GIRLS INC. VOICES THE SILENCE OF GIRLS DURING
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Press Conference Examines the Exploitation of Girls and Preventative Measures
San Antonio – February 16, 2011 – March 8 a celebratory day symbolizing International Women’s Day is marked by commemorative events, but aside from the pomp and circumstance, lurks an evil-the underground world of sex trafficking and the exploitation of girls. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an estimated 100,000 children are sexually exploited and trafficked each year in the United States alone.
With the number of girls being exploited by parents, guardians or family members on the move and gaining media coverage; Girls Inc. of San Antonio, a local non-profit and an affiliate of Girls Inc. National whose mission is to “Inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold” took the initiative to shed more light on this sinister occurrence. Girls Inc. will be hosting a press conference and town hall titled the “Exploitation of Girls: Giving Back the Voice to Our Daughters,” featuring Bexar County District Attorney Susan D. Reed along with a panel of respected experts on anti-trafficking and exploitation prevention specialists on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 5:30 PM at Girls Inc. of San Antonio.
“With the onset of child abuse and sexual exploitation of girls increasing in San Antonio, Girls Inc. found the need to address the concern by drawing together experts in the legal and advocacy sectors of our city to provide preventative measures and educational information to parents, teens, law enforcement and the community on this growing trend,” said Girls Inc. of San Antonio President/CEO Rhonda Williamson. With the recent correlation made between Super Bowl and increased sexual trafficking; State Senator Leticia Van de Putte wrote a San Antonio Express-News commentary entitled, Super Bowl a Magnet for Human Traffickers, stating “Sex trafficking is becoming the fastest growing criminal industry in the world and Texas accounting for 25% of it, an event like Super Bowl week have become America’s biggest sex trafficking weekend.” The obvious is apparent and yet, the topic of sexual exploitation of girls is nothing new, but is raising eyebrows and alertness among the community as this matter brings a face to the silence of the voice who is asking for help.
For more information about the press conference, please contact Anais Biera Miracle, Communications Coordinator at abiera@chshel.org or 210.212.2598.
About Girls Inc. of San Antonio
Girls Inc. of San Antonio is an affiliate of Girls Incorporated, a national organization that “inspires all girls to be STRONG, SMART, and BOLD.” To do this Girls Inc. delivers nationally researched and evaluated programs to girls ages 6 to 18. Programming focuses on science, math and technology, economic and media literacy, health and sexuality, individual and team sports, as well as leadership and advocacy. The programs offered are designed and proven to empower girls and increase their self-esteem.
####
