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Let's be honest: when we start talking about trafficking, the noise of political theatrics can drown out the real heartbeat of fighting this injustice. We're here to cut through the propaganda and focus on justice and compassion for our families and our cities. We must first look at where we've been to understand where we're going.
Over twenty years ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 turned the tide in the fight against human trafficking and violence against women in the U.S. This was a monumental step — laying the groundwork for preventing trafficking, protecting survivors, and holding traffickers accountable. The TVPA didn't just sit still; it's been reauthorized multiple times, each update strengthening its impact thanks to the tenacity of survivors and advocates backed by bipartisan support. These reauthorizations have led to more funds for victim services, advanced training for law enforcement, social services, and medical providers, and stricter measures against both sex trafficking and forced labor. It's a testament to what we can achieve when we unite against injustice. The fight against trafficking is closely linked with the movement to end violence against women. Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has expanded definitions of intimate partner violence and sexual assault, provided funding for shelters, and equipped law enforcement with better tools. We've made significant progress, and we're not stopping now. That's why it's more critical than ever to head to the polls this November informed and ready to cast your vote. To combat trafficking, exploitation, and hypersexualization, we need leaders who champion the dignity and equal rights of every individual, as highlighted in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
True leadership means prioritizing the physical, emotional, and economic safety of all, especially the most at-risk. It requires policies that translate these values into action. Only then can we create a world free from trafficking and abuse.
Why does this matter so much? Because when children are exposed to hypersexualization early, it primes them for a lifetime of risk — of being exploited, objectified, and dehumanized. We need leaders who understand that reducing people to objects only fuels violence against them. We need leaders with the courage to say, "Human lives are not for sale."
Apathy is no longer an option for the American voter. The fight against trafficking demands more than empathetic words — it requires a vision that prioritizes both the inherent worth and the fundamental safety of every person. We need leaders who will tirelessly create justice, respect, and a healthy culture for all. The future of anti-trafficking efforts rests not just on policy but on the integrity and values of those who lead – from the Oval Office to boots-on-the-ground abolitionists who strive to create safe havens and secure communities, and to you, the voter, who is reading this article thoughtfully. Your vote has the power to shape a safer society where human dignity is protected and trafficking has no place to thrive.
By staying informed and active, we can shape the direction of anti-trafficking and anti-violence efforts in this country. Whether supporting survivor-focused strategies or demanding more vigorous enforcement, your vote directly sets the course for this fight. The progress of the last two decades shows the power of advocacy and policy.
Now, more than ever, our choices at the ballot box will determine how we continue to push for justice and protection for all.
Hypersexualization and Objectification
Definition: Hypersexualization acts as cultural grooming, where media, ads, fashion, and toys condition children and teens to equate their worth with their appearance and sexuality. For girls, it fixates on body shape and whether they fit society’s ever-changing mold of “desirability.” Boys, in turn, absorb distorted ideas of masculinity, fueling sexism and potential gender-based violence. When these harmful messages are internalized, they foster a mindset of sexual objectification, shaping how we see ourselves and each other.
For today's teenagers, scrolling through their feeds has almost become a crash course in hypersexualization. Dance challenges and viral trends on social media glorify sexualized moves and revealing outfits. Teens open their laptops to binge-watch shows like HBO's "Euphoria," where scenes normalize violent, sexualized behavior among teens and even showcase how young girls can start their 'career' on PornHub. Scroll through TikTok or Instagram Reels, and the explicit lyrics of “WAP” reinforce the message that women’s bodies are commodities. This is the story being fed to the next generation about their sexuality — how it should look, how it should feel, how it should be used, and what value it supposedly holds. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Other countries are already taking a stand against this narrative. In Australia, guidelines have been put in place to curb the sexualization of advertising. France passed a law in 2017 banning overly thin models and mandating that digitally altered images in ads be clearly labeled as "retouched." The goal? To push back against unrealistic beauty standards and the hypersexualization of women, promoting healthier, more diverse body images. While these are initial steps in addressing hypersexualization, we can draw inspiration from other countries implementing such initiatives. Change is possible when we decide to rewrite the story with our votes. Hypersexualization doesn’t have to be the script our children grow up with; we can demand a culture that values them for who they are, not how they look. The question is: are we ready to do what it takes to make that happen?
Kamala Harris
Throughout her political career, Kamala Harris has been a strong advocate for dismantling harmful stereotypes and confronting the hypersexualization of women, particularly in media and interviews. Her policies emphasize advancing gender equality, supporting legal reforms, and launching initiatives to combat sexual harassment, violence, and objectification. Harris has also championed positive media representation for older adults, people with disabilities, and BIPOC women, recognizing how these portrayals shape societal views. When marginalized groups are authentically represented in media as complex, fully realized individuals, it challenges the hypersexualization that often stems from stereotypes. By consistently showcasing diverse stories and identities, the media can help dismantle harmful narratives that reduce people to narrow, hypersexualized roles.
