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I recently read that pimps are using the web to advertise prostitution
rather than having the girls on the street.
The article that I read explained that the average age where
a girl is forced into prostitution is 12 to 14.
Is this a concern in our
community?
Sadly, sex trafficking can happen anywhere including right
here in our own borough.
This crime involves forcing women and children into the sex trade
through psychological and physical coercion, including beatings,
starvation, confinement and forced drug use.
My office is unique in that it has
a specialized prosecutorial bureau to deal with crimes of this
nature. This Unit works
closely with the police and other groups to prosecute sex
traffickers. We have
indicted several sex traffickers this year that are being vigorously
prosecuted.
Additionally,
my specialized group of prosecutors have worked tirelessly to raise
awareness about sex trafficking and its potential signs, and also
provides comprehensive services to victims.
We continue to promote our
campaign against sex trafficking with posters, flyers, and PSA’s
featuring actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Sabourney Gidibe Also, several months ago my Sex
Trafficking Unit kicked off Brooklyn GIVE (Girls Initiative for
Victim Empowerment), an ongoing donation drive which supplies
clothing and toiletries to girls and young women trying to escape a
life of forced prostitution.
Businesses that have donated to the program include Tommy
Hilfiger, Fashion Delivers, The Body Shop, Park Slope Parents, and
Whole Foods. We must put an end to this
horrific crime.
Educating the public and warning parents about potential predators
is an important step in this direction.
For further information please visit
www.brooklynda.org, or
contact the 24-hour Sex Trafficking Unit Hotline (718) 250-2770. For additional information visit
www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future
column send your inquiries to
asktheda@brooklynda.org. |
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