WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX TRAFFICKING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Transcription

1 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX TRAFFICKING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY June 9, 2016

2 Overview of Human Sex Trafficking in San Diego County Presenter: Summer Stephan, Chief Deputy District Attorney call: Bonnie Dumanis, San Diego County District Attorney 1

3 Why Should We Take Interest in Human Trafficking? It is a violation of human rights It is a violation of U.S. and CA law It is a form of modern-day slavery where perpetrators profit from the sexual exploitation or forced labor of men, women and children It is one of the most profitable criminal enterprises and difficult to detect 2

4 Common Misconceptions It doesn t happen in the US Victims are all undocumented immigrants If victims agree to trafficking conditionsthere is no crime ( consent to prostitution) If victims are paid a certain amount, there is no crime If victims are not physically restrained there is no crime 3

5 Scope of Problem Worldwide U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing. Approximately 27 million people held in slavery worldwide according to the United Nations 4

6 Scope of Problem United States: Tier 1 country for HT Cases have been investigated in ALL 50 states California : In the top 4 destination states for HT San Diego: Top 13 cities for high intensity Prostitution 5

7 What is the Scope & Nature of the Problem in San Diego the FBI identified the San Diego region as a High Intensity Child Prostitution Area Channel 10 reported 2,500 runaways in San Diego at any given time all vulnerable to sexual exploitation 1 in 3 runaway youth surveyed had been sexually exploited 1 in 5 runaway youth surveyed were approached to engage in acts of prostitution 6

8 High Intensity Child Prostitution Areas (HICPA) Chicago Dallas Detroit Las Vegas Los Angeles Miami Minneapolis New York San Diego San Francisco Bay Area St. Louis Tampa Washington, D.C. 7

9 Summary of Human Trafficking Laws As defined under U.S. and CA law, victims of human trafficking can be divided into three populations: Children under age 18 induced into commercial sex. Adults aged 18 or over induced into commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. Children and adults induced to perform labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion. 8

10 CA Human Trafficking Laws: Penal Code Section236.1 (a) Deprives or violates personal liberty of another with intent to obtain forced labor or services: 5, 8, 12 years and up to $500,000 fine. (b) Deprives or violates personal liberty with inent to effect or maintain violation of (pimping, pandering, child porn, extortion): 8, 14, 20 years and up to $500,000 fine * Federal laws are similar 9

11 Deprivation of Liberty Difined Accomplished through force, fear, fraud, deceit, coercion, violence, duress, menace, or threat of unlawful injury to the victim or another person EXCEPTION: Minor under the age of 18 induced into commerical sex 10

12 Penal Code section sets forth the indicators of human trafficking that a law enforcement officer must consider in identifying victims of human trafficking. (a) Signs of trauma, fatigue, injury, or other evidence of poor care. (b) The person is withdrawn, afraid to talk, or his or her communication is censored by another person. c) The person does not have freedom of movement.. 11

13 Indicators continued: (d) The person lives and works in one place. (e) The person owes a debt to his or her employer. (f) Security measures are used to control who has contact with the person. (g) The person does not have control over his or her own government-issued identification or over his or her worker immigration documents. 12

14 Recent Federal and CA Laws SB1193- Civil Code section 52.6 Mandatory Public Posting of HT hotline SB 939- consolidated HT cases SB Education Bill New Federal Law targeting Demand 13

15 Recent Research 2014 Study of 8 Cities on Sexual Exploitation: Prostitution, massage parlors 2012 SDSU Study : Labor Trafficking: construction, restaurants, janitorial, agriculture / domestic servitude 2014 Study: Understanding the Organization, Operation, and Victimization Process of Labor Trafficking in the United States 2015 UCSD study on Prostitution and HIV 14

16 Multiple studies provide evidence that sexually exploited adolescents are at greater risk of HIV infection than their adult counterparts. (Silverman, 2011) Violence is very common among CSEC victims In one study CSEC were twelve times more likely to have pelvic inflammatory disease, three times more likely to become pregnant, and twice as likely to abuse drugs, have an STD or have uncontrolled asthma. 15

17 San Diego s 2015 Study: Measuring the Nature and Extent of Gang Involvement in Sex Trafficking in San Diego. Dr. Ami Carpenter, University of San Diego and Dr. Jamie Gates, Point Loma Nazarene University National Institute of Justice Grant Carpenter & Gates, 2015

