Sex Trafficking and Pornography

Rick and I recently attended the International Christian Alliance on Prostitution (ICAP) in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Over the five days, we attended workshops and met people from 32 countries around the world, all involved in the fight against sex trafficking. They are working on the front lines in the darkest corners of our planet, often at great risk to their own lives, while striving to bring the light of Christ to those in desperate need. These precious women are in the trenches, saving lives. Some hadn’t had a day off in years. Many organizations are managed by survivors of sex trafficking. Never forget the lengths to which God went to save Rahab from the walls of Jericho – and how He used her to change the world. (She is named in the lineage of Jesus Christ).

Some information to share with your friends and family:

Four Myths about Pornography:

#1 – Porn empowers women

In truth, making pornographic films may start with a false sense of empowerment, but it quickly turns negative, spiraling downward into depression. Women in the porn industry face rape and domestic violence and live in poverty. Many suffer PTSD on a level equal to a combat war veteran.

#2 – Porn is a healthy way to explore sexuality

In truth, pornography lessens sexual satisfaction and encourages men to turn away from monogamy, marriage and their spouse, in the search for satisfaction. Many enter a cycle of addiction, acting out their fantasies, then feeling guilt and remorse that quickly becomes shame and depression, leading to an attempt to cure themselves. Stress and fear of rejection sends them back to pornography, and the cycle starts all over.

Research also shows that the brain on porn is like the brain on heroin. Porn creates dopamine pathways and the addiction becomes darker, more violent, along with ever increasing need for more.

#3 – Porn is victimless

In truth, the level of violence and aggression against women in pornography is appalling. Most are first filmed without knowledge or consent and then blackmailed or coerced into submission. Pornography is a gateway to trafficking.

#4 – If my spouse watches porn, something is wrong with me.

In truth, sexual addiction is insatiable.

Some disturbing facts:

9 out of 10 boys and 6 out of 10 girls are exposed to pornography before the age of 18. The average age of the first viewing is 11 years old. 1 in 25 children ages 7-16 have sent graphic photos of themselves online. These pictures open the door to predators. Child pornography is rampant. There are 116,000 searches every day. Sadly, shamefully, 55% of all pornography comes out of the United States of America.

The truth is every time a person clicks on a porn site, they are supporting sex trafficking. Every click encourages the enslavement and rape of women here in our country as well as around the world.