However, some of Harris’s celebrity endorsements have included musical artists, such as Chappel Roan, Cardi B, Charli XCX, and Megan Thee Stallion, who are seen by some as contributing to the very culture of hypersexualization she opposes.
Donald Trump
During Donald Trump’s presidency, his policies and rhetoric primarily focused on economic growth and stability for America. His administration has been criticized for a lack of substantial federal action to combat hypersexualization in particular. His public behavior and treatment of women are unsettling, as they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and toxic masculinity. In 2005, a notorious recording captured Trump making lewd remarks about groping women. This scandalous incident, known as the "Access Hollywood tape," sparked intense debate during his presidential campaign, laying bare his objectification and disrespect toward women. Trump's derogatory comments targeted several women, such as Carly Fiorina, Heidi Klum, Megyn Kelly, Rosie O'Donnell, and even his daughter, Ivanka. His remarks predominantly centered on women's appearances, further cementing his contentious reputation on gender issues. Survivor Commentary Section: Hypersexualization Zoe Christine Bellatorre, MAICS, Lived Experience Expert on Commentary on Hypersexualization: "Hypersexualization and objectification have become normalized in the United States. If we want to create real change, we must confront these issues directly and work to shift the culture for future generations. Many survivors have shared how hypersexualization and objectification have shaped their experiences. For example, one woman noted that people viewed her as an object, which contributed to her sexualization and abuse. Another survivor recalled being abused and objectified within her community from a young age. One mother explained how difficult it was to find non-sexualized clothing for her daughters, often resorting to shopping in the boys' section. I can relate personally: I was sexually abused before I could even speak and trafficked by the age of two within my community. Hypersexualization made trafficking possible, allowing those who should have protected me to exploit me instead. This cultural norm perpetuates the stereotype that men can buy others without consequence. Survivors live with the lasting impact of this objectification, which increases their vulnerability throughout life. Like many, I believed hypersexualization was expected because it started so early for me. We cannot assume that families will always protect children, as 44 - 60% of child trafficking involves familial exploitation. With the average age of entry being just four years old, many survivors don’t remember a life free from sexualization and objectification. As a developed nation, we owe it to our citizens to create a world where every person's dignity, value, and worth are protected and prioritized."
Ashley Faison, Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Commentary:
"Hypersexualization has created a culture that causes micro-abusive behaviors from a young age. I was personally affected by this at the age of 5.
My maternal step-uncle would invite me into his room and teach me how to kiss. He placed me on top of him and laid down.
When our families found out they did not report it, it made me believe it was okay. I saw that my dad was often out of the home, only to return to physically abuse my mom. Through grade school, I was constantly seen as promiscuous because of the norms in my family and how sexual abuse was responded to. My story is not the story of everyone, but I grew up believing that men wanted sex and that to keep a man interested, I needed to provide it. Deep-seated beliefs and learned ideologies provided a skewed perception of sexual safety and behavior."
Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking
Sexual exploitation is the abuse of power or trust for sexual gain, taking advantage of someone who is living at risk already. It includes exchanging money, jobs, or goods for sex, whether legal or not, or forcing sex through threats or blackmail, commonly called sextortion. When a third party controls, profits from, or facilitates this exploitation, it becomes trafficking. Traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to recruit or control victims, manipulating their vulnerability for personal gain. In trafficking, the victim has no real choices, as someone else is profiting from their exploitation.
