The Florida Department of Education specified that the average age of youth trafficked in the state is 11 to 13 years old and that up to 70% of sex trafficking and exploitation begins online. The department also pointed to research indicating that children with histories of sexual abuse, dating violence and low self-esteem are often targeted.
“There is a growing crisis that faces the Central Florida area and it’s important to spread awareness”, says Angel Clark. “The more we can wake people up about this issue the more we have hope to end the atrocity of child abuse and trafficking”.
Angel is one of the organizers of The Stand-Up & Pray for Kids Rally: A Rally for Awareness The awareness gathering is scheduled for Saturday, September 26th at 5 pm.
All those interested in participating in the event will meet at the First United Methodist Church, located at 950 7th Street in Clermont, and proceed on a prayer walk to Clermont City Hall for a powerful evening of speakers, testimonies from abuse survivors and prayer.
Donations are requested to stock Warehouse Foster Closet, a ministry that helps local foster children. Bring non-perishable snacks, peanut butter, jelly, any size diapers and Pull-Ups. Drop off your donations at the church on the day of the rally from 4:30 PM- 5:30 PM.
Awareness organizers would like participants to wear any shade of the color blue as it represents child abuse and trafficking awareness. This is a PEACEFUL, FAMILY-FRIENDLY gathering, not a political rally. NO signs with profanity, violent language or disruptive behavior should be displayed.
