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Walking Prey: How America's Youth Are Vulnerable to Sex Slavery
Today, two cultural forces are converging to make America's youth easy targets for sex traffickers. Younger and younger girls are engaging in adult sexual attitudes and practices, and the pressure to conform means thousands have little self-worth and are vulnerable to exploitation. At the same time, thanks to social media, texting, and chatting services, predators are able to ferret out their victims more easily than ever before. In Walking Prey, advocate and former victim Holly Austin Smith shows how middle class suburban communities are fast becoming the new epicenter of sex trafficking in America. Smith speaks from experience: Without consistent positive guidance or engagement, Holly was ripe for exploitation at age fourteen. A chance encounter with an older man led her to run away from home, and she soon found herself on the streets of Atlantic City. Her experience led her, two decades later, to become one of the foremost advocates for trafficking victims. Smith argues that these young women should be treated as victims by law enforcement, but that too often the criminal justice system lacks the resources and training to prevent the vicious cycle of prostitution. This is a clarion call to take a sharp look at one of the most striking human rights abuses, and one that is going on in our own backyard.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2014
24 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 3, 2016
I was looking for something.
In June of 1992 Holly Austin Smith had finished eighth grade in a small coastal town in southern New Jersey, 30 miles away from Atlantic City. She appeared to her neighbors and casual friends to be an ordinary 14 year old girl, with an unremarkable appearance, neither strikingly beautiful nor homely, a seemingly normal life as the only child of two middle class parents in an apparently stable home, and a good kid with a mildly defiant attitude. However, just under the surface lay much deeper problems, as she was repeatedly sexually abused by an older cousin, had multiple sexual partners and was subjected to forced intercourse by several of them, and was ignored and all but neglected by her alcoholic parents. She was a follower rather than a leader, struggled but failed to fit in to a clique that would accept her, and sought the attention from boys her age, along with older young men, as she believed from her exposure to MTV videos, pop music, teen magazines, and other media that love would provide her with the happiness and personal satisfaction that she so desperately sought.
On an ordinary summer day she went to the local mall with friends, looking for someone to acknowledge her and help her escape from her suffocating and miserable home. Suddenly she noticed an attractive and well dressed young man gazing intently at her. He smiled at her, gave her his phone number, and asked her to call him anytime. She spent the next two weeks talking with him on the phone, as he gained her trust and her love, and when he promised to take her across the country with him in his red Corvette she jumped at the opportunity and met him. Before she could realize what was happening he bought her alluring clothes, shoes and a wig, took her to a motel, put her in the charge of an older woman, and prepared her to turn her first trick.
Later that summer Holly was picked up by police, confessed what had happened to her, and after a brief stay in a rehabilitation facility she was returned to her parents, as both she and they were provided with little counseling or guidance on how she could best recover from the trauma of her experience. As a result, she soon found herself back in trouble, and it took well over a decade for her to put her life in order and finally achieve peace and fulfillment.
Holly Austin Smith now serves as a consultant to law enforcement officials, mental health and other medical professionals, social workers and child advocates, as well as an inspirational speaker for other survivors of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). In Walking Prey, she shares her own story, openly and bravely, and discusses the extensive problem of child trafficking, using her own research and the stories of other survivors to effectively drive home her points. Although she focuses on CSEC in the United States, she makes it clear that this is a worldwide problem, and one that no community in any country is completely safe from. She discusses the risk factors for a child to become a victim of traffickers, most notably childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, poverty, homelessness, difficulty in school, and mental health problems. She provides useful tips to help those who encounter at risk teenagers determine if a child might be sexually exploited, along with resources that can be utilized to get them off of the streets and into effective programs to address the underlying problems that led to their downfall, and references for further reading.
Walking Prey is a compelling and unforgettable personal story of a survivor of child trafficking, which serves as a clarion call for all people to eliminate this sickening cancer, and provide greater focus on the victims of sexual exploitation to help them re-integrate into society, so that they can lead fulfilling lives and not perpetuate sexual abuse on the children that they later become responsible for. I found this book to be very useful for me as a pediatrician who frequently cares for victims of childhood abuse and at risk teenagers, and as a result of reading it I hope to be able to identify and counsel child trafficking victims in the remainder of my career.