Human trafficking in the USA does not rely on specific hubs or hotspots; instead, it occurs across all neighborhoods, regardless of wealth, race, or location. Traffickers exploit at-risk people that exist in every community, including economic hardships, family dysfunction, and online connections. The misconception that trafficking is limited to certain places or groups can create blind spots, making it harder to recognize and address the injustice effectively.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris’s stance on combating trafficking is rooted in her legal background and long-standing advocacy for survivors. As a former prosecutor and California’s Attorney General, Harris has firsthand experience dealing with trafficking cases and has consistently pushed for a more comprehensive approach. Her policies emphasize law enforcement, survivor support, and international cooperation. Harris’s dedication to justice extends to her belief that the exploitation of vulnerable populations — particularly women and children — must be addressed both domestically and globally. Her approach includes advocating for legislative protections, investing in resources for survivors, and promoting programs that focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. In 2011, Harris transformed the justice system by calling for minors involved in sex trafficking to be treated as victims rather than “child prostitutes.” Harris’s understanding of the complexities of trafficking — ranging from labor trafficking to sexual exploitation — has guided her efforts to create a safer environment for those most at risk, particularly in online spaces, where trafficking has become increasingly prevalent. In July 2024, the Biden-Harris administration bolstered the Kids Online Health, Safety, and Privacy Act, empowering a task force in conjunction with the act. Kamala Harris’ remarks on the threats of generative AI in the fight against trafficking further show her knowledge of how trafficking is evolving online. Kamala remains hesitant to take a definitive stance on sex as work, yet the reality is that trafficking and exploitation are rampant within the commercial sex industry. By labeling prostitution as 'sex work,' it risks normalizing an industry built on the exploitation of society's most vulnerable individuals. Traffickers prey on the financial, emotional, and physical needs of at-risk people, manipulating them into prostitution, which is too often framed as an autonomous choice rather than recognized for the exploitation it truly represents. Many are uncomfortable with Kamala’s 2019 statement stating she agrees with full decriminalization. Donald Trump
During his time in office, Donald Trump made fighting trafficking a vital issue, choosing to attack the problem in broad strokes – globally, domestically, and with a strong preference towards the lens of border security. His administration curated an interagency task force, and Trump signed eight bills intent on fighting trafficking into law, including the No Human Trafficking On Our Roads Act, the SOAR (Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond), which trained healthcare workers to notice signs of trafficking and the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act – which raised the statute of limitations on human trafficking charges to 10 years. Trump's policies focused on stricter border enforcement, which has led many to question whether he conflates human trafficking with illegal immigration. However, it's crucial to understand that human trafficking and human smuggling are not the same. Illegal border crossing is a crime against the country, while trafficking is a crime against a person. Smuggling can increase a person's risk of being trafficked, but they are fundamentally different injustices that both require solutions. Around 75-80% of unaccompanied children at the U.S. border are smuggled, making them vulnerable to trafficking. A 2023 HHS audit found some children placed with “sponsors” (which could be traffickers, family, or strangers) hosting multiple minors, raising trafficking concerns. The Remain in Mexico policy, introduced by President Trump in 2018, required asylum seekers to wait in Mexican border towns for their U.S. immigration cases; critics argue this exposed them to violence and exploitation. Although President Biden suspended the policy in 2021, a court ruling led to its temporary reinstatement before it was officially ended in June 2022. Matina Vandenberg, president of the Human Trafficking Legal Center, highlights this distinction by stating: “His depiction of human trafficking is practically unrecognizable to those of us who have spent decades in the trenches combating these abuses.” Vandenberg emphasizes that Trump’s approach oversimplifies a complex crime that involves exploitation and coercion, not just illegal entry into the U.S. Though Trump’s emphasis on immigration control was paramount, his administration did provide survivor support. One survivor, Bekah Charleston, who was convicted of a crime that her trafficker forced her to commit, received a full pardon during Trump’s time in office.
Zoe Christine Bellatorre, MAICS, Lived Experience Expert on Commentary on Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking:
"Addressing human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation is a bipartisan issue that is essential for creating a better world for everyone. We must hold buyers and third parties accountable for their actions to combat human trafficking effectively. Historically, buyers faced little to no penalties for participating in this crime. In my lived experience, no one was ever held accountable for the abuses, exploitation, and sex trafficking that occurred. Many survivors of child trafficking, particularly those affected by familial trafficking, have not received justice or restitution.
I have been a part of the development of SOAR modules, and the prioritization of training for professionals has made it possible for them to receive training free of charge. These modules are continually updated to reflect the latest trends and data in the anti-trafficking field. Various modules have been created, covering topics such as trauma-informed care, healthcare, educational professions, and support for Indigenous communities, among others. Importantly, these modules are designed with input from professional staff and consultants who are allies and those with lived experiences who are experts in the field. Human trafficking often occurs at the hands of someone the survivor knows and trusts, including family members.
Involving individuals with lived experience at every level of this work is critical. We must transition from merely responding to those who have experienced trafficking to implementing robust prevention strategies. This includes educating children starting in kindergarten, training professionals such as teachers, medical staff, coaches, and others in community-based services, and providing long-term recovery services for survivors—especially those trafficked as children. Furthermore, we need to address technology by implementing advanced protections for people engaging online. Victims of trafficking should be treated as such rather than being criminalized for their victimization."
Ashley Faison, Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Commentary:
"Addressing human trafficking requires our complete dedication and commitment. The days of misogyny must come to an end. We need to move beyond electoral candidates merely performing on stage for votes. Real people are losing hope in society because they have fallen through the cracks of bureaucracy.