18 The Steps of Exploitation 1 Recruitment of vulnerable children 2 Seduction through offers of gifts, support and friendship 3 Isolation from others who may stop the exploitation 4 Coercion into actions such as street prostitution and pornography 5 Violence to retain control CA Child Welfare Council 2013

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20 Factors Promoting Exploitation (CSEC): Victims often from homes where they experienced child abuse and domestic violence Minors who are in foster care or group homes Being a runaway teen is one of the highest risk factor for being exploited by a trafficker truancy from school, learning disabilities, emotional and mental health issues and substance abuse No family is immune from this public safety epidemic because of the use of social media that allows the traffickers to recruit girls 19

21 Who are the Perpetrators? Friends and family Organized crime Local gangs Pimps Girl recruiters Boyfriends Basically ANYONE 20

22 The Internet Hides the Crime in Plain Sight Hotels are the top location where the crime of sexually based human trafficking occurs 98 Unique criminal purchasers Johns responded to 4 ads on Backpage in a 24 hour period Approximately 70% of the transactions utilize social media 21

23 Hotel-Motel/ Other Warning Signs A young looking girl (mostly) with an older male Appears to lack knowledge of current/past whereabouts or orientation to time Does not have the usual suitcase/travel belongings Dressed inappropriately for weather and conditions 22

24 Continued Warning Signs Does not have access to proper ID, money, or cell Does not make eye contact or freely engage in conversation Belongings carried in plastic bags Person in charge rents more than one room Individuals in hallway or appear to be monitoring a certain room 23

25 Mandated Reporting of Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Mandated Reporting of CSEC effective January 1, 2016: Senate Bill 794 (new Penal Code section (c)(1-3) adds a definition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation to the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) - California Penal Code section call the County of San Diego Child Abuse Hotline at: or at to file your report. 24

26 Out of the Shadows: A Tool for the Identification of Victims of Human Trafficking One of the biggest obstacles to providing human trafficking victims with the services and support they need is the lack of an effective tool to identify them. 25

27 Sex Trafficking > Did anyone you worked for or lived with trick or force you into doing anything you did not want to do? > Did anyone ever pressure you to touch another person or have any unwanted physical or sexual contact with another person? >Did you ever have sex for things of value (for example money, housing, food, gifts, or favors)? 26

28 Barriers to detecting child victims include: 1)isolation from others; 2)constant monitoring while in public; 3)victim reluctance to disclose abuse; 4)victim attachment to abuse lifestyle or abuser 5)lack of awareness of victimization; 6)lack of knowledge or resources to escape, 7)mistrust of authorities and professionals 27

29 Challenges and Considerations with Minors with trauma especially CSEC victims: safety, risk, fear, shame, guilt hostile and cynical attitude about getting help they may not see themselves as victims view their situation as an improvement view exploiter as a boyfriend or father figure experience poor recall of important events or an impaired sense of time due to stress/trauma Fear of retribution and distrust of adults and authority figures may lead to refuse to disclose information, or to provide false information 28

30 COMBAT PLAN Prevention Protection Prosecution Partnerships 29

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32 DA s Office Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Unit aka: (SVU Law and Order Special Victims Unit) Established in 2003 by DA Bonnie Dumanis with specialized DA team Sex Crimes including sexually based homicides and late report child molestation Sex Offender Registration - SAFE Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) Human Trafficking and related crimes of Pimping and Pandering 31

33 Additional Combat Efforts SD County Human Trafficking and Commercial Child Sexual Exploitation Advisory Council San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (State, Federal and Local Law Enforcement) Collaboration and Partnerships such as Unity Coalition/ Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition and PCI Prevention and Protection Awareness Campaigns and innovative partnerships 32

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36 The Prostitution Myth Sex Trafficking? Not in America s Finest City According to the FBI, San Diego has one of the highest rates of child prostitution in the country. The underground sex trade in San Diego generates over 800 million dollars in annual revenue. As many as 8,100 local women, girls and boys are prostituted here every year. And because prostitution and sex trafficking can occur at private homes, hotels, casinos and fake massage parlors, it s happening more often than you think. And doing more damage than most of us can imagine. Get the facts at TheUglyTruthSD.org For help call or text BeFree (233733) 35

