Seattle has long had a problem with teenage prostitution, as have many other cities across the United States. But a recent report has shown that the Washington city provides little or no help to girls who want to get off the streets and into a better life.

"Safe housing for girls to escape violent and domineering pimps: nonexistent. Outreach programs: understaffed. Substance abuse and mental health counselors: untrained to address these teens. 'I don't even know how to ask them these questions,' one social worker admitted."

The report's author, Debra Boyer, held a forum in Seattle in which she revealed the results that were gathered from case studies and police reports. Boyer emphasized the importance of developing programs and other forms of assistance that will treat teenage prostitutes as victims rather than criminals. Source: Seattle Post-Intellingencer

Labels: girls, prevention, prostitution