Peer Project Evaluation #2: Life Changers

Immediately following K.A.S.A. de Blog was Life Changers, who had a heartbreaking subject matter that has always interested me. They were talking about the effects of child prostitution on society as well as on the young ones who are trapped in the institution.

First, though I cannot remember what the quote said exactly, I loved that they used such an honest and direct one. It was startling and really put me in the problem immediately.

Here's what I found out: The girls who end up being put up for sale are normally troubled in some way; homeless, abused, etc. The pimps who end up controlling these children introduce themselves as nice guys and present themselves as boyfriends. They house, clothe and feed the girls and treat them seemingly right. The girl already made vulnerable, the pimp forces the young lady to do as he says, which entails going out on the street and selling sex for money.

What shocked me was the typical age of such prostitutes: nine to thirteen years. I suppose this shouldn't have surprised me, but it did completely break my heart.

Just as I was thinking, "How do people get away with this, anyway? It's completely illegal," they gave the reasons the institution still stands with little police interference. Children normally have stolen identities, prostitution is a low-priority offense and even has police who participate in the debauchery.

My favorite thing about the presentation was the information they gave for the rehabilitation and treatment options and the honesty they had to say that there weren't enough. It made me want to get involved.

Moreover, it made me decide something about my career. As a music therapist, I decided I want to work with women and children rehabilitating from being on the streets. I learned from the presentation that this is something I'm passionate about. I appreciate them for that.