For many who emigrate to America, the American Dream is one of an equal opportunity and the chance to go from rags to riches, an idea seldom thought possible in many countries. However, as one must learn, there is much more than meets the eye at the surface. There are darker areas of society that remain hidden, even in broad daylight. After watching the documentary "Children For Sale," it became apparent to me that child sex trafficking has become the new form of slavery in the United States, and it isn't selling or exploiting children from other countries, but its own. Many expect children who are trafficked to be from third-world countries or areas of turmoil, but when one mentions the idea that something so sinister could be taking place in the United States, people are in disbelief and denial of it ever happening. This vicious cycle that preys on at-risk children and adolescents is not, as one would imagine, limited to a certain area, financial class, or any trait other than that of vulnerability. According to CNN, “human trafficking is the second most lucrative crime in the world, second only to narcotics trafficking.”

Who’s at risk?

All children and young adults are at risk. One of the most difficult aspects of identifying and rescuing individuals in “the life” is that they could be dressed any way, and be anywhere. Many would assume that it is only young women being exploited, but that would be false. Young people everywhere, especially those who feel emotionally neglected or alone are susceptible to being lured into the cycle. Many of the stories of individuals who have been able to escape start by saying that they began doing something as simple as helping out someone who offered them a place to stay when they ran away or offered them some extra money for a few errands. What began as favors quickly turned into arranging meetings with individuals who paid for sex with adolescents (some who were underage). Even when the exploited wanted to break away, the ability to do so has been shown to be much more difficult than one would have thought. Many exploiters threaten and physically abuse the exploited, but more prominently use psychological and emotional manipulation to keep the young women and men in check. Being the "loving" individual in their lives that they were lacking in their homes and then switching to being the exploiter keeps the exploited more vulnerable than ever.

Who are the traffickers?

Many assume that traffickers are male, but that is not the case. The "Children for Sale" documentary included an interview with a woman who used to traffic girls. Later in the video, another woman appeared to be partners with two men who were arrested, one who was driving a missing 14-year-old and a 15-year-old to the airport to meet “clients.” The main take-away from this segment is that the exploited individuals are the victims and the exploiters or traffickers are the ones who need to be brought to justice. Anyone can be an exploiter of children. Oftentimes there are people who work in teams as well as individually.

What’s being done to stop it?

Thankfully, for all the monsters in the world who exploit children there are those who do the opposite. Advocates, volunteers, and organizations such as Love146, the Clearwater Area Task Force on Human Trafficking, and Covenant House give those who have escaped “the life” the necessary opportunities and facilities for a better future. The more people become educated on this subject, the larger the impact that can be made to end this.

What can be done to help? The best thing you can do is to become educated and spread awareness that is going on. It’s not an “exaggerated” statement, but a real epidemic preying on adolescents who are emotionally vulnerable. Remember that anyone could be a victim, and anyone could be trafficking children. Common misconceptions, including the idea of a certain “type” of trafficker or “kind” of child prostitute, contribute to people overlooking signs right in front of them that could point to someone in need of help. As of late, several articles have been published on signs to look for in airports that could indicate that a child or individual is a victim of trafficking. Various airlines as well as hotels have now instituted mandatory classes or given manuals that detail signs that someone may be under duress and how to assist them. This is the right direction, but more is necessary.

After watching the documentary, I have to say that I learned a lot, but most frighteningly, how easy it is for someone of any age (as young as 12 or 13) to be lured into “the life.” The only way this horrific trade ends, is if people are made aware and do something. It is important that articles, documentaries, and whatever other means of communication about the trafficking of children in the States continue to circulate and are made accessible on as many social media and Internet platforms as possible. In an age when online activism leads to real change, it is important, now more than ever, to strike issues such as this that have a direct impact on the children of this country. For what kind of future are we striving for, if we can't keep our own safe?

For more information:

The CNN Freedom Project: Ending Modern-Day Slavery

7 Ways to Spot that Someone is Being Trafficked

CNN Selling Atlanta's Children

To watch the full documentary: Children for Sale Documentary

To learn more or to join the conversation on Twitter:

#endsextrafficking