Almost two years ago, I was asked to serve on an advisory
board for the rescue and recovery efforts of American children and teens
enslaved in sex trafficking. In my examination of the available literature on
this topic, I came across a small book by Linda Smith, a former U.S
Representative from Washington State
and more recently the founder of Shared Hope International and War Against
Trafficking Alliance (WATA). This brief, but powerful text was not written for
the scholar but for compassionate individuals from all walks of life.
The title of the book, Renting
Lacy, was derived from a conversation Smith had with her husband who
stated, “…these girls’ young bodies are being rented out by the hour” (p. v).
Typically, these child victims are required to service between ten to twenty
men per night. Until quotas are met, basic needs such as food and shelter are
often withheld. In addition, violence fills their lives and escaping is not an
option.
