teen revolt

Maybe you've stumbled onto this website because you're looking for a pair of shoes to go with an outfit you just bought, or maybe you've heard of a form of human trafficking called sex trafficking and you’re wondering what its all about. 

So, what is sex trafficking?

And how are teens like you in danger?

The fact is, pimps have declared war on the American youth, especially those that are runaways. For pimps, teens are not human beings, but property, and are seen as simply a means to gain profit. Pimps know that when it comes to making money, the younger their victim, the better. They know where to find vulnerable youth; from hitting the streets to hanging out at parties, malls, school grounds, movie theaters, or recruiting over Internet chat lines.

“Pimpin” motto:

“If you give a girl a little bit of heaven, you can take her all the way to hell.”

Types of Pimps to Be Aware of

The “finesse pimp” moves his victim from the recruitment stage, through the break-in stage and to the maintenance stage using charm and sweet talk.

The “gorilla pimp” uses physical and psychological torture. He has an abundance of options to exploit the victims to “break them in.” These traffickers use strip clubs or exotic dance clubs before introducing the victims into prostitution and pornography. The pimp then uses prostitution against the victim, claiming to expose their “shameful” behavior to friends and family.

The Cycle of Victimization  

Step 1: Validation

Pretends to be the long-awaited savior with a promise of a better life to lure them victim.  

Step 2: Intimidation

Break the victim like an animal – beat, starve, rape, whatever they have to do to subdue them.  

Step 3: Control

Keep victim on a short leash, monitor movement, strip the money, control food and shelter, set quotas and instill fear so he or she won’t run or talk to anyone.

Step 4: Threats

Brainwash with threats to kill victim or family members if he or she run or turn to the police. Keep them in constant fear and paralyze he or she from ever trying to run.

Step 5: Isolation

The victim is scared and alone, dependent only on the pimp, paralyzed to leave because of the dangers posed.

The most powerful way to protect yourself and your peers is to be on the lookout for any of these tactics.  Be aware of the red flags that may alert you a friend or teen might be in trouble. If you are aware of a CSE case, call 911 or the 1-888-3737-888 hotline for help. 

Remember, stay informed about the issue, and share this information with friends to protect yourself and your peers. You can no longer be complacent; step up and fight for the very freedom that the United States of America promises to us all. 

 

Ways to start a teen revolt:  

ONE. Set up a shoe-drive!  Host a drive at your high school, and then host a rummage sale on our website to raise money.  

TWO. Create a social enterprise club at your school. For help, contact teenrevolt@shoerevolt.com.

THREE. Set up a film screening at your school of a documentary such as Very Young Girls, which exposes the horror of trafficking in the United States. 

FOUR. When you have the opportunity to do a report or presentation on a social issue for school, choose domestic trafficking to educate your peers.

Jonathan B. Tucker: Pimpin' from Park Triangle Productions on Vimeo.

  * If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, there is confidential help at 1-888-3737-888. Help is available 24/7. Maybe things have gotten bad at home and you are thinking about running away.  Life can be scary on the streets, and there are safe places you can go with people that are ready and willing to support you, or just listen. Call 1-800-RUNAWAY or visit www.1800RUNAWAY.ORG for help.