 CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IS ALIVE AND FLOURISHING AND IT’S TIME TO CONFRONT AND SOLVE THIS GLOBAL PROBLEM -- WARNS THE NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 15, 2005 – The fact is that child sexual exploitation has been around for a long time. Time enough to allow astute men and women, with no moral compass, to build successful businesses around the world. The product they sell is children of all ages to be used in unimaginable ways by ruthless clients. These clients could be your doctors, next-door neighbors, teachers, business associates and friends. The list is endless. That’s why the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) and its affiliate the American Prosecutors Research Institute’s (APRI) National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse are privileged to host a news conference on June 15th at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street, N.W., from 1:00p.m. to 2:30p.m. about dramatically reducing child sexual exploitation.
While it’s much easier to look the other way and ignore the stark reality of this problem, thankfully there are those among us who have carried the torch and worked to tackle this problem head-on. In an effort spearheaded by Dr. Sharon Cooper, MD, FAAP, and world renowned expert on child sexual abuse and exploitation, we are announcing the availability of a landmark publication, Medical, Legal & Social Science Aspects of Child Sexual Exploitation, A Comprehensive Review of Pornography, Prostitution, and Internet Crimes. This publication will revolutionize the way we work to eliminate this horrific problem. Through a massive effort, this exceptional publication discusses ways to build multidisciplinary efforts to demolish businesses based on child sexual exploitation. This first-of-a-kind publication promises to be an invaluable resource for those around the world who have devoted their lives to rescuing children and holding child exploiters accountable for their actions. There’s even a chapter about news coverage and how the media can help. We hope those in the media will pick up the gauntlet, use their considerable influence and help us end this barbaric crime.
 Experts on child sexual exploitation and other crimes against children from the United States along with eight other countries (Great Britain, Ireland, France, Denmark, Mexico, Canada, Nepal and Australia) donated their time to work with Dr. Cooper for over three years to complete this publication. Other key authors are: Richard Estes, DSW, CSW, School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania; Angelo P. Giardino, MD, PhD, FAAP, Associate Chair for Pediatrics and Medical Director for Child Abuse Services at St. Christopher’s Hospital for children in Pennsylvania, PA; Nancy D. Kellogg, MD, FAAP, Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center; and Victor I. Vieth, JD, Director of APRI’s Child Abuse Centers. All key authors except Dr. Nancy Kellogg and Dr. Angelo Giardino will be participating in this news conference.
No civilized society can tolerate the abuse and sexual exploitation of children. When parents become pimps by sending nude pictures of their children to interested strangers, and when – after natural disasters like the recent tsunami – it’s a race between relief workers and child sexual predators to find and claim homeless children we’ve reached a new level of corruption and decadence. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg.
Thomas J. Charron, Executive Director of NDAA said, “The commercial, sexual exploitation of children impacts every nation and each year the U.S. alone spends $94 billion in dealing with the aftermath of child abuse along with an estimated 300,000 children who are at risk of being sexually exploited. This publication represents a courageous and noble effort and establishes achievable goals. It also challenges us all to be champions and guardians of our children.”
CONTACT: Velva M. Walter
Director Media Relations for NDAA
703-519-1689 – Email: velva.walter@ndaa-apri.org
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