This Article was originally published in the Saratoga Today.
Passing an unhoused person on the street do you ever wonder what happened in their life that led to their current circumstances? And what’s next? What goes through your mind when you see an unhoused teen or young adult? Often, they are runaways, maybe escaping a home with abuse, or they are simply not welcome at home anymore. Sometimes they’re attending school, ‘couch-surfing’ with friends sleeping somewhere different every few days.
When a kid doesn’t have a stable place to live, they become extremely vulnerable—to the elements, to school absenteeism, to drugs/alcohol, to mental health consequences, to violence, to hunger and poor health, to criminal behavior for survival, to trauma, and to sexual victimization.
The offer of a hot meal or a safe place to stay may seem like a gift just when everything feels like it’s going wrong. But that’s commonly the bait traffickers use to lure someone. After a couple of meals or a few nights, there’s an expectation of sexual favors as payment for their ‘generosity’. This starts a pattern of requiring sexual favors in exchange for basic life needs or requiring the youth to engage in sex acts with others. Per federal law, a commercial sex act means any sex act on account of which anything of value (including food, shelter, protection, gifts or clothing) is given to or received. If a person younger than 18 is induced to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion.
Being homeless increases the risk of being trafficked- studies show 20-40% of homeless youth are trafficked (sometimes within 24 hours of becoming homeless). Early victimization can ensnare someone into being trafficked for years or decades. Traffickers exploit all genders with LGBTQI+ persons experiencing the highest rates of victimization.
The situation may feel hopeless but there’s help available.
“I felt trapped and didn’t know even where to start. Getting safe housing was the first step to a new life.” – Wellspring trafficking survivor
Saratoga County resources:
Wellspring– If you have been sexually victimized or have experienced relationship abuse, Wellspring is available 24/7 for hospital accompaniment, counseling legal advocacy, reporting to law enforcement. All services are free, confidential and non-judgmental. There is no expectation whether to report the crime to police. An advocate will discuss your rights and options and you can make the decisions that are right for you. Free confidential services are also available for anyone who has someone in their life whom they are concerned may be being victimized. Call 518.584.8188 wellspringcares.org
CAPTAIN CHS– Safe Harbour Anti-Human Trafficking Program, Street Outreach and Youth Shelter and Housing Assistance Programs- The Safe Harbour program offers case management and an enhanced array of services to youth who have been trafficked, sexually exploited, or at risk of victimization. Working with the Street Outreach team, case managers assist with critical emergency and long-term services, stable housing, advocacy, and other supports that can help them heal. 518.371.1185 captaincares.org