UNICEF: Child sexual exploitation happens in the U.S., too

The World Congress III against the Sexual Exploitation of Children, set for 25-28 November 2008 in Brazil, aims to promote international cooperation for more effective action on sexual exploitation. Here is one in a series of related stories.

NEW YORK, USA, 20 November 2008 Child sexual exploitation has long been a known evil in developing countries where the combination of tourism and poverty make for a lucrative business. But at least 300,000 children and adolescents are prostituted every year in the United States, according to a University of Pennsylvania study. An estimated 2,200 of them are in New York City.

Girls Education and Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the only non-profit organization in New York State serving domestically trafficked and commercially exploited girls.

The Harlem-based centre is a safe haven; a place where young women exiting abusive relationships of sexual exploitation can find shelter, comfort and empowerment.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/usa_46464.html

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• United
• States
• children
• sexual
• exploitation
• prostitution
• Girls
• Education
• Mentoring
• Services
• GEMS

[bokuchin1]

aaaa duhhhh

its not suprizing we have alot of problems. all we just do is cover it with something. its obvious.

[aflautadalua]

Thanks one more time Unicef for to make us aware about problems around of world... There are a lot to make for this world...

And all of us can to begin near of us, cause always will be there somebody needs help...

Deborah Reis

A Flauta da Lua...

[themeans2anend]

This is truly a sad and ugly part of our world, I hope GEMS is successful. Come on OPRAH... what a good cause this would be for you to donate to!

Peace, B

[ggluver]

just so sad to see this kind of stuff happening. i'm glad that there are groups out there that are trying to make a change =]