Halloween and sex trafficking
Halloween is a bittersweet day for me because I have clinically worked with many pedophiles who taught me this is “their day.” It was a challenge the first year into working with this population. I still had a lot of growing to do as a clinician and as time continued, I was able to hold a safe space for those who purposefully didn’t hold a safe when I worked in different hospitals and psychiatric institutions.
To learn about the mindset and lack of empathy some of my patients had, was absolutely an opportunity to deepen my work as a clinician because for so long, my only specialty was working with teenagers and adults with unresolved sexual trauma.
While I see tons of my buddies posting funny costume pictures on their social media while having a grand old time, I can’t help but think about how this is the #1 holiday which sex offenders and sex traffickers wait all year for. This day is also a major trigger for thousands of parents who’s kid was snatched up by the wrong hands. Imagine how many parents just let go of their kiddo’s hand for a second and then they’re gone. Imagine the horror.
This post is not to shame anybody out of having a great time on this day. I’m writing this post with the sole intention of sending love and prayers to those who grieve on this day. To the parents wondering if their child is still alive or perhaps on the dark web in some disgusting child pornographic video or being harmed in other unthinkable ways…just know my heart goes out to those individuals and it’s not fair. It’s not.
No matter what their costume was, it still would have happened probably. You aren’t to blame if your kid has fishnets on or a Finding Nemo outfit. If you’re reading this and you still don’t have your baby in your arms, I’m so sorry for what you are going through.
It seems year after year, young girls hyper-sexual themselves more and more. Even if they just want to be cute for a party, I do worry. On my drive home earlier today, I saw a few silly teenage girls dressed up while walking home from school, and I half smiled. It looked so wholesome but not everyone has the best intentions when looking their way. I pray they made it home safely and ate way too much candy while watching a horror movie with fuzzy socks on.
I pray that kids can just be kids and not have to worry about being snatched up by unwell men and women who sex traffic. I pray that this year, the statistics go down on kidnaps. I pray some sex traffickers just say, “Not this year. Maybe I’ll stop.” I know that many will continue doing whatever they do. I know the reality is that some individuals choose that lifestyle and do not care about the pain and trauma they are inflicting upon such precious souls.
While walking my overprotective dog early this evening, we passed a few teenage boys while skateboarding. One had a funny clown outfit on, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. From across the street, they shouted to me, “You got candy?!” I laughed and shouted, “I’m so sorry, I don’t! But please keep yourselves safe!” I’m sure I just looked like an overly concerned parent, but I’m very protective of kiddos. I hope the magic and spark in those kids never dies. They’re good kids who just love their skateboards.
So, to everyone who’s heart breaks on this day because they lost their baby to sick individuals, I’m so so sorry for whatever you’re going through right now. I know personally, how some make it out alive and get back their magic. But it takes a lot of work. If you need support, I’m here. If you got your baby back after being sex trafficked or kidnapped, I’m here for them, too. I feel there still could be more resources for loved ones of those who are sex trafficked. So I’m just doing my small part to say, “Hey. I’m here for you, too.”
If you need a therapist, mentor or hypnotherapist to work through this stuff, call me.
If you need a grounding meditation, check out my guided meditation designed special for you during this scary time of anti-semitism: youtube video
If you need group support, email me to join my free Jewish therapist support group. Half is processing and the other half is my meditation.
Much love and heart,
M
