Media Position

Our stand regarding Media on this issue...

Regarding Exploited Youth

All children and young people involved or impacted by exploitation are victims regardless of:

How they interface/come in contact with the Systems.
Whether they acknowledge or recognize that they have been exploited or not.
Regardless of the duration or level/type of involvement in sexually exploitive activities.
Regardless of their socioeconomic background, gender or general disposition that they present (i.e. rebellious nature, “bad attitude” etc.).

Regarding the Role of Media:

We recognize that the role of the media is critical to informing the public at large about the issue of sexual exploitation of minors. The media has an equally important role in shaping the local, regional and national dialogue for the purposes of creating a common understanding and awareness about this issue. Just as in years ago when the tragedy of child abuse and domestic violence were “new” to the public in both detail and theory, today these issues, with the help of the media, have become part of a national movement to educate our communities, policy makers, providers and other stakeholders to address and prevent further victimization. To that end, our media partners have the opportunity to provide an ongoing informational forum addressing the many complex and overlapping issues surrounding the exploitation and trafficking of children and youth. This responsibility is shared by the public and private entities focused on addressing the desperate needs of this highly vulnerable population of children and youth.

Regarding Access to Exploited Young People

In developing a story or other media piece, requests for access to youth who have been exploited are often solicited. It is our position that, as a best practice, we do not support nor will we facilitate direct access to any young victim. We believe that the best interests of the youth are not served if:

the youth is further exploited (even inadvertently) for the purposes of a story.
that a young person captured on video or film creates a permanent record of the youth’s present state of victimization and does not support the long term healing process and transition to a healthy adulthood.

Although we recognize the healing power of sharing one’s story, a child who has been exploited is not prepared emotionally or mentally to relive this trauma outside of a therapeutic setting. In other words, while intentions may be genuine, having an unknown "audience" for their story is not recommended prior to a period of recovery, the length of which can only be determined on a case by case basis.

Other ways to Access Information about SEMs

Interviewing adults who have experienced exploitation as children or youth is one method for obtaining the "real story". Other venues include case studies and other forms of research and documentation done in collaboration with exploited minors. Peer led projects that may include artwork, writing, spoke-word/poetry and performance pieces offer another glimpse into the world of exploited young people. Often these resources can be backed up by providers working directly with or outreaching to young people in the street, in recovery and in transition. This lens offers the necessary level of expertise to capture the nature and scope of this issue.