GIRL$ ARE NOT FOR SALE: A Frank Conversation with Girls 12-19 about CSEC and Human Trafficking

ATLANTA - June 9, 2013 - PRLog -- The Enchanted Closet® has joined forces with law enforcement officers Sonja Brown, Assistant Solicitor-General and Community Prosecutor-DeKalb County; Melissa Redmon, District Attorney-Fulton County; and Raquel Stokes, Assistant District Attorney-Fulton County to raise awareness, dispel myths, and provide resources in hopes of decreasing the number of girls who fall prey to Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSEC) and Human Trafficking in metropolitan Atlanta.

Based on numerous reports, metropolitan Atlanta, is one of the main hubs for CSEC and human trafficking in the United States. CSEC is defined by the sexual exploitation of a child primarily for financial or other economic reasons involving both monetary and non-monetary exchanges for activities (Estes & Wiener, 2001). According to the Governors Office for Children and Families, each month, it is estimated that between two to five hundred girls are commercially sexually exploited throughout Georgia, and research has indicated that the average age of entry is between 12 and 14 years old.

Any child who has received food, drugs, money or shelter in exchange for sex is a victim. There is no respect to income, race, neighborhood or family background. Pimps seek out youths' vulnerabilities and exploit their hope for love, desire for security/protection, and need to obtain basic needs (i.e. food, shelter, and clothing). Victims of commercial sexual exploitation are often seduced, coerced, tricked or forced into prostitution. "Just this week, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations reported the arrest of two girls, 18 and 19 years of age, for sexually exploiting and trafficking a 14 year-old girl in the City of Conyers, GA and other metropolitan Atlanta cities, said Bonita Johnson, Enchanted Closet's President and CEO. Two weeks ago, I told a group of more than two hundred people, mostly adults, that many of today's pimps look like your teenage daughters. Of course, many gasped with shock, and some with disbelief, but after the news reports on Tuesday, several people contacted me and commended the organization for taking on this issue and providing such a relevant and necessary program for girls and their families. We are committed to this effort, said Bonita. Some Enchanted Closet board members are trained CSEC and Human Trafficking speakers and have participated in a pilot program with the Rotary Club and Street Grace, a faith-based organization leading churches, community organizations and individual volunteers on a comprehensive path to end the domestic minor sex trafficking in metropolitan Atlanta and throughout the United States, and all board members are required to take other training through the Governors Office for Children and Families."

GIRL$ Are Not For Sale: A Frank Conversation with Girls 12-19 Years Old about Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Human Trafficking

What Many Don't Know, Some Won't Admit, and Others Dare to Talk About

Rated RNEC-Real, Necessary, Educational, Conversation

Who may attend: Girls, 12-19 years old, and their families
When: Saturday, June 15, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: John Birdine Neighborhood Center, 215 Lakewood Way, Atlanta, GA 30315

Individuals and groups may register. A registration survey must be completed for each girl and adult accompanying them. The program is FREE. Lunch will be provided. Contact the organization at outreach@enchantedcloset.org with questions and to register.

About the Enchanted Closet

Since 2003, the Enchanted Closet has significantly impacted the lives of nearly 4000 Metropolitan Atlanta families who have saved over $80,000 annually and nearly $1,000,000 throughout the years by obtaining formal dresses from the Enchanted Closet. Girls are transformed into belles of the ball with increased confidence and self esteem, and their families can rest peacefully knowing that the Enchanted Closet is a trusted resource.

The GIRL$ Service-Learning Program facilitates increased self awareness, self esteem, and self sufficiency, and empowers girls to be less vulnerable to societal ills. Grades have improved, there has been a reduction in high-risk behavior, girls have become more confident and comfortable speaking, they have taken on leadership roles in school, are more focused on a college education, and some have started their own businesses.