January 2020 – Article 2:  

The FBI considers Atlanta one of the 14 cities with the highest rate of child prostitution in the country.

The sickening numbers support the label:

• More than 12,000 men purchase sex with young girls in any given month.
• An estimated 100 adolescent females are exploited each night.
• Adolescent females controlled by sex traffickers are sexually abused by an adult male on an average of three times per night.
• Authorities say an equal number of young boys are victims of child prostitution as well.

Forced Abortions

Often overlooked in reporting on trafficking is the fact that many victims are routinely forced to have abortions.

One investigation found that some abortion providers not only fail to investigate whether a woman is a victim of trafficking, but ignore clear evidence that they are.

In another report, one victim said she went to Planned Parenthood because “they didn’t ask any questions.”

And the situation is getting worse.

The Internet and Social Media Link

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in child pornography, which essentially is the rape of a child,” Debbie Garner, GBI Special Agent in charge of the Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, told WTOC in Savannah earlier this year.

She also notes increases in child sex trafficking and the online enticement of children.

Garner’s unit, and cooperating agencies, investigated 4,000 tips in 2017, 6,000 in 2018, and expect an even higher number in 2019.

Social media has become the most common way for traffickers to make initial contact with victims.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson explains the typical method is for traffickers to identify a vulnerable minor and begin the “grooming” process.

Messages often involve flattery and attempts to make the child feel understood, important, and popular. Over time, communications may become more graphic, even to the point of asking for nude photographs.

Anderson adds that traffickers are successful because they feed on those insecurities.

“It’s not going to appear to that child that this is a stranger,” Malott said. “They’re going to think it’s someone they know.”

To combat this threat, she encourages parents to explain to their children how those feelings can be exploited by a predator.

Signs to Watch For

There are several signs parents can look for if they suspect their child is being exploited.

They include: a change in behavior or appearance; they suddenly have fancy new clothing, or an expensive phone; they start appearing sleepy more than usual; and are late to, or absent from, school.

They may also provide rehearsed responses to questions.

In extreme cases, some traffickers force their victims to get tattoos such as dollar signs, bar codes or even the trafficker’s name.

Anyone interested in getting a first-hand explanation of sex trafficking problems in Atlanta are encouraged to take the “Unholy Tour,” organized by Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission.

To sign up for the tour email fhenning@psc.ga.gov.

Help Available

In addition, to help educate the public about the harms of sex trafficking, Echols created the Wilberforce Fellowship, which meets once a year at Indian Springs State Park.

“The pro-life movement is often viewed as just being against killing the pre-born,” explained GRTL President Ricardo Davis. “But sex trafficking is equally tragic. I encourage everyone to be alert for signs of abuse in children they know and be prepared to take action.”

Those seeking more information, guidance, or support can contact “Georgia Cares” at Welcome to Georgia Cares.

Sources: fox2now.com; wtoc.com; news.uga.edu; covenanthouse.ga.org;

By Wayne DuBois

Georgia Right to Life

Media Relations Advisor