The Department of Justice and child protection agencies estimate that 300,000 American minors are involved in prostitution and sex trafficking each year. Richard Estes, an academic expert on this phenomenon, states: "Child sexual exploitation is the most hidden form of child abuse in the U.S. and North America today. It is the nation's least recognized epidemic." In addition, about 1.7 million youths between the ages of 7 and 17 are runaways. Nearly two-thirds of them are "endangered" because of drugs, criminal activity, and physical or sexual abuse. A fact sheet on the Justice Department website notes that the average age at which girls first become victims of prostitution is 12 to 14 years old.
Julian Sher, an award-winning investigative journalist and author of six books, looks at this hidden story through the lives of two child prostitutes. He shows how pimps isolate the girls, brainwash them, beat them up, and make sure that they cannot leave them without grave consequences. Sher is very unhappy with the glamorous portrait of pimping among rappers, filmmakers, and books. He also points out the challenges and obstacles faced by rescue organizations and law enforcement agencies as they try to protect these young girls "in the life."
Although a lot of good energy has been used to help these endangered children, things are getting worse since the economic meltdown. Homelessness, an increase in runways, and unemployment are sending many young girls to the streets. Somebody's Daughter can serve as a wake-up call to the plight of America's prostituted children.
