Protect Our Children Archives | South Lake Tablet https://sltablet.com/tag/protect-our-children/ South Lake County Florida News Sun, 13 Dec 2020 17:20:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Child Predators, Sex Trafficking, And Abuse Were Brought Into Focus At A Stand Up And Pray For Kids Rally In Clermont https://sltablet.com/2020/09/29/child-preditors-sex-trafficking-and-abuse-was-brought-into-focus-at-a-stand-up-and-pray-for-kids-rally-in-clermont/ Tue, 29 Sep 2020 11:22:36 +0000 https://sltablet.com/?p=48241 “There is a growing crisis that faces the Central Florida area and it’s important to spread awareness”, says Angel Clark, an organizer of The Stand-Up & Pray For Kids Rally: A Rally For Awareness. Her message, “The more we can wake up people about the issues of sex trafficking and child abuse, the more we […]

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]]> “There is a growing crisis that faces the Central Florida area and it’s important to spread awareness”, says Angel Clark, an organizer of The Stand-Up & Pray For Kids Rally: A Rally For Awareness. Her message, “The more we can wake up people about the issues of sex trafficking and child abuse, the more we have hope to end the atrocity of child abuse and trafficking”.

The awakening began on Saturday, September 26th, when approximately 200 people gathered at the First United Methodist Church, and proceeded on a prayer walk to Clermont City Hall to listen to speakers and testimonies from abuse survivors.

Clermont Police Chief Chuck Broadway

Clermont Police Chief Chuck Broadway attended the rally and spoke on the challenging times for law enforcement throughout many segments of this country. He stated that he was encouraged and inspired to see a diverse group of people coming together and collectively to prevent crime, reduce crime, enhance the quality of life, and protect our children.

He described the rapid growth of human trafficking in Central Florida, the common signs and influencers, and how to fight human trafficking.

Human Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world (no overhead or investment) and second only to drug trafficking for total dollars generated. Florida ranks 3rd in the nation for Human Trafficking, with Tampa and Miami being the top infiltrated areas. California and Texas are ranked 1st and 2nd.

The Chief Identified a few common signs of a human trafficking victim

    • Appears submissive or fearful
    • Injuries from beatings: bruises, scars
    • Branding (tattoos) or scarring indicating ownership
    • Signs of malnourishment
    •  Presence of 3rdparty that won’t go away – MALE OR FEMALE
    • Influence of drugs or alcohol

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. The Chief advises that anyone who sees something, say something to law enforcement and let them determine if a crime occurred, is occurring or has occurred.

Human trafficking is linked to domestic violence and sexual assaults. The same dynamics of power and control are present in all forms of gender-based violence through

    • Coercion
    • Isolation
    • Intimidation

Chief Broadway advised parents to be aware: Online schooling has caused many children to be online for extended periods of time and often unsupervised.

Predators and traffickers are scouring social media, online games, and various apps that children would frequent and target them posing as admirers or people looking for friends, conversation and /or companionship.

Teenagers are advised NOT to chat with strangers or anyone they do not know. Keep all of your settings to private.

2020 Operations by the US Marshalls: 72 children, 6-17 years of age have been rescued in the past several weeks

AUG 2020 “Operation Not Forgotten” 39 children rescued in Atlanta and Macon GA arresting 9 individuals

SEP 2020 “Operation Homecoming” 8 children rescued in Indiana

SEP 2020 “Operation Safety Net” 25 rescued in Ohio

Chief Broadway emphasized the importance of “If You See Something, Say Something”.

Angel Clark thanked Chief Broadway and all the speakers, churches who sent prayer warriors, volunteers, and all who attended. “It was truly humbling to see our community unify to take a stand against sexual abuse and trafficking of children”, said Clark. She continued, “Although the evening was great, it is our hope that the rally will serve as a launchpad to mobilize everyone to find a way to join the fight to end this evil once and for all!”
Awareness – 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.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

The post Child Predators, Sex Trafficking, And Abuse Were Brought Into Focus At A Stand Up And Pray For Kids Rally In Clermont appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

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