prevention education

the problem

Children are most vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation simply because they are children. Traffickers prey upon their innocence and desire for love and relationship.

One of the most common ways traffickers prey on children is through social media. Exploiters took full advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are seeing online child enticement and sexual abuse at an all-time high.

the average age a child is trafficked in the US

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%

increase of online enticement reports from 2019 to 2020

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reports of suspected child sexual exploitation in the US in 2021

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%

of child survivors met their trafficker online

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how we reach the most vulnerable

While providing services to survivors is crucial to our mission, our goal is that youth never need assistance inside our safehome.

The Lampstand equips youth in schools, churches, child welfare organizations, and other youth-serving programs to recognize vulnerabilities and develop healthy relationships in order to safeguard them from potential exploitation.

We offer an interactive five-module prevention curriculum called Not a Number developed by Love146. Our facilitators are certified and trained to present the courses to students ages 12-18.

Want to bring prevention education to your school, church, or organization?

For questions, email us at [email protected]

the impact

We have reached over 3,000 youth with prevention education in the Greater Roanoke Valley since 2019!

“I’ve learned that if something happens to you, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and tell a trusted adult. Also be careful online and think before your actions and words”

Student

reached by The Lampstand

“I learned that as a victim it isn’t your fault.”
Student

reached by The Lampstand

“This talk was very helpful to me. It has allowed me to notice and want to address things in my life that I have always known about but not been able to fully acknowledge. Thank you.”

Student

reached by The Lampstand

“My students were very interested and engaged. . . The activity with the red flags helped students understand signs that they may not be aware of. My personal favorite was for students to learn the common signs of abuse. We had some students come forward with situations that were happening to them and staff was able to step in and get them help.”
Teacher

of Family Life Education Teacher at Roanoke County Public Schools