New Insights Gained from the Video
The issue of child prostitution has been discussed and highlighted in various ways. At the same time, the documentary created by Schisgall and Alvarez (2008), Very Young Girls, offers a not ordinary perspective. The film tells the stories of several young girls who fell into the traps of pimps. It also shows Rachel Lloyd, who got out of such a life and organized the Girls Organization and Mentoring Services to help former prostitutes in rehabilitation. Although the film mentions poverty, violence, and crime, it does not focus on the reasons pushing young girls to such work but on their dreams and the complexity of starting a new life.
The film offers some new insights into the problem under discussion. For example, girls get into prostitution from the age of 13, which is striking. Another problem that was little known to me and unpleasantly surprised with renewed vigor is the power of affection manipulated by pimps – girls perceive their feelings towards them as love. They also struggle when they start a new life to the point of considering a return to their former lives in slavery. Although the film does not reveal the social and systemic grounds of the issue, its focus on the dreams and experiences of girls creates additional emphasis on the need to solve the problem.
Enhanced Understanding of Child Sexual Abuse, Sex Trafficking, and Interpersonal Violence
The film can significantly increase the understanding of child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and interpersonal violence. In particular, it demonstrates that even in the modern world, the problem is widespread, and the number of victims continues to increase even if society does not notice. Criminals devise cunning schemes to attract girls, and social workers must be aware of them to find ways to resist them.
Addressing Social Problems at Micro and Macro Levels
The solution to the problem must cover several levels to be effective. At the micro level, for girls who want to end their lives with pimps, personal support, comfort, and talk are needed at the micro level. However, the fact that victims see a return to such a way of life as a vital option demonstrates that more global efforts are needed.
At the macro level, it is essential to ensure the possibility of a stable life through state assistance. For example, girls require protection from domestic violence through support and shelter provision, while criminals should receive punishment. As a result, Very Young Girls draws attention to the problem of prostitution and motivates her emotionality to contribute to the solution.
Reference
Schisgall, D. & Alvarez, N. (2008). Very young girls [Film]. Showtime.