The STOPLight

A mother speaks out

Two years ago I received a copy of the STOP Light from a parent in Minneapolis. I was impressed with the purpose of S.T.O.P. We have to deal with the whole issue, and all the people involved in the exploitation of children and women in prostitution. The damaged lives and spirits of the victims deserve the best and safest therapy and services available.

Prostitution is a crime in every state of this nation. Isn't it time for the system to recognize all forms of it as crime? Isn't it time for the system to stop the brutality against our greatest resource, our children? Isn't it time we joined forces across the country to stop this evil that preys on our kids?

I feel the only way this can be done is through education, speaking the truth, loud and clear everywhere. No one can deny the truth. It never goes away. This is what S.T.O.P. does, keeps the truth in front of the system and society. It means lots of work for S.T.O.P., learning and teaching and reaching out to others.

What is it that keeps teenagers and women in this damaging and evil life? One of the lesser known and seldom talked about aspects is control by the pimp. This control keeps people in prostitution because it takes away their ability to reason. It's called "mind control." When the mind is manipulated daily by a pimp, he is in charge. He owns and uses as he pleases.

My awareness of mind control came while listening to a talk by a mother whose child was trapped in a cult. She handed out a list of techniques of coercive persuasion. As I read it, I realized that our family member was being controlled by another person. The idea of prostitution or pimps had never occurred to us. What horror it was to discover this about their relationship.

Although we knew of no where we could go for help, the Cult Awareness Network gave us referrals to people who could explain what was happening to our family member. We were able to find a counselor in who knew about mind control as practiced by pimps. The counselor, Jean Flores, has been helping girls get out of prostitution for 15 years. Her knowledge of this part of the sex industry is great.

One positive thing I learned is that people in prostitution can get out with help, no matter how long they have been in it. Families need to believe this and search for people who can help them and their loved one.

Our family has been healing for a long time and life seems good again. We have a lot of people to thank for this help—the grass roots kind of people. We, in turn, want to help others by passing on what we have learned.

Another thing I learned is that most mental health professionals have not been taught about mind control as it relates to cults or pimping or even spouse abuse. The courts are now beginning to recognize mind control testimony in cases of spousal abuse. We need to educate them so such testimony can also be used for victims of prostitution.

Please join with S.T.O.P. in enlightening, educating and empowering the system to do its job on behalf of all victims of prostitution. Thank you.