While authenticity and integrity may be lacking, hope is not lost; many legislators genuinely advocate for our most vulnerable populations.
Unfortunately, the bills and policies that have been passed through our legislative system often fail to address the loopholes that have allowed traffickers and buyers to escape justice for so long. For instance, SB1414 has recently passed, which I'm very grateful for, as it imposes harsher penalties on sex buyers who solicit minors. Initially, this bill set the same penalties for buyers soliciting children of any age. However, through the legislative process, the burden was placed on 16- and 17-year-old victims to affirm that they were victims of human trafficking, identify their buyers, and name their traffickers to seek justice. This underscores that our fight for justice is far from over. While we have made progress, we still have a long way to go.
Additionally, high-trafficking areas in urban centers need coalitions and task forces supported by laws, programs, and policies that can help redirect our most vulnerable individuals from believing that their trafficking situation is their only viable means of survival. Survival should never justify allowing our youth to be bought and sold. Moreover, technology must implement barriers, and Big Tech companies must establish requirements to hire specialized units to prevent and identify human trafficking. These units should include retired law enforcement and survivors compensated at an expert salary. Survivors should sit at the table and be included in discussions impacting them across all industries."
The sexualization of children in American media and schools is a critical concern that poses serious risks to their mental, emotional, and social development. Diverse media platforms, including music, television, and social media, bombard children with inappropriate sexualized content, distorting their understanding of relationships and self-worth at an unacceptably early age.
This trend has been exacerbated by the rise of digital platforms, where influencers, including children, are drawn into the spotlight. Platforms such as YouTube feature “kidfluencers,” who often blur the lines between entertainment and forced labor, with children working without adequate legal protections. This exposure not only compromises their privacy but also subjects them to the risks of exploitation. The unregulated nature of these platforms can reinforce harmful stereotypes and sexualized behaviors, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and other mental health challenges.
Schools are increasingly tasked with addressing the repercussions of this cultural shift. While some argue for comprehensive sex education to counteract media influences, others believe that education alone cannot offset the damage caused by the normalization of inappropriate content. Critics also point to how some educational programs inadvertently introduce complex sexual topics to children at too early an age, which can further blur boundaries and hinder their development.
Efforts to combat this issue are emerging at legislative levels, such as the U.S. Congress's introduction of the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act, which aims to regulate federal funding for programs exposing young children to sexually explicit content. This type of policy underscores the urgency to protect children’s innocence and promote their well-being through collective action between lawmakers, parents, and educators.
The long-term effects of early sexualization include a higher likelihood of mental health issues, such as eating disorders and depression, particularly among young girls. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in mitigating these risks by fostering open discussions about media consumption and teaching children how to identify and reject exploitative content.
Without these safeguards, children remain vulnerable to a cultural narrative that places undue emphasis on appearance, robbing them of the chance to grow in healthy, age-appropriate ways.
Kamala Harris
In addressing the sexualization of children, Harris has been a vocal proponent of legislative protections and online safety measures, notably the Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force’s best practice for families guidelines and the interagency report of steps the CDC, FTC, and DHS have taken to protect children. With the rise of digital platforms and the pervasive dangers of online grooming, Harris has been at the forefront of pushing for regulations to reduce the risk for children. Harris also advocates for comprehensive sex education, which aims to provide young people with the knowledge and tools to recognize and avoid exploitation, offering a broader approach that includes but is not limited to abstinence-only education.
Comprehensive Sex Education exists on a spectrum, ranging from basic instruction on anatomy to more controversial topics that some advocates argue border on introducing explicit content that many would consider pornography. However, comprehensive sex education has drawn firm condemnation from its critics. Many parents, politicians, and teachers are concerned that this type of sexual education sexualizes children and acts as a form of grooming itself. Many are wary of comprehensive sex educations ’s root system from Alfred Kinsey’s troubling data that was based on sexual abuse towards children and the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SEICUS), who advocate for comprehensive sex education to be mandatory in the U.S.
Donald Trump
Trump’s actions to combat the sexualization of children are found in his policies, such as the Executive Order for Combating Human Trafficking and Online Child Exploitation in the United States. This executive order included a strategy for removing child sexual abuse material from the internet. Trump also appointed a full-time staff member on the issue of fighting human and child trafficking to double down on his commitment to the problem.
His administration focused on internet safety in conjunction with other executive orders and his inter-agency task force. When it comes to comprehensive sex education, Trump’s administration advocated for an abstinence-only approach to prevent teen pregnancies in America. This has drawn criticism from many across the political spectrum. It should be noted that ChatGPT and other AI platforms had yet to launch while Donald Trump was in office. We can only assume that Trump’s financial backing by Elon Musk — who called for AI to “have a referee” in September 2023 — would dramatically influence how a second Trump administration would address the growing problem of generative AI, child abuse material, and pornography.