In June of 1992 Holly Austin Smith had finished eighth grade in a small coastal town in southern New Jersey, 30 miles away from Atlantic City. She appeared to her neighbors and casual friends to be an ordinary 14 year old girl, with an unremarkable appearance, neither strikingly beautiful nor homely, a seemingly normal life as the only child of two middle class parents in an apparently stable home, and a good kid with a mildly defiant attitude. However, just under the surface lay much deeper problems, as she was repeatedly sexually abused by an older cousin, had multiple sexual partners and was subjected to forced intercourse by several of them, and was ignored and all but neglected by her alcoholic parents. She was a follower rather than a leader, struggled but failed to fit in to a clique that would accept her, and sought the attention from boys her age, along with older young men, as she believed from her exposure to MTV videos, pop music, teen magazines, and other media that love would provide her with the happiness and personal satisfaction that she so desperately sought.
On an ordinary summer day she went to the local mall with friends, looking for someone to acknowledge her and help her escape from her suffocating and miserable home. Suddenly she noticed an attractive and well dressed young man gazing intently at her. He smiled at her, gave her his phone number, and asked her to call him anytime. She spent the next two weeks talking with him on the phone, as he gained her trust and her love, and when he promised to take her across the country with him in his red Corvette she jumped at the opportunity and met him. Before she could realize what was happening he bought her alluring clothes, shoes and a wig, took her to a motel, put her in the charge of an older woman, and prepared her to turn her first trick.
Later that summer Holly was picked up by police, confessed what had happened to her, and after a brief stay in a rehabilitation facility she was returned to her parents, as both she and they were provided with little counseling or guidance on how she could best recover from the trauma of her experience. As a result, she soon found herself back in trouble, and it took well over a decade for her to put her life in order and finally achieve peace and fulfillment.
Holly Austin Smith now serves as a consultant to law enforcement officials, mental health and other medical professionals, social workers and child advocates, as well as an inspirational speaker for other survivors of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). In Walking Prey, she shares her own story, openly and bravely, and discusses the extensive problem of child trafficking, using her own research and the stories of other survivors to effectively drive home her points. Although she focuses on CSEC in the United States, she makes it clear that this is a worldwide problem, and one that no community in any country is completely safe from. She discusses the risk factors for a child to become a victim of traffickers, most notably childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, poverty, homelessness, difficulty in school, and mental health problems. She provides useful tips to help those who encounter at risk teenagers determine if a child might be sexually exploited, along with resources that can be utilized to get them off of the streets and into effective programs to address the underlying problems that led to their downfall, and references for further reading.
Walking Prey is a compelling and unforgettable personal story of a survivor of child trafficking, which serves as a clarion call for all people to eliminate this sickening cancer, and provide greater focus on the victims of sexual exploitation to help them re-integrate into society, so that they can lead fulfilling lives and not perpetuate sexual abuse on the children that they later become responsible for. I found this book to be very useful for me as a pediatrician who frequently cares for victims of childhood abuse and at risk teenagers, and as a result of reading it I hope to be able to identify and counsel child trafficking victims in the remainder of my career.
March 27, 2015
An insightful, informative look at the harmful world of sex trafficking and exploitation. Smith writes about her experiences in an honest way, making them vivid but not overly graphic. In addition to writing about her time spent with an older man who forced her into prostitution, she also writes about what led up to that ordeal and the factors that made her vulnerable to a predator. While I think she's at times reaching in her reasoning (e.g., how much the sexual nature of pop culture plays a role), overall her claims are sound and worthy of consideration.
Perhaps most importantly is her take on how "willing victims" (those who show attachment to the predators or lifestyle and don't wish to be "rescued") are treated. Even using phrases like "child prostitute" or "teen hooker" are extremely damaging and inaccurate. She explains why these "child prostitutes" are victims and need the care and support all children need; instead, they're often treated coldly, like adult offenders, and offered little aftercare. All victims deserve proper help and treatment, and she offers many useful suggestions for how to assist victims in the immediate aftermath and over time. Many of these issues are often overlooked and the trauma is not given necessary attention. And, as Smith shows, proper post-trauma care is vitally important for victims of human trafficking, particularly children and adolescents.
