As we mark the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, our mission at Ho’ola Nā Pua and Pearl Haven becomes ever more poignant. Each day, we encounter the resilience and struggles of the young lives we touch, and we are constantly reminded of the silent battles they fight and the quiet courage they embody. Our ongoing quest to illuminate the path to healing has been significantly informed by a recent study titled “Increasing Child Serving Professionals’ Awareness and Understanding of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children,” published in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse. This study provides critical insights into the need for enhanced awareness and understanding among professionals who are likely to encounter victims of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC).
The study evaluated the effectiveness of a training program aimed at increasing awareness of CSEC among professionals. Despite their varying professional positions and years of experience, participants initially had similar levels of CSEC knowledge. The training led to a significant improvement in their understanding, highlighting the necessity for such educational initiatives. However, follow-up testing indicated that these knowledge gains were not always maintained, underscoring the need for ongoing education and support.
Key themes emerged from the participants’ feedback on how their behavior would change post-training:
Legislation such as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) and the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act underscores the importance of protecting CSEC victims and ensuring they are treated as victims, not criminals. These laws provide crucial support and resources, reinforcing the need for trained professionals who can identify and assist victims effectively.
Globally, an estimated 1.9 million children fall victim to sex trafficking each year. In the US, Canada, and Mexico, sex trafficking accounts for over half of all trafficking reports. The impact of such trauma on children is profound and long-lasting, affecting their physical, emotional, and mental health. The high mortality rate among CSEC victims, which is 40 times higher than the national average, highlights the urgent need for intervention and support.
Professionals in medical, legal, social services, child protection, and mental health fields are often the first point of contact for CSEC victims. Their ability to recognize signs of exploitation and provide trauma-informed care is critical. Training programs that cover points of entry, signs, risk factors, and the impact of CSEC are essential in equipping these professionals to support and advocate for victims effectively.
The study’s findings indicate that while initial training significantly boosts knowledge and awareness, ongoing education and support are crucial for maintaining these gains. Innovative approaches, such as booster sessions through emails, podcasts, or web-based training, can help reinforce learning and ensure that professionals remain equipped to support CSEC victims.
At Ho’ola Nā Pua, we are committed to increasing awareness and understanding of CSEC among child-serving professionals. By providing continuous education and support, we can empower these professionals to make a significant impact in the lives of vulnerable children. From this day forward, let us renew our commitment to creating a safer, more supportive environment for all children. Together, we can transform awareness into action and ensure that every child receives the protection and care they deserve.
In service and hope,
Jessica Munoz
Founder, Ho’ola Nā Pua / Pearl Haven
Kenny, M. C., Helpingstine, C., Long, H., Perez, L., & Harrington, M. C. (2019). Increasing Child Serving Professionals’ Awareness and Understanding of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 28(4), 417–434. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2018.1563264
Hawaii is a hub for international business and trading, with an economy fueled by tourism and a large military populati
For most people, time spent in community service might be a few weekend hours at a local shelter or fundraiser. But for
We are thrilled to announce another major milestone! Just this summer, Hoʻōla Nā Pua was conditionally approved to st
