At ESUHSD, we have many students who are victims of Human Trafficking, specifically, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). The definition of CSEC is the sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor for the financial benefit of any person or in exchange for anything of value (shelter, food, clothing, drugs, etc) given or received by any person. If you have identified a student who is being sexually exploited, we, as mandated reporters, must complete a CPS report.
Who are most vulnerable of being sexually exploited:
-Foster youth
-Homeless youth
-Justice Engaged youth
-Students with Disabilities
Some key indicators/signs of a CSEC student:
-Behavioral issues (defiant, angry, etc)
-Change in attendance
-Runaway
-Hyper-vigilance
-Substance Use
-Tattoos (branding) of numbers/name (behind the neck, face, on the wrist)
-Disheveled (wearing the same clothes to school and unclean)
-Having lice or other health issues (STDs)
-Older male/female friend who picks up the student
*Many of the key indicators are common for the students we support. Not all students with these signs are commercially sexually exploited.
Resources:
-Community Solutions (https://www.communitysolutions.org/)
-Alum Rock Counseling Center (https://alumrockcc.org/programs/)
-Bill Wilson Center (https://www.billwilsoncenter.org/)
-31 Ways to Help Prevent Human Trafficking: (https://www.ncptf.org/post/31-ways-to-help-prevent-human-trafficking)
