It is not the responsibility of a young person to prevent their own abuse. However, research shows that equipping youth with the right tools can help reduce their risk of exploitation. Our evidence-based Prevention Curriculum was the first comprehensive exploitation prevention curriculum in the country. We have trained facilitators from 36 states.
Our expert trainers offer introductory through advanced trainings on the sex industry and its devastating impacts. For service providers, law enforcement, and youth-serving professionals, trainings increase victim identification, improve provider response to exploited youth, and build a well-trained safety net.
Since 2002, we have trained in 46 states plus Washington DC, US Virgin Islands, and Ontario, Canada and over 15,500 people have attended our speaking engagements. We have My Life My Choice staff members representing us on 45 boards and committees across the country including the US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking (appointed by President Joe Biden), the Governor's Commission to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking, and the Massachusetts Children's Alliance's MA Child Trafficking Leadership Advisory Board.
On average, we receive 150 new referrals each year, and since 2002 have provided survivor mentoring to over 1,000 youth. Our Survivor Empowerment Team provides survivor-led, trauma-informed care to young people impacted by exploitation while building bridges to, and working closely with, a variety of youth service providers and law enforcement to ensure a multidisciplinary approach while the mentee works toward safety, stability, and healing.
Our team of case managers provide in-depth, trauma-informed, and personalized support to youth to help them manage a variety of life’s challenges such as education and career planning, life-skills, health and wellness, and substance abuse.
The Issue
Every day, in every community, children are being exploited and abused. My Life My Choice responds with compassion and care to meet young people where they are and help them change the trajectory of their lives.
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What You Can Do
This needs to end, and we need your support. Learn how you can join the fight and challenge yourself to take action today.
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Our Stories
Youth are at the heart and soul of everything we do, and their knowledge and strength guide our work. Read about how young people have impacted My Life My Choice and the people who serve them.
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Every day, in every community, children are being exploited and abused. The commercial sexual exploitation of children, commonly referred to as CSEC, refers to a range of crimes and activities that involves the sexual abuse of a child where something of value is given or promised. This can happen in-person or online; both are illegal and cause long-term harm. And it's happening anywhere an adult can have contact with a child.
Like with other sexual predators, it's a numbers game. Exploiters target young people who have experienced abuse or neglect...who are from marginalized communities...who feel alone...who are struggling with self-esteem...who are looking for someone to show them love and support...who don't feel like they belong...who have a phone...who are living as a teenager in today's world...
It is unimaginable for most people to think about CSEC happening in their communities or to young people they know, but it is, and it is getting easier and easier for seasoned exploited and new bad actors who need nothing but a phone to access children and adolescents.
Years ago, we saw the commercial sex trade move online, streamlining the buying and selling of people. The shift we are seeing now is equally as alarming as we are no longer "just" up against the illegal sex industry, but every bad actor with a phone.
Youth received Survivor Mentoring Services
Youth received intensive case management
States had new people trained by my life my choice
service providers were trained across the country
Youth Participated in an Exploitation Prevention Group
WHEN THE UNIMAGINABLE HAPPENS, MY LIFE MY CHOICE IS THERE.
This needs to end, and we need your support. The young people in your community need your support. The youth-serving professionals and law enforcement officers we have trained over the past twenty years need your support. The survivors leading this movement, ensuring an effective and authentic approach, need your support. So, what can you do? Learn more. Make this YOUR issue. Between now and December 31st, take action. Scroll through the list of options below to learn more about current opportunities.
REGISTER FOR OUR TRAINING
Donate today to get early access to register for our community training on January ___ led by expert My Life My Choice staff. Learn about what CSEC looks like and how you can help keep kids in your community safe. Spots are limited; registration opens to the general public on December 15th.
My Life My Choice is based on the social justice framework that those most impacted by an injustice have the greatest knowledge to drive solutions.
Jordyn’s Survivor Mentor and Case Manager have been a formidable team, helping her tackle and address challenges while serving as a sounding board as she made choices to chart her own path forward.
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Anna, age 18 has been receiving mentoring and case management services from My Life My Choice for a year and a half. During that time, she has worked really hard to positively change the trajectory of her life.
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