Recently, I went to a trailer screening for a feature-length documentary in progress called “Child Sex Trafficking: A Story About Love.” The film, directed by Sheri Shuster, who recently worked at Covenant House, which provides shelter and support for tens of thousands of homeless and exploited youth in Los Angeles and Oakland, was inspired by the resilience and leadership of Leah, who was exploited sexually from the age of 14 to 18, yet escaped the trade, got an education, and is now a fearless spokesperson to eliminate sex trafficking globally.
The trailer included a segment with Oakland Police Sergeant Holly Joshi, who formerly supervised its Vice and Human Trafficking Unit. Joshi pointed out that the teens involved in sex trafficking lacked support at home, and often were escaping from a home life that was itself traumatic. It’s obvious that recognizing and responding to youth with adverse childhood experiences (ACE) early on – through the schools and other community institutions – could be a strong deterrent in the sexually exploitation of youth.
For more information about the documentary, see http://cstastoryaboutlove.com
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