37 Individual Responsibility: Become aware and educate yourself on warning signs Stop the demand for sexual and labor exploitation that constitutes the profit that drives human trafficking, i.e. buying sex, buying cheap labor Report and provide the National HT number or texting BeFree (233733). Call 911 if you observe danger or unsure 36

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39 Girls Only Toolkit Girls Only! is a gender-specific, prevention education program for girls ages 8 to 15 designed to: Inspire and promote self-love, self-esteem, and motivation Develop life skills, healthy coping skills, and decision-making skills Keep girls who are at risk out of the influence of gangs, drugs, and sex trafficking Inspire girls to further their education 38

40 Helpful Links San Diego District Attorney Web: (Find research articles, documentaries & community events) 39

41 Knowledge is Power 40

42 The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good [people] to do nothing. Edmund Burke, English Philosopher Copyright 2006 ACTION Network. All Rights Reserved. 41

43 Crystal Isle A Survivor s Story

44 Gangs and Sex Trafficking in San Diego Research Funded by the National Institute of Justice

45 Co-authored by Ami C. Carpenter, PhD University of San Diego Jamie Gates, PhD Point Loma Nazarene University with research assistance from Lars Almquist; Natalie Hsieh; Topher McDougal, PhD; Dana Nurge, PhD; and Tasi Rodriguez

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47 How Big is San Diego s Underground Sex Economy? $810 Million

48 Annual economic impact: Size of the Problem Natural Resources & Mining: $900 million Safe Route to Transit (SR2T): $700 million Otay Mesa POE: $800 million San Diego Padres: $800 million

49 2nd Largest Underground Economy $5,000,000,000 $3,000,000,000 $4.76 Billion $1,000,000,000 $9,000,000 $8,000,000 $7,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,000,000 $750 Million $810 Million $1,000,000 GUNS SEX DRUGS

50 Gang Members Are Highly Involved 85% of facilitators were gang-affiliated 110 gangs involved in underground sex economy

51 Annual Estimated Trafficker s Earnings $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 $13k/wk $56k/mo $671k/yr

52 Profiles of Sex Trafficking Facilitators Protector/Business Partner: Rejects the Pimp label. Contractual arrangement: driver, bodyguard. Revenue is split. 63% Traditional Facilitator: Pimp identity tied to the desire for social recognition and status. Controls money. 34% Vicious-Violent : People who use extreme tactics of physical and psychological control. Prefer to recruit minors. Defeat of self-worth and value is a key strategy. 3% Organized Crime: Highly secretive rings and trafficking operations. At least 12 such rings work in the San Diego-Tijuana border region

53 Pimping is Mostly Associated with African American Street Gangs Ethnicity 2% 2% 2% 32% 28% Hispanic White Black 34% Native American

54 Racial-Ethnic Representation in California Prisons and Jails Race/Ethnicity % of California Population % of California Incarcerated Population White (non-hispanic) 40% 26% Hispanic 38% 41% Black 6% 27% California Incarceration Rates Data Source: U.S. Census 2010, Summary File 1. (Graph: Leah Sakala, May 2014)

55 Annual Number of Victim/Survivors Based on facilitators who come in contact with law enforcement 70 victims treated by 8 agencies 29 total beds available for human trafficking survivors No beds for LGBT No beds for men No HT specific beds for children

56 Human Trafficking in San Diego s Schools County-wide recruitment in middle schools and high schools Focus groups from all 20 schools identified suspected victims; 90% confirmed CSEC cases 30% of facilitators witnessed or participated in sex trafficking recruitment related to schools

57 Targeted Schools 20 schools visited represent sites from the entire San Diego County region

58 County-Wide Problem Residence of Victims/Survivors

59 Evidence from a trafficker Q: Do you know if people recruit girls out of high schools? Middle schools? Yeah, just pulling up on them, going up to the high schools, going to these little dances, going to beach, seeing them in traffic, uh, it can start real young with a female, it starts young. Depends on, up to them, what they feel, what they re up to, and how they re living. A lot of em have moms and dads who are hos and pimps, or don t have a mom and dad. Maybe one or the other. A lot of situations at home, all kind of angles that lead up to street life activity. A lot of things. Prison Interview, 2014

60 Top 10 Recruitment Risk Factors R Runaway, in and out of home or disappearing u na Involvement with older man/boyfriend w ay Involvement with drugs or alcohol, Lack of parental involvement i n Women recruiting women an d Family member arranging or approving CSEC o ut Financial problems Personal Involvement with pimp/gang member Mental/emotional health needs Family member involved in CSEC prostitution