Perhaps most importantly is her take on how "willing victims" (those who show attachment to the predators or lifestyle and don't wish to be "rescued") are treated. Even using phrases like "child prostitute" or "teen hooker" are extremely damaging and inaccurate. She explains why these "child prostitutes" are victims and need the care and support all children need; instead, they're often treated coldly, like adult offenders, and offered little aftercare. All victims deserve proper help and treatment, and she offers many useful suggestions for how to assist victims in the immediate aftermath and over time. Many of these issues are often overlooked and the trauma is not given necessary attention. And, as Smith shows, proper post-trauma care is vitally important for victims of human trafficking, particularly children and adolescents.
April 28, 2014
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free through a Goodreads giveaway.
Although this book left me feeling somewhat disturbed, I thought it was a a good book. For one, it was a reminder to change our perspective and see young women in the sex industry not as immoral and antisocial, but realize the various forces in play that put them into that position - and how often they are victims. (The author notes that the term "survivor" is used when working with these women, and I agree - I hate to call them "victims" but I also agree that at times, that's the best descriptor of the situation.)
Ms. Smith provided a lot of information and references, as well as humanizing the phenomenon by providing her own story. This was what was so disturbing to me - she is close to my own age, and her story of her adolescence described some of my struggles in a manner so close to home, I thought "That could have been me!" and then "I hope this never happens to my daughter." But Ms. Smith also provided resources and important things to think about when raising and working with girls - like the importance of teaching media literacy.
I'm going to pass this book on to my teenage stepdaughter and see how it resonates with her generation.
Although this book left me feeling somewhat disturbed, I thought it was a a good book. For one, it was a reminder to change our perspective and see young women in the sex industry not as immoral and antisocial, but realize the various forces in play that put them into that position - and how often they are victims. (The author notes that the term "survivor" is used when working with these women, and I agree - I hate to call them "victims" but I also agree that at times, that's the best descriptor of the situation.)
Ms. Smith provided a lot of information and references, as well as humanizing the phenomenon by providing her own story. This was what was so disturbing to me - she is close to my own age, and her story of her adolescence described some of my struggles in a manner so close to home, I thought "That could have been me!" and then "I hope this never happens to my daughter." But Ms. Smith also provided resources and important things to think about when raising and working with girls - like the importance of teaching media literacy.
I'm going to pass this book on to my teenage stepdaughter and see how it resonates with her generation.
April 7, 2014
To better educate myself, I've been reading a number of books on human trafficking (specifically commercial sexual exploitation of children) this year. I have read many that this author references. And I find this book to be the best of them that I've read so far.
I appreciate the author sharing her story of survival, and the stories and quotes from other survivors. I also really appreciated learning about the existing programs around the country to help children, such as HVRT in Dallas which I had read about in another book. Most of all though I appreciated the last chapter with information about getting involved, programs to look for in your own area, and the appendices for parents and children. These were different than tips I had seen from other organizations.
At this point in my learning about CSEC, I found the inclusion of media literacy to be the part of this book I connected with the most. It was the most thought provoking. I'm very glad it was included.
Overall this was an informative, fast read. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially parents.
I appreciate the author sharing her story of survival, and the stories and quotes from other survivors. I also really appreciated learning about the existing programs around the country to help children, such as HVRT in Dallas which I had read about in another book. Most of all though I appreciated the last chapter with information about getting involved, programs to look for in your own area, and the appendices for parents and children. These were different than tips I had seen from other organizations.
At this point in my learning about CSEC, I found the inclusion of media literacy to be the part of this book I connected with the most. It was the most thought provoking. I'm very glad it was included.
Overall this was an informative, fast read. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially parents.
July 30, 2023
Walking Prey raises awareness of the power that media has to influence cultural dynamics in a way that puts youth in situations that are vulnerable to sexual exploitation. 4/5 stars.
---
Similar to other books on human trafficking, Smith writes about the matter using her story. She gave detailed attention to two components that I haven’t read a lot about before though: media literacy and “willing victims.”
She highlights how media influenced her as a child far more than she realized, setting her up for sexual exploitation. She advocates for media literacy as a means of prevention, giving lots of helpful tips for parents or people who work with children.
The term “willing victim” denotes someone who seems to have “‘chosen’ to run away with or ‘chosen’ to stay with a trafficker or buyer at any point, for any length of time “ (Smith, 37). These victims often don’t get adequate treatment from law enforcement and social workers because they don’t appear to want it. Smith draws from her story to help understand the mindset of a “willing victim” and the complexities of adolescent psychology.
