Empowering Young Men In Ending Sexual Exploitation

January, 2016

As we look forward to 2016, let us take a moment to look back at what some students said during 2015.  At the end of each 4-session program, we provide students with the opportunity to reflect on what they have learned and why they believe it is important.  Here are a few highlights:

• “I was surprised to learn that 80-90% of [people in prostitution] were sexually abused as children, and that most start with prostitution when they are still children.  This is important to think about because you don’t always know what someone in that situation is going through.  They are hurt and don’t want to be doing it any more than anyone else would want to.  From now on, I will not judge these people.”

• “The harm to society is that women will continue to get raped and exploited; it makes me think of what could be done to stop this from happening.”  

• “I learned that porn and strip clubs are linked with trafficking, so from now on I am not going to watch porn.  Ever.” 

• “It’s not okay to watch and enjoy seeing women get exploited and disrespected.  Now I don’t take porn so lightly anymore.” 

• “I can’t believe how big this problem is.  It makes me want to do something to stop it, because I wouldn’t want this happening to somebody close to me, and everybody is somebody.  From now on, I am not going to disrespect women because you never know what they are going through, and you don't want somebody calling your mom ‘slut’.”

As always, thank you for your continued support of our prevention education efforts.  It is only through your generosity that we are able to reach nearly 2,000 students last year and equip and empower them to stand as allies against sexual violence and exploitation.  As one young man said last year, “It’s really important to think about these things, and spread awareness about it.”  You helped him do that.