Confronting the Reality of Child Sex Trafficking in Communities

Child sex trafficking is a pervasive issue that affects communities far beyond urban centers. Parents may wish to believe their children are safe, yet this crisis is occurring in suburbs and city neighborhoods alike, underscoring the urgent need for collective action. According to reports from the FBI and local law enforcement agencies, trafficking operations have been dismantled across areas such as Long Island, highlighting a chilling reality: while illegal drugs and firearms can be sold once, human beings can be exploited repeatedly.

Establishing a Dedicated Response

The establishment of Suffolk County’s first stand-alone Human Trafficking Unit represents a significant shift in addressing this crisis. This unit focuses on treating survivors as victims who require safety, compassion, and support, rather than treating them as criminals. Collaborations between organizations like the EAC Network and local law enforcement have created a model program that connects survivors with social workers and essential services. This approach aims not only to assist victims in their healing process but also to ensure that traffickers are brought to justice.

Awareness is the first line of defense against trafficking, as the issue thrives in silence. During training sessions conducted across Long Island, numerous participants express shock upon learning how prevalent trafficking is in their communities. Education for children, parents, teachers, and community leaders is essential for building a robust defense against traffickers who exploit vulnerabilities.

The Scope of the Issue

In the past year, the EAC Network has reached nearly 5,000 local students through workshops focusing on trafficking, online safety, and healthy relationships. Additionally, hundreds of parents, teachers, and faith leaders have been trained to recognize warning signs. Vulnerability can manifest in various forms, such as college students experiencing financial pressure or young individuals from unstable households. Traffickers are adept at exploiting these vulnerabilities, often luring victims through social media or gaming platforms.

Contrary to common perceptions, most sex trafficking incidents in the United States do not involve strangers abducting children. Instead, many victims are groomed by individuals they know, often through familiar digital platforms where trust can be built over time. The tactics employed by traffickers in urban areas are not confined to cities; they are replicated in suburban and rural environments as well.

The EAC Network provides vital support services, including trauma-informed care, mentoring, and safety planning, fostering trusted relationships that empower youth to rebuild their confidence and understand healthy relationship dynamics. In 2024, the organization received 118 referrals and served 191 local youth, while its Safe Harbour program has supported over 840 Suffolk youth since its inception in 2014.

Despite these efforts, the full scope of trafficking remains obscured, as many cases go unreported. Victims often fear coming forward, while adults may fail to recognize warning signs. Alarmingly, trends indicate increasing numbers of cases and heightened risks for children. Traffickers are now leveraging social media, gaming platforms, encrypted messaging, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency to recruit victims and evade detection.

Addressing these evolving tactics necessitates greater awareness, collaboration, and investment in prevention and education. Protecting children from exploitation is a shared responsibility that involves every parent, teacher, coach, and community member. By learning to identify the signs of trafficking and engaging in difficult conversations, adults can play a crucial role in supporting organizations working to combat this issue.

Child sex trafficking is a grave challenge that demands immediate attention. With open eyes, strong partnerships, and a collective commitment to action, communities can confront this issue together. The responsibility to protect children lies with all of us, and it is imperative that we take this responsibility seriously.

Written by Mukherjee Lockel, president and CEO of EAC Network, and Hart, associate vice president of public safety and community engagement at Hofstra University, and former Suffolk County police commissioner and senior supervising resident agent for the Long Island FBI Office.