Becoming a Kid Advocate

As Kid Advocates, we speak out about issues that are destroying the lives of kids around the world such as sexual abuse, sex trafficking and other horrible acts. We help educate kids, parents, teachers and community members about the things that kids are experiencing and empower other kids to do the same. We are the voice for the kids’ whose voices have been silenced.

Become a kid defender

The 3 P’s to Becoming a “Kid Advocate”

Pay Attention

Have you noticed any of these signs in your friends? These are some signs kids may exhibit when they are victims of sexual abuse/sex trafficking:

  • Changes in behavior including worry, crying for no reason and anger outbursts
  • Afraid to go home or be around certain people.
  • Changes in attitude towards school or academic performance.
  • Loss of interest in friends, sports, or other activities.
  • Interests in sexual pictures, movies, media.
  • Low self-esteem.
  • Unwillingness to share who purchased them new clothes, shoes, jewelry, phones, etc.
  • Sexually explicit profiles on social networking sites.
  • Having sexual encounters in exchange for money, clothes or other valuables.
  • Interacting with older adults inappropriately.
  • Physical problems.
  • Kids may start having health problems, including soreness in the genital and anal areas or sexually transmitted infections, or they may become pregnant.
  • Possession of hotel keys and key cards and/or a prepaid cell phone.
  • Suicidal thoughts or self-injurious behaviors like cutting.
  • Sudden interest and use of drugs and alcohol.
  • Attempt to run away or elope.

Prepare

What if YOU start educating, preparing and empowering the staff and students in your school! We will help you equip the adults at your school with the knowledge and resources to educate kids about sexual abuse, sex trafficking and other social evils. We encourage all Kid Advocates to download the letter below and take it to your principal at school to get started!

Protect

Children often do not talk about the abuse they are experiencing because they think it is their fault or they may not even realize they are being abused. However, kids are more likely to talk to other kids. This means YOU might be the only person your friend tells. You should never keep this information a secret…EVER. The FIRST step is to tell a trusted adult about the abuse. If you notice any of the signs listed above, make sure you tell a trusted adult! 

If you don’t have a trusted adult you can talk to about it, you can definitely call The National Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7 and National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) is available to answer your questions and give you the knowledge and resources to protect the kids in your life. You don’t have to be a grown-up to call!