A difficult topic to discuss- the commercial sexual exploitation of our children

We give power to the continuance of community problems when we do not discuss them.

As members of our community, we can impact our community by talking about difficult topics.

A couple of years ago, I became aware of a huge problem facing my community - the commercial sale of children for sexual acts. I understand that it is a disgusting, difficult topic to discuss, but it is one that maintains its power over us by our silence.

Approximately 500 children or more are sold for sexual acts in my community each month. A recent study revealed that 47% of those soliciting children for sex acts lived in north Metro Atlanta. It is a staggering problem that we MUST become informed about and take action on.

These children are often as young as 11 or 12, and the biggest misconception is that this issue does not impact us directly. These children are OUR children, kids without the voice to advocate for themselves. And this is where we come in.

Last night, PBS debuted the allegorical tale of "The Candy Shop" which demonstrates some of the issues involving CSEC (commercial sexual exploitation of children). In the post show discussion on air, PBS interviewed a CSEC survivor and advocates - legislative and community - who are openly and passionately voicing the dimensions of the issue and how you can become involved.

I am linking the online program through PBS here, along with a fact sheet distributed by the Governor's Office for Children and Families, so that you too can share your awareness of the issue and how we can be the vocal advocates for our children.

We can all be community advocates, and it begins with being informed about the issue and discussing it openly with our communities.

Five specific things that you can do to become involved include:

1. Writing your legislator to tell them that you care about this issue and ask them to discuss it with their colleagues. Then, they can take action as well.

2. Discuss what you have learned with your families, your co-workers, and your communities. As uncomfortable as the topic might be to discuss, your voice is the voice of those who cannot talk openly about it.

3. Participate in Capitol Days advocating on this issue.

4. If you live in Georgia and you suspect that a child is being sold for sexual acts, then contact the Georgia Care Connection at 404-602-0068.

5. Contribute to the Safety Gap Fund (in Georgia) that provides victim services for children who have been prostituted for commercial profit.