Childhood Sex Trafficking, A Thriving Trade
June 30, 2008
Childhood sex trafficking is a worldwide problem. From Cambodia to Portland, no country is immune from it. Organizations, such as the 501 c3 non-profit organization Portland based Transitions Cambodia, Inc., have taken great steps in helping young women to take back their lives through reintegration. Founders James and Athena Pond have made great strides in helping these victims, but much more work is ahead to conquer this enormous problem.
The Ponds have also teamed up with Greg Jacobson, the excellent film producer of Holly, a heart-wrenching story of a 12-year-old sold into prostitution in Cambodia. Together, they give a workshop to teach people about the sex trade. With the Transitional Living Center set up in Cambodia and this must-see film, the Ponds hope to bring awareness and eradication of the life of childhood sex slavery.
May 23rd, the movie was shown at the Hollywood Theatre. The Ponds, producer, Portland childhood sex task force and other affiliates were available after the screen review for questioning from the audience. Hopefully, with the dedication and involvement of these people and other volunteers, this organization will grow and flourish.
Through this informative workshop, it became clear the child sex trade is alive and flourishing in great numbers. Children are sold into slavery as early as one year old. Parents, who don’t have enough to eat, sell their children to keep the others alive. These children become disposable within the cultures of their country after years of abuse. Released from servitude into the streets, they continue the life of commercial sex work, drugs and alcohol and suffer from sexually transmitted diseases. The international community needs to respond and help bring an end to this exploitation and abuse.
The Ponds shared how they sold everything they owned in 2004, moved to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, after watching Dateline about childhood sex trafficking. The Ponds and family never looked back. The Transitions Cambodia Center helps young victims heal from their past, focus on the present and use their new skills for a bright future. It empowers them to take back and live out their dreams, get support and healthcare, learn to live independently through literacy, life skills training, financial management skills, career and vocational counseling and return to society with sustainable employment. The Ponds are exceptional in helping these individuals realize their own dreams and going after them.
Jacobson, producer of the film Holly, did an exceptional job of interpreting the ruthless trade of child slavery. This must-see film takes you into the atmosphere of Cambodia’s bridges, rivers, boats, grass huts, Buddha statues and humble poverty. Holly is a strong stubborn and beautiful child sold into a world of drugs, physical and sexual abuse. Her spirit crushed, she is thrown into a mundane life of prostitution. There is still a side of gentleness and hope portrayed by her friend Patrick, who painstakingly tries to help her. You must go see it to see for yourself.
The question and answer period after the film was very informative. Jacobson says, "People don’t want to hear about this." He spoke of how he wanted his movie to bring a real situation to life through Holly. He spoke of pedophilia in Cambodia. He talked about the actors, machine-gun toting body guards, and the tenseness of shooting the film in the village.
One of the speakers, Transition Cambodia and company director Jaya Sry, not only assists with Transitions Cambodia, but is heavily involved in eradicating prostitution in San Francisco, Calif. She spoke of the current and future work needed in all parts of the world.
The Portland task force officer for childhood prostitution, Oregon Human Trafficking Co-Ordinator Keith Bickford, services all of Oregon by himself with a small grant. He says future help is needed for these kids as they don’t transition well into foster homes. More is needed for them such as rehab centers to live and receive counseling. The victims don’t trust the police and therefore are reluctant to speak in order to prosecute abusers. It takes money and time to communicate with these victims.
There are many ways you can help Transitions Cambodia, Inc. give freedom and hope to these victims. Your tax donation is deductible and will enable TCI to continue changing lives of precious young women. Give today and change a life forever.
You can also raise awareness by talking to your friends and family about the issues that surround sex-trafficking in Southeast Asia. Tell them how Transitions Cambodia, Inc is combating this evil and how they can help. If you can plan a fundraiser, contact Transitions Cambodia, Inc. at 6617 N.E. Marina Court, Hillsboro, Ore, 97124, or contact them via the internet at www.transitionscambodia.org.