Systemic Racism And Black Girls’ Vulnerability To Sexual Exploitation

“Human trafficking is a crime that preys on vulnerabilities and although it occurs across age, ethnicity, race and socioeconomic status, Black girls have an increased vulnerability to sexual exploitation as a result of racism and systemic oppression. Although Black women and girls make up 13% of the US population, they represent 40% of sex trafficking victims and account for 51% of prostitution arrests. Black girls are oversexualized, dehumanized and often treated as criminals rather than being allowed to exist in environments that provide hope and healing.

We each have a shared responsibility to combat human trafficking. In order to prevent trafficking and work to create environments for survivors to thrive, we must address the root causes of trafficking.

Through the use of personal testimony, video clips, and group dialogue, Crystal Bennett, LMSW, will explore the experiences of trafficking and sexual exploitation for Black girls and explore the racial roots that contribute to the dehumanization and sexualization of Black girls. Participants will recognize how systematic oppression increases vulnerability to the push/pull factors of human trafficking and evaluate the use of trauma and survivor-informed approaches in order to avoid re-traumatization and build resilience.”