Human Trafficking Problem Not Always, “Somewhere Else.”

200,000 American youth are at risk of becoming human trafficking victims each year.

In Madison and Marshall counties, former Guntersville High School volleyball coach David Barrow faces over 25 sexual abuse-related charges including human trafficking. Under H.R. 972 (109th): Trafficking Victims Reauthorization Act of 2005, anyone under the age of 18 who is used for a commercial sex act is automatically a victim of human trafficking, regardless of whether he or she is a “willing” participant.

On Aug. 13, multiple charges were levied against Barrow for production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and aggravated criminal surveillance.  According to the Marshall County District Attorney, Steve Marshall, warrants were filed Aug. 13 after computers and other storage items taken from Barrow’s home yielded video and photos of children under 17 in various states of undress.

26% of all human trafficking victims are children according to the International Labour Organization,(2012).

According to estimates reported in The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in the U. S., Canada and Mexico (CSEC) approximately 200,000 American youth are at risk of becoming human trafficking victims each year.  While the majority of these children are either runaways, throwaways or homeless youth, a substantial number of children living at home also are involved in CSEC, including junior and senior high school students recruited in the making and distribution of non-commercial pornography.

Students of Guntersville High School in Alabama were photographed and video recorded by Barrow.  The school plans to begin counseling sessions in the near future, but for the present, those who were victimized by Barrow can seek support at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Marshall County. (The CAC is located at 825 Gunter Ave Guntersville, AL 35976   (https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF8&cid=2785904642197127160&q=Child+Advocacy+Center&iwloc=A&gl=US&hl=en) and can be reached at (256) 582-8492 for additional information.