---
Similar to other books on human trafficking, Smith writes about the matter using her story. She gave detailed attention to two components that I haven’t read a lot about before though: media literacy and “willing victims.”
She highlights how media influenced her as a child far more than she realized, setting her up for sexual exploitation. She advocates for media literacy as a means of prevention, giving lots of helpful tips for parents or people who work with children.
The term “willing victim” denotes someone who seems to have “‘chosen’ to run away with or ‘chosen’ to stay with a trafficker or buyer at any point, for any length of time “ (Smith, 37). These victims often don’t get adequate treatment from law enforcement and social workers because they don’t appear to want it. Smith draws from her story to help understand the mindset of a “willing victim” and the complexities of adolescent psychology.
February 6, 2025
I started reading this for my human trafficking awareness certification in school and I couldn’t put it down. It was so heavy and raw and it left me speechless. I’m not a big nonfiction person but this book captivated me.
September 6, 2021
Interesting read. Very eye-opening. Only issue I had with the book is the author saying "if this had happened" and "if that had happened." I appreciate her honesty, but she is a bit unrealistic that you can cover all bases and still think this stuff won't happen. There are also a lot of positive songs in the music industry. Apparently she had never heard "Let's Wait a While" by Janet Jackson.
July 3, 2018
The author opens the book by describing being tricked into running away at 14 and then tricked into prostitution. Later on she describes how she was already broken. Her parents contributed, but it seems the bigger attacks on her were older boys and the media around her.
In the 90s when the author was a teen an even more so today, media sends a message that is pervasive and subversive to young girls. Your value is in your sexuality. Men can and should do what they want with you. You are never good enough.
Before we get to how she was treated by males, the author describes what media tells young girls. These powerful messages combine with the developing brain. Young people’s brains have trouble judging danger. This and other vulnerabilities of a still growing mind make them susceptible. Susceptible to media messages and too being groomed.
The author describes several sexual advances that led to sexual encounters that led to the author and many girls like her being emotionally broken. This societal drive (the natural drive is more easily subsumed) for boys to have sex and for young girls to have validation to be valued through sex causes girls to get confused and hopeless.
Now a person comes in and convinces them to have sex for money. They see little reason not to- and if they do not value themselves, it is harder to see it as a loss.
This book has takeaways for dealing with young people dealing with emotional problems. Teens may not be pleasant or cooperative, but that does not mean they do not deserve our attention and patience. Trying to ease their pain leads them to do painful things. Judgement does not help. The author Holly Austin Smith, discusses how people tried to help her, but it was not the right type of help. She needed specific individualized help. She describes what happens all too often- troubled people are given interventions and she kept doing harmful things. You can imagine the judgement that would follow as it does not make sense. But as Dr Phil describes, everyone has a series of filters on reality. What she did made sense through the filters given to her by life.
The damage to many girls does not need to be caused by abuse or sexual assault. However, it is so prevalent that all girls have been exposed to it or have been scared of it happening. Whether you are concerned with sex trafficking or just young people in general, this is a valuable read.
In the 90s when the author was a teen an even more so today, media sends a message that is pervasive and subversive to young girls. Your value is in your sexuality. Men can and should do what they want with you. You are never good enough.
Before we get to how she was treated by males, the author describes what media tells young girls. These powerful messages combine with the developing brain. Young people’s brains have trouble judging danger. This and other vulnerabilities of a still growing mind make them susceptible. Susceptible to media messages and too being groomed.
The author describes several sexual advances that led to sexual encounters that led to the author and many girls like her being emotionally broken. This societal drive (the natural drive is more easily subsumed) for boys to have sex and for young girls to have validation to be valued through sex causes girls to get confused and hopeless.
Now a person comes in and convinces them to have sex for money. They see little reason not to- and if they do not value themselves, it is harder to see it as a loss.
This book has takeaways for dealing with young people dealing with emotional problems. Teens may not be pleasant or cooperative, but that does not mean they do not deserve our attention and patience. Trying to ease their pain leads them to do painful things. Judgement does not help. The author Holly Austin Smith, discusses how people tried to help her, but it was not the right type of help. She needed specific individualized help. She describes what happens all too often- troubled people are given interventions and she kept doing harmful things. You can imagine the judgement that would follow as it does not make sense. But as Dr Phil describes, everyone has a series of filters on reality. What she did made sense through the filters given to her by life.
