Sex trafficking isn’t a “women’s issue.”
Maybe that sounds silly, but I’m always struck by the fact that women seem to dominate the voices speaking out about these horrible crimes. While the majority of the victims of sexual slavery are women, the perpetrators are overwhelmingly male. Unless we’re going to blame the victims, it’s time to recognize that this is a male issue.
Guys, we are the problem. And we need to be part of the solution.
Women have a hard time standing before groups of men discussing difficult issues like prostitution and pornography. They have a hard time speaking the truths that men must be held accountable for their behavior and telling us we must stop treating women and girls–especially girls!–as criminals when they’re victims of coercion, abuse, and rape.
Even if they’re willing to tackle these topics, they’re often dismissed by men who simply don’t take them seriously.
The issues aren’t as simple as we’d like. Traffickers operate sophisticated, mobile, and violent operations.
The woman who claims agency as a “sex worker” may be coerced by drugs, abuse, or threats of violence against her or her family. The underage prostituted girl may be difficult to identify. Victims are moved frequently to avoid detection and prevent any chance of establishing community connections.
Laws too often categorize victims as criminals. Even as laws change, attitudes of society and law enforcement don’t always keep up. Too frequently an antiquated boys-will-be-boys mentality persists. It’s time for us to stand up, stop being boys, and start leading as authentic men.
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What’s this got to do with bike riding?
FRONT RANGE FREEDOM TOUR seeks to increase awareness. I’ve been guilty of believing prostitution and pornography were “victimless” crimes, choices made by consenting adults.
Now I know better, and so do you, and we can’t un-know.
And we can’t expect the victims to solve the problem.
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