We might not have realized it before, but according to a new study on sex trafficking activity in major US cities, Atlanta has the largest underground sex economy, the largest center in the US for human trafficking and child sex exploitation. The sex economy is compromised of massage parlors, brothels, and escort services. The average pimp in Atlanta makes $33,000 per week. $33,000. That’s how much some Americans make per year. Annually, the sex economy in Atlanta makes more than 290 million dollars, which is more than how much Atlanta’s illegal gun and trade makes combined. The study found that urban cities such had the most profit potential.
The sex trade in Atlanta is much more complicated than it seems. It thrives off of the actual economy because they rely on drivers, secretaries, and even nannies to keep their enterprises running smoothly. Pimps evade prosecution by paying off hotel managers and law enforcement officers. Atlanta is also making a bigger name for itself; now people are flying into Atlanta for the specific purpose of having sex with young girls. Pimps specifically target young girls who have run away from their homes. In fact, one of three girls will be approached with the offer of prostitution within 48 hours of leaving their homes.
Going to school in Atlanta, it is hard to imagine that such a serious issue can be so close to us. Especially living on Emory’s campus where the environment is so safe and controlled, stories such as these can be hard to comprehend. However, hopefully realizing that these terrible things are going on in our very backyard is the first step to helping relieve these injustices.
The sex trade in Atlanta is much more complicated than it seems. It thrives off of the actual economy because they rely on drivers, secretaries, and even nannies to keep their enterprises running smoothly. Pimps evade prosecution by paying off hotel managers and law enforcement officers. Atlanta is also making a bigger name for itself; now people are flying into Atlanta for the specific purpose of having sex with young girls. Pimps specifically target young girls who have run away from their homes. In fact, one of three girls will be approached with the offer of prostitution within 48 hours of leaving their homes.
Going to school in Atlanta, it is hard to imagine that such a serious issue can be so close to us. Especially living on Emory’s campus where the environment is so safe and controlled, stories such as these can be hard to comprehend. However, hopefully realizing that these terrible things are going on in our very backyard is the first step to helping relieve these injustices.