The damage to many girls does not need to be caused by abuse or sexual assault. However, it is so prevalent that all girls have been exposed to it or have been scared of it happening. Whether you are concerned with sex trafficking or just young people in general, this is a valuable read.
October 18, 2018
I have been wanting to read this since it came out and finally sat down to do it!
I think I made a mistake in waiting so long though, because a lot of the information in this book is already outdated (I am constantly checking up on human trafficking reports). I mainly read this book for the story about Holly Smith and what her experiences were like during her week in sex trafficking. It was truly sad and I liked all she said. She gives a lot of information on the need for aftercare and how it would have helped her much more if she had better help. In case you don't know Holly's story, I'll just sum up that she met her trafficker at a mall in New Jersey. Do to her cravings for attention and love from her very lonely life, this meant that she was an easy vulnerable target. Her book had far more information than her actual story, but I think it is very good to read if you are learning about sex trafficking. Just keep in mind that you should probably look into more recent information afterwards to further teach you what's going on right now.
I think I made a mistake in waiting so long though, because a lot of the information in this book is already outdated (I am constantly checking up on human trafficking reports). I mainly read this book for the story about Holly Smith and what her experiences were like during her week in sex trafficking. It was truly sad and I liked all she said. She gives a lot of information on the need for aftercare and how it would have helped her much more if she had better help. In case you don't know Holly's story, I'll just sum up that she met her trafficker at a mall in New Jersey. Do to her cravings for attention and love from her very lonely life, this meant that she was an easy vulnerable target. Her book had far more information than her actual story, but I think it is very good to read if you are learning about sex trafficking. Just keep in mind that you should probably look into more recent information afterwards to further teach you what's going on right now.
November 9, 2018
NOTES:
181- my journey from victim to survivor began with acceptance, personal responsibility, and determination.
It was difficult to write about my parent’s’ shortcomings. . .
Who was to blame was no longer my concern; it was how am I going to overcome?
THEME **185- it takes time for a teen to mature enough to see his or her limitations. . . I share my story . . . To shed light on those whom the media often call child prostitutes. These prostitutes are children, and they have been raised in a world that We created for them. An over-sexualized, consumer-driven society will create over-sexualized, consumer-driven children who are vulnerable to the likes of sex traffickers.
To all the officers, social workers, therapists, and other advocates who face frustration when working with this population, I promise you that every bit of work you do is effective. You might not see it right away, but your actions will stick with victims for a lifetime.
181- my journey from victim to survivor began with acceptance, personal responsibility, and determination.
It was difficult to write about my parent’s’ shortcomings. . .
Who was to blame was no longer my concern; it was how am I going to overcome?
THEME **185- it takes time for a teen to mature enough to see his or her limitations. . . I share my story . . . To shed light on those whom the media often call child prostitutes. These prostitutes are children, and they have been raised in a world that We created for them. An over-sexualized, consumer-driven society will create over-sexualized, consumer-driven children who are vulnerable to the likes of sex traffickers.
To all the officers, social workers, therapists, and other advocates who face frustration when working with this population, I promise you that every bit of work you do is effective. You might not see it right away, but your actions will stick with victims for a lifetime.
February 22, 2019
Holly Austin Smith, an unusually brave sex trafficking survivor, relates her harrowing experience when she was only 14 years old. She is now an advocate who travels across the country educating people about this problem. Smith cites many statistics, provides reasons for the prevalence of child sex trafficking and gives practical advice on prevention and the rehabilitation of victims.
Smith recounts being an awkward teenager who felt disconnected from her family and alienated from her peers when she ran away with a man named Greg who turned out to be a pimp. She candidly recalls her weeks on the streets of Atlantic City, her rescue, and rehabilitation treatment. I highly recommend Walking Prey to everyone, particularly parents of teenagers. It is an eye-opening experience that they cannot afford to ignore.
Smith recounts being an awkward teenager who felt disconnected from her family and alienated from her peers when she ran away with a man named Greg who turned out to be a pimp. She candidly recalls her weeks on the streets of Atlantic City, her rescue, and rehabilitation treatment. I highly recommend Walking Prey to everyone, particularly parents of teenagers. It is an eye-opening experience that they cannot afford to ignore.
