Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia Supports HB 200
March 3, 2011
OUR ROLE IN COMBATING THE COMMERICAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN AND TRAFFICKING
Child sexual abuse has been with us since the beginning of time and much attention has been focused on this subject. However, in recent years this issue has become much more “global” and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) through prostitution and pornography is increasing at an alarming rate. Although CSEC is commonly thought to be distinct from child abuse and child sexual abuse, there are some direct correlations. Many years of research reveal that children who have a history of physical and sexual abuse are at the greatest risk of becoming victims of CSEC. These same studies also show that as many as 90% CSEC victims have been sexually or physically abused. Just like children who have been victims of child sexual abuse, children who are CSE victims are often revictimized by the system established to protect them. In view of this direct correlation between CSEC and children who have suffered sexual and physical abuse, CACGA perceives our role as:
1. Protect the children – We will continue to advocate for and support legislation that seeks to protect children from sexual abuse and CSEC. The laws and procedures that are put into place must be effective yet child friendly.
2. Educate the public - We will serve as focal points for promoting higher levels of public awareness that no matter where you live, child sexual abuse and CSE does exist. The problem not only impacts the child, but their families, neighbors, and community as a whole.
3. Prevent Abuse – Many adults are simply not able to protect children from sexual abuse because they do not understand the problem nor do they understand the steps that they can take to minimize risks. We will continue with due diligence to promote and implement child abuse prevention programs such as Georgia Stewards of Children training which educates the adult community on how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibility to child sexual abuse.
4. Facilitate investigations – CAC’s will continue to facilitate the multidisciplinary team approach to the investigations and prosecutions of those who abuse and/or exploit youth.
5. Train the Professionals – We will continue to train our professionals on how to respond and appropriately treat victims of child abuse and violence.
6. Assist children in their recovery – We believe that all children have the right to effective medical and mental healthcare with emphasis on recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration in to a caring community. We will continue to provide services towards this end.
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia accepts the challenges we face in combating child abuse and child sexual exploitation. The future of our children and the nation are paramount.
Posted by:
Cynthia D. Howell
CEO, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia