"The fact is that the majority of people in the sex trade mostly young women, some barely out of their teens were coerced, tricked, or trafficked, or forced by socio-economic circumstances as children and young adults into a life that they would never have chosen for themselves. Many remain trapped, even if they can escape their trafficker, because they don't have other options."
"Melanie Thompson was only 12 when she was trafficked in New York City. She spent years being sold before she was finally separated from her exploiters. Yet, even in Melanie's critical hour of need, the system arrested her instead of protecting her. Today, she fights for others still trapped in the sex trade, knowing that what they need most is not punishment but safety, housing, and a real way out."
A visible increase of street prostitution in parts of New York City includes many young people who were coerced, trafficked, or forced into the sex trade by socio-economic circumstances. Survivors often begin in the trade after homelessness, abuse, or manipulation, and many remain trapped because escaping a trafficker does not guarantee housing or safety. Some minors were sold and criminalized instead of protected. Survivors now work to secure compassion and resources for others. Current New York laws treat victims as criminals rather than prioritizing support, housing, and pathways out.
Read at politicsny.com
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