The Problem: 

Real information about the size and scope of this problem is difficult to obtain as the real victims live in the margins of society, they’re exploited and helpless and go mostly unnoticed and unreported.

But, it is estimated that over 300,000 children are out on the streets, hiding in the alleyways and holed-up in cheap hotels working as child prostitutes; risking their lives for the pimps who treat them as nothing more than human cash machines.

Quick Facts:

The average age of a pimp is 25

The average age of a victim is 15

75% of victims are known to have been physically or sexually abused by their pimps

Individuals acting as pimps in the prostitution trade come from every race, sex and socioeconomic background; few are willing to discuss the trade on camera

 

“…the place I stayed had three other girls from the street, other pimps and four crack heads living in a one-bedroom apartment…I hated being there…if I could be anywhere else I would have been…”

“…I got pregnant about five times…I’ve  gotten std’s on the street…two of them that I’m going to keep for the rest of my life…”

Victim – Aged 15 

 

The Video: 

Bait and Switch is a twenty-two minute video that exposes the terror and tragedy that these young people suffer as child prostitutes.  We speak to a convicted pimp, an undercover detective, a Prosecuting Attorney, a Chief Medical examiner and an actual victim about this unconscionable tragedy.

Bait and Switch was created and produced by Apple Box Pictures under a grant provided by the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona.  The Court hopes that by showing this video to students across the state, kids will know more about the risks and the traps that may confront them and that this information might save them from the horror of childhood prostitution.