61 How Children are Recruited Boyfriend asks his girl just this one time... Social Media Girl recruiters Material enticements Involvement with drugs, payment for drugs Fraudulent job offers Parents offering their kids to friends/associates for money Family members (generational or cultural ties) Gang members swooping in on newcomers to school Some gang-organized massage parlors Participation in prostitution rings

62 Recruitment Hotspots Trolley and bus stops House parties Neighborhood parks near schools Alternative high schools Open field in National City El Cajon Blvd Social media Tattoo parlors Churches Malls

63 Gender of Victims/Survivors 2%? MALE Law Enforcement 97% 99.9% Victim Services 1%? LGBTQ+ *39 labor trafficking cases, 69% female 31% male.

64 Average Age of Entry into Sex Trafficking 16

65 Ethnicity and Nationality Country Of Origin Percentage United States: 80% 80% of sex-trafficking victim/survivors are domestically trafficked 20% are foreign born Mexico: 12% Other: 8% Including: Taiwan, Russia, China, Korea Philippines, Honduras, Germany, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Cameroon Mexico Other US

66 Ethnicity of Survivors The majority are Black, White and mixed ethnicity Ethnicity of Survivors 4% 2% 2% 25% 14% 28% 25% Black White Mixed/Bi-rac Latino Other Asian/Pac Is Nat Am

67 Particularly vulnerable populations 55% had experienced homelessness 28% had been in the Foster Care system "So many people are doing it, everybody and their mom is doing it, and the money is too good and too easy and too guaranteed. It s really not hard to turn any female out. If she hasn t done it, it wouldn t be hard to turn her out once she d see how good and easy the money was. ~ Field Interview, 2015

68 Thank You Dr. Ami C. Carpenter University of San Diego Dr. Jamie Gates Point Loma Nazarene University National Institute of Justice Award 2012-R2-CA-0028, PI: Ami Carpenter, Proposal #F12096 U.S. Department of Justice I 810 Seventh Street, NW I Washington, DC Measuring the Scope and Nature of Gang Involved Sex Trafficking In the San Diego Tijuana Region

69 CSEC/Y: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children/Youth Charisma De Los Reyes, MSW Child Welfare Services, County of San Diego

70 Impact of Trauma Nearly 80% of youth who are or were involved in the sex industry and were adjudicated in the STAR Court in Los Angeles had some form of involvement with child welfare.

71 Tactics and Techniques Manipulation Befriending Obligation to family Force & Violence Coercion Seduction Trauma bonding

72 Shifts in Practice Collaboration CSEC Interagency Protocol CSEC Steering Committee SD Human Trafficking Task Force Coordination Screening & Assessment Multidisciplinary Team approach Commitment Prevention & Intervention strategies HT CSEC Advisory Council

73 STARS Program Survivor Leadership ProjectLife Community CSEC/Y Alabastar Jar Resources Research Generate Hope Law Enforcement: Victim Assistance & Advocacy

74 Contact Information Charisma De Los Reyes, MSW Policy Analyst Child Welfare Services HHSA O: E:

75 San Diego Unified School District CSEC Awareness and Education Program Presented by: Andrea Thrower, Program Manager

76 SDUSD Response Overall SAFETY of Students To address attendance/truancy issues Health Understanding that San Diego was identified by the FBI as a high intensity area for trafficking.

77 San Diego Unified School District Boundaries Second Largest District in the State of California Serve over 130,000 Pre-K through 12th grade students Diverse Population (15 ethnic groups, over 60 languages and dialects 226 Educational Facilities Over 13, 500 Employees 6000 Teachers

78 3- Prong Training Approach Staff Community Students

79 Student Awareness Tier 1: All student awareness Tier 2: Students at Risk 4-6 week Peer to Peer Program Tier 3: Students Identified Service Referral

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82 How You Can Help? Spread the word to raise Human Trafficking Awareness. Urge your school district to provide awareness training opportunities for staff, parents, and students Provide grant opportunities for school districts, victim services, and advocacy groups. Questions

83 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX TRAFFICKING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY June 9, 2016

84 Thank You for Attending! Please stay for an informal wine & cheese debrief (ending at 4:45)