March 19, 2019
3.5 stars
I'll need to go back and re-read the stuff towards the end about resources and tips, etc. Again, it's difficult to look at it as anything other than someone who already works in the field. So, there are some things that struck me as redundant- but that's because I hear them all day every day.
Only one thing she said about using the term 'survivor' vs 'victim' made me openly balk; simply because what she states is categorically untrue. So, I'm not sure if it was just the phrasing; because she also acknowledges that every circumstance is different. So, maybe it was just a bizarre grammatical choice.
Overall- a LOT of good information. Would love to know more about how to get a survivor support group together; so will have to look into that.
I'll need to go back and re-read the stuff towards the end about resources and tips, etc. Again, it's difficult to look at it as anything other than someone who already works in the field. So, there are some things that struck me as redundant- but that's because I hear them all day every day.
Only one thing she said about using the term 'survivor' vs 'victim' made me openly balk; simply because what she states is categorically untrue. So, I'm not sure if it was just the phrasing; because she also acknowledges that every circumstance is different. So, maybe it was just a bizarre grammatical choice.
Overall- a LOT of good information. Would love to know more about how to get a survivor support group together; so will have to look into that.
December 31, 2020
This book was amazing!!!! It does two things well: first the author tells her story of being sex trafficked as a teenager by a pimp. I have worked with trafficking survivors and I have heard her story many times, but it was refreshing to see it in print form HOW IT ACTUALLY HAPPENS for others to read.
Secondly, this book is an non-fiction account of sex trafficking in the U.S. and is very well done. Not only does she completely explain the various forms sex trafficking takes, but she has great information on how anyone can help depending on what you do. She had stuff for me as a therapist of these type of youth, info for police who come in contact, and every day people who just want to help.
READ THIS BOOK!
Secondly, this book is an non-fiction account of sex trafficking in the U.S. and is very well done. Not only does she completely explain the various forms sex trafficking takes, but she has great information on how anyone can help depending on what you do. She had stuff for me as a therapist of these type of youth, info for police who come in contact, and every day people who just want to help.
READ THIS BOOK!
September 8, 2022
"Like many "willing victims," however, the process of breaking me down had begun long before I met my trafficker. I cringe when people refer to me in news articles as a "former sex slave" because if I was a sex slave to anyone, it was to popular culture. Advertisers, entertainment producers and other moguls of the media were the ones who seasoned me to accept sexual exploitation and prostitution. My body was an object; its sole purpose, I believed by that point, was for sex."
May 9, 2018
Powerful Book
The events are true and although hard to read it enlightens the reader to what is happening around you. Great book with a happy ending for the author, but I know that there are many other stories without a happy ending time we open our eyes and try to help in someway.
The events are true and although hard to read it enlightens the reader to what is happening around you. Great book with a happy ending for the author, but I know that there are many other stories without a happy ending time we open our eyes and try to help in someway.
April 1, 2018
I had the opportunity to see Holly speak at a recent Nurse Practitioner Conference. Such an eye opening experience and what a wonderful opportunity to turn her experiences into something positive. I applaud all of her hard work and all that she is doing to help these children.
January 26, 2019
This book is an easy to read guide with lots of resources for anyone who supports youth.
April 6, 2019
I didn't finish this.. I liked the way it started out as a story but then lost interest when it turned more "textbook"ish..
September 5, 2020
I read it for a class. Very insightful on the topic of human trafficking.
February 14, 2023
Extremely helpful for understanding the way the messages that culture sends to young girls affects their vulnerability to exploitation.
October 17, 2023
I admire Smith's brutal honesty. This memoir was published in 2014 and analyzes media's effect on CSEC, given Internet expansiveness more research should be done in this area.
December 14, 2025
I read this book in my effort to become more knowledgeable about reducing/preventing child sex trafficking.
