In 2014 the Federal Government released a study on sex trafficking naming Atlanta as the #1 city in America for this crime. Rolling out magazine spoke with FBI Special Agent Joe Fonseca, MATCH Task Force Coordinator in Atlanta. MATCH is the acronym for the Metro Atlanta Child Exploitation Task Force. The Task Force is a multi-agency endeavor that has had a dramatic impact on human trafficking.
What are some of the ways girls get into sex trade?
– Friends or family influence
– Boredom (they see this as something exciting and new)
– To afford a drug habit
– “Boyfriend” tricks them into believing they will do it for the boyfriend if they love them
– Gang initiation
Who are the must vulnerable?
Children with low self-esteem; children from broken families who remain with an apathetic caregiver to include some foster families. It also includes children with no direction and high school dropouts to name a few.
What are traits and characteristics of a pimp?
Pimps have every range of character traits—some physically assault their girls to keep them fearful and [to make them] continue working. They portray themselves as the boyfriend; they are cunning in the way they learn how to exploit each of the girls’ weaknesses (emotional needs, constant praise, etc.)
Who are the biggest pimps arrested?
We have sentenced more than 20 pimps over the past seven years, with sentences ranging from five years to life. Many of these pimps represent the worst of humanity, having demonstrated no regard for their victims.
How can someone who wants to get out of the industry be rescued?
There are trafficking hotlines (National Human Trafficking Hotline), the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Out of Darkness and Tapestry in Atlanta, the Salvation Army, any soup kitchen —they will all know how to get someone help.
