequate nutrition
– Poor personal hygiene
– Brutal physical and emotional abuse
– Dangerous workplace conditions
– General lack of quality medical care
DAMAGE TO THE VICTIM CONT.
• Sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, pelvic pain, rectal
trauma and urinary difficulties.
• Unwanted pregnancy, resulting from rape or prostitution.
• Infertility from chronic untreated sexually transmitted
infections or botched or unsafe abortions.
DAMAGE TO THE VICTIM CONT.
• Substance abuse problems or addictions.
• Psychological trauma from daily mental abuse and torture.
• Malnourishment and serious dental problem.
• Undetected or untreated diseases, such as diabetes or cancer.
• Bruises, scars and other signs of physical abuse and torture.
THIS WAS A CHOICE?
IN A YEARS TIME…
315 DAYS PER YEAR
20 JOHNS PER NIGHT
$1,000 PER NIGHT QUOTA=
6300 JOHNS IN LESS THAN A YEAR
EARNING $315,000 TAX FREE DOLLARS
NONE OF WHICH SHE WILL KEEP.
WHEN DOES THIS BECOME ACCEPTABLE?
315 DAYS PER YEAR
4 JOHNS PER NIGHT
1260 JOHNS PER YEAR
IS THIS OKAY?
40 WEEKENDS
10 JOHNS PER WEEKEND
400 JOHNS PER YEAR
BETTER?
IDENTIFYING CASES OF DMST
Due to the covert nature of the crime, sex trafficking can come to your attention
indirectly through other violations:
– Prostitution
– Domestic violence crimes
– Drug charges
– Runaways/homeless
– Cases of assault
– Curfew violation
– Loitering/trespassing
– Cases of sexual abuse/neglect
Psychological Indicators
•
Overly Submissive
•
Difficulty concentrating
•
Exhibits Fear, Shame,
Nervousness
•
Over sexualized
demeanor/behaviors
•
Exhibits Paranoia
•
Social withdrawal due to shame
•
Lack of ability to identify
him/herself as a victim
•
Personality disorder
•
Lack of life skills
•
Fear of authority figures,
especially law enforcement
•
Refusal to act or participate due
to apathy or hopelessness
•
Combative or manipulative
attitude
•
Self hatred – cutting, suicidal
tendencies
Center for the Human Rights for Children, Loyola University Chicago and International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA)
FACTORS IN IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL
VICTIMS
• Lack of knowledge about whereabouts
• Hotel business cards, escort service business
cards, hotel keys, a number of condoms, excess
amount of cash
• Presence of overly controlling or abusive
boyfriend
• Chronic runaway/homeless youth
• Signs of branding (tattoo/jewelry)
FACTORS IN IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL
VICTIMS CONT.
• Inconsistency in stories
• Inability or fear to make eye contact
• Injuries/signs of physical abuse/torture
• Restricted/scripted communication
• Attitude – defensive, rude, evasive, aggressive
• Demeanor – fear, anxiety, depression, submissive,
tense, nervous
• Little knives or some kind of weapon
Engagement Techniques
• Use open-ended questions
• Do not identify the client as “victim”
• Don’t assume anything
• Be sensitive to asking too much too soon-particularly about the
enforcement used
• Try to spread talks over several sessions
• Be non-judgmental (watch facial expression and exclamation)
• Encourage own agency (when you’re ready, can I help you.., etc)
• Self designed safety plans: do you have anyone who you could call if you
were in trouble? Are those numbers programmed into your phone?
Center for the Human Rights for Children, Loyola University Chicago and International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA)
Policy 31-10-6.1
INTAKE AND INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSE TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN
The Department of Children and Families is committed
to the identification of, rescue and protection of, and
providing services for children who have been
identified as victims of human trafficking.
Connecticut DCF Framework
• Identification and Response
• Awareness and Education
• Restore and Recovery
Identification and Response
• DCF Careline developed identification codes; tracking system.
• HART (Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team) CO and Regions
• Designated Emergency Department(s) across the state.
• DCF Response Practice Guide
• Relationships established with FBI, United States District
Attorney, Homeland Security and local law enforcement.
• MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) collaboration and trainings.
Awareness and Education
• DCF Academy offers 3-days of specialized trainings; Day 1, Day 2 and
Demand.
• DCF awareness efforts on DMST include Chief of Police/ roll call trainings,
juvenile and adult judges, emergency medical providers, MDT teams,
service providers, educators, medical providers, foster parents, etc…
• Education to Connecticut young people: service providers, schools and
community.
• Specialized curriculum for girls; My Life My Choice (JRI).
• New curriculum for girls and/or boys: Not a #Number (Love 146).
• National consultation on best practices for child welfare systems and
provider networks.
• Newest curriculums and Model: Boys and DMST and Foster Care Training
and Model.
Restore and Recovery
• Provider Network “Trained Up”/ “Trafficking Informed” Services
• Specialized services including foster care and mentoring
• Survivor Care/ Love 146
• Victim advocacy; prosecutions, restorations, etc…
Regionalization of Human Trafficking Response
Tammy Sneed, Director of
Girl Services: Human
Trafficking Co-Lead
Region I
HART Liaison
Region II
HART Liaison
Human Anti-Trafficking
Response Team
Region III
HART Liaison
Region IV
HART Liaison
Regional
HART Response
Team
Under the direction and supervision of the HART Response Team,
Regions will establish a partnership with various community providers
and responders to convene immediately and when appropriate
to address the needs of children, families, and communities.
William Rivera, Director of
Multicultural Affairs: Human
Trafficking Co-Lead
Region V
HART Liaison
Region VI
HART Liaison
Potential Regional HART Response Team Members
Regional
HART Response
Team
MDT
Law Enforcement
Coordinate law enforcement response
/criminal investigation
Local, State and Federal
Office of Victim Services (OVS)
Judicial
Court Liaison both CPS/Delinquency
AAG and Public Defender
Local BOE
School Social Worker/
BOE Liaison
Clinical Provider
Mobilize Trauma/ Trafficking Informed Providers
Family
My Life My Choice/ Not a #Number
Foster Parent
Specialized Services: Survivor Care,
Mentoring, Foster Care, etc…
DCF RESPONSE
If there is reasonable cause to
SUSPECT human trafficking of a
child call the DCF Careline at
800.842.2288.
Be very clear to inform the
screener that you suspect that
the child may be a victim of
human trafficking/DMST
Contact Information
Tammy M. Sneed
Director of Gender Responsive Adolescent Services
Cell: 860-462-4314
[email protected]