September 18, 2014
I won this book as part of Goodreads' Giveaway contest. It is an advanced reader's copy. This is a book that I would recommend to everyone that interacts/works with children/adolescents: parents, teachers, therapists, law enforcement, etc. It's a difficult book to read given its content and context; it does contain some graphic language/examples of abuse as the author recounts her own story as a victim of sex trafficking and others. Despite the heavy topic, the author does a good job in enlightening the reader of the topic and the prevalence of this sick crime. She describes how children/adolescents are vulnerable to sex trafficking and what can be done to help this population to protect them. She emphasizes that children in poverty are NOT the only ones at risk. She gives plenty of examples of middle-to-upper class kids who were also victims as a result of some type of vulnerability (self-esteem, etc.). She tries to get the attention of the reader to realize the danger of all children to this destructive crime and to act preventatively BEFORE it's too late, as well as resources for when it was too late to help the victimized children. She highlights that, for the most part, people's stereotypes of who traffickers look and act like is incorrect. The author admitted her own faulty perception: "I imagined rapists and serial killers [who] hung around dark alleys while pedophiles were old, creepy men with pockets full of candy." (Her trafficker was a handsome, clean-shaven young man, dressed in the latest fashionable clothes). The author provides great resources/tips in the Appendix for various types of people working with children: 1) Resources for Parents & Victims; 2) Resources for Law Enforcement & Other First Responders; 3) Tips for Teens For Protection Against Traffickers; 4) Tips for Parents To Protect Your Children From Predators; 5) Tips for Elementary School Teachers & Counselors; 6) Tips for Middle School Teachers & Counselors. She also gives tips on how normal citizens can help prevent trafficking in their communities. Most children don't have a "Liam Neeson" father to come rescue them like in the Taken movies. But this book will help parents and others involved with children to prevent, protect, and recognize signs of trafficking victims.
May 20, 2014
Precursor: I won this book in a good reads' contest, but I was interested in reading it with or without the contest.
I work for the court system and had the unbelievable pleasure of meeting and hearing Holly Austin Smith speak on Human Trafficking in Atlantic City, NJ. She was in the process of writing this book and read an early excerpt of it to describe her young self and her early involvement with Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. It was interesting to see this excerpt in the context of the full story. The book describes both Holly's experience in sex trafficking and what we as a society needs to do to prevent human trafficking. The book is jam packed with statistics, preventative concepts, and real life observations. With regards to the real life observations be prepared some of the sections of the book are graphic for most readers, especially her interactions with Greg, and the "Johns". If we were took look at the societal issues that the author addressed including the media we have a lot to work on. A perfect example that the author showed during her presentation was Limp Bizkit "Eat You Alive". (I have no problem with Limp Bizkit, I appreciate many of their songs, it's just an example to open your eyes to.)
At the end of the book the author provides simple solutions for parents, educators, law enforcement, and victim advocates on how to work with those who have exploited and trafficked, as well as ways to prevent it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and listening to Holly Austin Smith address a major concern in the global society. I have already suggested this book to others.
I work for the court system and had the unbelievable pleasure of meeting and hearing Holly Austin Smith speak on Human Trafficking in Atlantic City, NJ. She was in the process of writing this book and read an early excerpt of it to describe her young self and her early involvement with Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children. It was interesting to see this excerpt in the context of the full story. The book describes both Holly's experience in sex trafficking and what we as a society needs to do to prevent human trafficking. The book is jam packed with statistics, preventative concepts, and real life observations. With regards to the real life observations be prepared some of the sections of the book are graphic for most readers, especially her interactions with Greg, and the "Johns". If we were took look at the societal issues that the author addressed including the media we have a lot to work on. A perfect example that the author showed during her presentation was Limp Bizkit "Eat You Alive". (I have no problem with Limp Bizkit, I appreciate many of their songs, it's just an example to open your eyes to.)
At the end of the book the author provides simple solutions for parents, educators, law enforcement, and victim advocates on how to work with those who have exploited and trafficked, as well as ways to prevent it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and listening to Holly Austin Smith address a major concern in the global society. I have already suggested this book to others.
April 3, 2014
Wow this book is intense. So much so, that at times it was difficult to read, and I had to put it down and walk away. I really respect the author for being open and telling her story of her life as a woman who was trafficked. I know it could not be easy to bear your sole and explain, in detail her troubled childhood, and experience with different "johns." The story in general is one that is really important to tell. We look at trafficked women, and think, oh that only happens in other counties, that would never happen in America. I love that it brought the realities of the life to forefront and expressed how large the problem really is in this country, and that we cannot just be bystanders. My favorite part of the book were the personal stories from the author and other women who have wound up in the same position. It was interesting to see the different walks of life they came from, and the different ways in which they were vulnerable. The one complaint I had about the book, the ending became a bit preachy. While I do not deny the fact that services need to be in place to inform people about the realities of sex trafficking, and aiding victims in recovery, I do not think multiple chapters needed to be dedicated to that aspect.