Survivor Commentary Section: Sexualization of Children
Commentary on the Sexualization of Children:
As a nation, we must address the sexualization of children, including online exploitation, commonly known as Child Sexual Abuse Material. With the growth of technology, keeping children safe online has become increasingly challenging. Additionally, the advances in technology have made the sexualization of children easier to produce and distribute.
Our phones, tablets, and computers all have cameras in them, which provides easy access for those who seek to exploit children of all ages. My history of trafficking included being filmed and having the material distributed and also used to further the exploitation. Furthermore, one young survivor that I worked with stated that she was held in her house and exploited online; she was trafficked without ever leaving her basement. Another survivor I worked with would have all of her exploitation recorded and placed online.
There would be no trafficking and exploitation if there were no buyers or places to upload the images and videos. We must begin to address this more ethically and thoroughly. Many survivors of child trafficking have been victimized through Child Sexual Abuse Material, including 44% of familial trafficking survivors. In addition, more thorough training and protections need to be in place. Furthermore, many survivors experienced abuse and trafficking beginning before kindergarten; 4 years old is the average age of entry in familial trafficking cases. Elementary education schools must be trained on abuse and exploitation, and the children must be educated on the topic.
Ashley’s Commentary on the Sexualization of Children:
Schools should be held accountable for the music and performances they allow our children to participate in. At my son's high school football games, the cheerleaders' attire, the music, and the choreography are overly sexualized. As a parent, this is disturbing to witness. I can only imagine these children's pressure to conform to mainstream media standards.
According to The Advocates for Human Rights, "almost 70 percent of the editorial content in teen magazines focuses on beauty and fashion, while only 12 percent discusses school or careers." Children should be empowered to use their minds to change the world rather than being fed the false narrative that their worth is tied to harmful societal standards.
A study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, found that "the more time kids spend using screens from ages 9 to 11, the higher their odds of suicidal behaviors two years later, at ages 11 to 13." I argue that it's not just the screen time causing this reality but the harmful content our media outlets allow under the guise of "freedom of speech."
Character and Values
Character plays a pivotal role in shaping leadership and policy priorities, influencing how political figures address critical issues like hypersexualization, exploitation, and trafficking. For many, Kamala Harris’s background as a prosecutor, coupled with her warm yet assertive demeanor, is a source of empowerment—conversely, Donald Trump’s direct, unapologetic style appeals to those who value bluntness over diplomacy.
Harris, in particular, often presents a steady and engaging presence on camera. Yet, critics point to her frequent bouts of “word salad” — moments where her responses seem to skirt the core of a question. Additionally, her rise to power has not been without controversy. Her relationship with Willie Brown and subsequent ascent to District Attorney have sparked allegations that her ties contributed to her political advancement, with some accusing her of using her connections to propel her career.
On the other hand, Trump’s history is marred by accusations of misogyny, disrespect, and sexual misconduct, leading many to question his commitment to justice for survivors of exploitation. His refusal to acknowledge or repent for these actions while claiming adherence to Christian values has frustrated his supporters and critics.
Ultimately, how well do we, the American people, truly understand our leaders? It’s hard to know if we ever see their authentic selves in a political landscape dominated by spectacle. As long as we encourage the theatrics of belittling and degrading candidates, can we genuinely expect humble leaders to emerge in our nation?
What Leadership does America truly need?
Leadership and policy are distinct, but character remains a lasting reflection of how we remember those in power. As we look toward building a safer, more just world, it's essential to evaluate the leadership styles of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Whose approach is more comprehensive, rooted in justice, and adaptable?
Who will listen to survivors, pardon the innocent, and work to rebuild broken systems? Who will seek wise counsel, learn from past mistakes, and strive to improve America?
Which leader will be on the right side of history, advocating for and protecting the vulnerable among us—the women and children who call this country home?
Will Trump live according to the faith he claims to follow? Christians are called to judge others by their fruits — by the actions and outcomes of their lives. If what Trump produces through his words and behavior doesn’t align with Christian ethics, is he genuinely following the faith or simply using it in name only for his political gain?
Will Harris genuinely commit to fighting exploitation and trafficking, or will her track record of shifting positions on key issues suggest she’s more interested in political advancement than in lasting justice? Can she be trusted to prioritize those at risk, or will her convictions waver when confronted with the pressures and power that come with higher office?
Who will step up to create a safer world for future generations?
Who will you choose in 2024?
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