Sexually Exploited Minors Awareness Week in Oakland
April 22-26, 2024
During the week of April 22 to April 26, Oakland is observing “Sexually Exploited Minors Awareness Week” to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide resources for local teens to recognize and combat this issue.
Understanding Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking involves the coercion or forceful involvement of individuals in sexual activities in exchange for money. Minors under the age of 18 who engage in commercial sex are considered victims of human trafficking, regardless of the circumstances.
In 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received 36.2 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation. Alameda County, where Oakland is located, is identified as the third highest “hot spot” for human trafficking in the United States.
The Role of Oakland
Oakland has long been a hub for sex trafficking, prompting the establishment of an advisory council on human trafficking to coordinate efforts in combating this crime.
Empowering Oakland Teens
Mayor Sheng Thao, who launched the advisory council, emphasizes the importance of equipping Oakland teens with knowledge, resources, and support to identify, avoid, and escape sex traffickers.
The advisory council highlights various methods employed by sex traffickers to lure youth into commercial sex, including offering gifts, isolating them from friends and family, pressuring them into uncomfortable situations, and making unrealistic promises of a better life or opportunities.
Disproportionate Impact on Black Girls and Women
Advocates have noted that Black girls and women are among the most common victims of sex trafficking in Oakland. To address this issue, California legislators approved the creation of an Ebony Alert specific to missing Black people.
Reporting and Support
If you suspect someone is being trafficked, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or text 233733. Victims or survivors of sex trafficking can receive services through Bay Area Women Against Rape by calling 510-430-1298.
In emergency situations or when a suspected trafficker is present, call 911. To file a report with the Oakland Police Department, call their non-emergency line at 510-777-3333. Anonymous reports can be made to the Oakland Police Department or the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office at 510-238-2373 or through an online report form.
If you want to report a missing child or child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or through their online tip portal. Tips can also be referred to Homeland Security Investigations field offices for potential investigation by calling 833-591-5669.
Engaging High Schools
The Mayor’s Advisory Council on Human Trafficking is actively engaging in awareness and education actions at local high schools to provide more information about commercial sexual exploitation.
MISSSEY: Supporting Trafficked Youth
MISSSEY, the first organization in Oakland specifically focused on trafficked youth, offers programs and support for those affected. To refer a youth to one of their programs, contact MISSSEY at info@missey.org.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
- Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for Target 5.2: Number of reported cases of trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls.
- Indicator for Target 8.7: Number of reported cases of forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking.
- Indicator for Target 16.2: Number of reported cases of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, violence, and torture against children.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation. | Number of reported cases of trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor. | Number of reported cases of forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | Number of reported cases of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, violence, and torture against children. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: oaklandside.org
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