January 26, 2015
Written by a victim of commercial sexual exploitation of children - CSEC - who has become an advocate for other victims. Smith (her real name!) tells her story interspersed with accounts from other victims, proper response, good programs, and advice to agencies. Her home was unstable and she had very little sense of herself. She was already allowing men to take advantage of her when she was enticed by a pimp to Atlantic City for the purposes of prostitution. The primary lesson I learned from her story is that it could have been prevented by some psychological intervention at an earlier age. She is 14 when all of this happens - not even old enough to drive. The other lesson is that there are people out there who will pretend to be a friend of a troubled teen, then after friendship is gained, use their influence to force the teen into the street life.
The final section of the book details appropriate responses and examples of excellent programs around the country for these children. There are lots of recommendations for other books to read and organizations to contact. This is real, folks!
The final section of the book details appropriate responses and examples of excellent programs around the country for these children. There are lots of recommendations for other books to read and organizations to contact. This is real, folks!
June 27, 2014
See my previous review for my general opinion of the book. You should never assume that you don't (pr won't in the future) know a victim of this practice because, like all abuse, it happens across all demographic phenomena. Additionally, I will say that anyone who has contact with children and teens up to age 18 -- social workers, teachers, school counselors, emergency room doctors, law enforcement and other first responders, religious personnel and OF COURSE, parents MUST read this book. I am probably more informed on the subject than many people, yet I still found the book very informative and even shocking at times.
The author is herself a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation of children. Three of the best things about the book are: (1) the extremely thorough means in which she explores and explains the societal causes of this problem, (2) her explanation of both individual and community factors which put children at higher risk, and (3) the resources lists provided for parents, teachers, and various personnel who come in contact with children.
The author is herself a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation of children. Three of the best things about the book are: (1) the extremely thorough means in which she explores and explains the societal causes of this problem, (2) her explanation of both individual and community factors which put children at higher risk, and (3) the resources lists provided for parents, teachers, and various personnel who come in contact with children.
March 2, 2016
A very timely book, based on personal experience (a daughter's friend met an "internet boyfriend" a few years ago at a local Dairy Queen), and news stories (Virginia Tech student murderers). Walking Prey examines child sex trafficking and the role of our media and society in "priming" young girls for sex predators.
Austin Smith is a survivor of child prostitution in Atlantic City. Her family situation and vulnerability to peer and societal pressure led to her low self esteem and the urge to flee to a better and more adventurous life. Now an advocate for survivors of sex trafficking, Austin Smith explores the types of child sex trafficking, treatments (or lack thereof) and ultimately, options available to parents, educators and authorities to empower children, especially girls in order to avoid victimization.
Walking Prey could have flowed a bit better and addressed social media's role a bit more, but otherwise, it's an essential read for parents, especially those with middle school or high school teens.
Austin Smith is a survivor of child prostitution in Atlantic City. Her family situation and vulnerability to peer and societal pressure led to her low self esteem and the urge to flee to a better and more adventurous life. Now an advocate for survivors of sex trafficking, Austin Smith explores the types of child sex trafficking, treatments (or lack thereof) and ultimately, options available to parents, educators and authorities to empower children, especially girls in order to avoid victimization.
Walking Prey could have flowed a bit better and addressed social media's role a bit more, but otherwise, it's an essential read for parents, especially those with middle school or high school teens.
May 14, 2014
The author begins the book by telling her story about what led to her being involved in commercial child sex trafficking. She explores vulnerability factors, media influence, lack of sexual education and support for children and teens who may be at risk. She emphasizes the importance of parents, school personnel and law enforcement officers in providing support to children and teens (both those who are at risk and those who are already victims of child sex trafficking). Throughout the book, she provides the names of many different organizations which can provide helpful support and resources for victims and their families. Additionally, she advocates for victims through using proper language/words to describe individuals who have been victims of sexual trafficking.
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