Press Release
Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center is the region's leading resource to prevent abuse, protect children and heal families. January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a month where the detrimental business of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)—commonly referred to as child sex trafficking—is highlighted.
According to the 2022 Annual Report release by the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, nearly 96% of the human trafficking cases seen in South Carolina were minors. CSEC refers to a range of crimes and activities involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of any person or in exchange for anything of value (including monetary and non-monetary benefits) given or received by any person. In 2022, Dee Norton's IMPACT (Improving Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Address Child Trafficking) Program assisted 31 confirmed child and youth victims of trafficking. Our organization also served 52 youth identified as being suspected victims, or at-risk, of trafficking.
Like other types of child abuse, often the first sign or symptom of CSEC is the child or youth disclosing. Children who are exposed to violence, exposed to substance abuse, have unstable or no housing, have unexplained luxuries or cash, have repeatedly run away or are truant have a higher risk of being exploited by perpetrators.
“To truly address CSEC in our community, we must first be willing to see the situation for what it is. A child cannot give consent. We must see children who are trafficked for sex as children. They are victims,” says Beverly Hutchison, Executive Director of the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center. “Most often, traffickers prey on at-risk children, using coercion and mental manipulation. The internet has opened another vehicle for child victimization, with social media and online chat rooms. No matter how it presents itself in the Lowcountry, we are there to advocate for and support the youth from the first point of contact.”
To support the prevention and response to trafficking, Dee Norton is offering actionable steps for parents, caregivers or community members:
Be an Involved and Trusted Adult
Respond Correctly Should Youth Disclose
Utilize Professional Resources to Report
- Local Law Enforcement
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- SCDSS Hotline if you are a Mandated Reporter: 1-888-227-3487
- In immediate danger or an emergency, call 911
To find more resources about child abuse and CSEC for parents, children and families, visit www.deenortoncenter.org.