You Are Not Alone
You Are Not Alone
Take Back Control
Learn how to recognize the signs of commercial sexual exploitation and understand the steps you can take to leave a dangerous situation.
Targeted
Exploiters target and prey on your emotional and physical needs as a youth. One of the most common first encounters of an exploiter with a potential victim takes place online.
Targeted
Exploiters target and prey on your emotional and physical needs as a youth. One of the most common first encounters of an exploiter with a potential victim takes place online.
Tricked
Exploiters are willing to invest a great deal of time and effort in their potential victim to break down their resistance and suspicion. They make it especially difficult to identify the deceptive nature of the relationship.
Tricked
Exploiters are willing to invest a great deal of time and effort in their potential victim to break down their resistance and suspicion. They make it especially difficult to identify the deceptive nature of the relationship.
Traumatized
Exploiters use psychological manipulation to make you think you have more choice than is true. They go out of their way to make you believe they truly care for your well-being.
Traumatized
Exploiters use psychological manipulation to make you think you have more choice than is true. They go out of their way to make you believe they truly care for your well-being.
Know The Signs
Know The Signs
Learn how to identify the red flags of sexual exploitation:
Learn how to leave a situation:
Leaving a sexually abusive situation can seem impossible. Learn about the steps you can take to leave and stay out of a situation for good.
Plan an escape route or exit strategy - and rehearse it if possible
Prepare a bag with any important documents and a change of clothes
contact trusted friends or relatives to notify them or ask for assistance
Learn how to stay out of a situation:
Consider changing phone numbers so the trafficker cannot call or text you.
Consider changing your username on social media and changing the image to something the trafficker won’t recognize.
Keep a charged emergency cell phone at all times.
Let trusted family / friends / co-workers know where you are going, when you expect to arrive, and when you expect to return home.
Help is One Call Away
Help is One Call Away
If it is an emergency situation, where your safety and welfare is in imminent jeopardy, contact 9-1-1 and report the situation.
Once you are safe, contact one of the service agencies below for additional support.
Advocacy Center
Free support and services for youth and adult victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
24-hour hotline: (607) 277-5000
The Learning Web
Helps young people ages 16-24 who have unstable, unsafe, or no housing to find housing, connect to needed services, return to school, and build employment and independent living skills.
Office: (607) 272-8162
Hours: M-F, 9am -5pm