The lecture presented by Dr.Stephens, Rashmi P, and Fasila Begum was centered around Sex Trafficking in India. The lecture began by showing a map of the world and the levels at which each country is involved in CSE (commercial sex trafficking). The next point made in the study showcased the perception of NGOs (Non-governmental organizations) on CSE. NGOs have a four-level system to CSE: Macrosystem, Exoststem, Mesosystem, and Microsystem. The final point made in the presentation was the perception auto-rickshaw drivers have of sex workers. The rickshaw drivers are dependable men in the lives of sex-working women. They also provide safe transportation for these women. These were the main points discussed during the presentation; further elaboration will be provided.

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One idea in the presentation that was considered vital was the four-level CSE system. The Macrosystem that was discussed in the lecture focused on the cultural and societal perception of CSE. They are frequently seen as only a women's problem and blame the victim regarding sex trafficking. This comes from communities' lack of knowledge and their defiance to learn more about CSE. The next level is the Exosystem which views the overall support. The legal system in India frequently feels like they are ignoring CSE as a whole; when funds are raised, it sometimes fails to reach survivors. Those in the judicial system (Law enforcement, Lawyers, and judges) often engage in sex trafficking. Creating a connection with law enforcement is tricky, but if a proper bond is fulfilled, it will benefit survivors, and those still trafficked. Next, the Mesosystem examines at's perceptions of AHTSO (Anti-human Trafficking Service Organization). There have been times when AHTSOs have sexually exploited those that they brought into their care. Most of these organizations also did not correctly equip survivors for the outside world. Finally, the Microsystem demonstrated that people closest to the CSE victims are responsible for placing them in those situations. An example of this could be a father or mother have accrued too much debt and sold their daughters to help pay back the debts. Families may also hesitate to welcome their sons or daughters back into the family due to the social stigma surrounding CSE. The other central point discussed was the involvement of rickshaw drivers. As previously stated, rickshaw drivers offer support and care for sex workers, giving them a safe space to talk about their problems and even encouraging sex workers to choose a different occupation. Although rickshaw drivers offer positive support, they also run a risk. Since the CSE business is violent, they may get caught in the violence. Those points discussed in the presentation made me surprised and wrong about how little information is out there on the violent nature of CSE.

My reaction during this presentation was one of shock due to all the information provided. You hear about sex trafficking but never the facts and the causes of sex trafficking. Victims of CSE are also kept quiet due to the social construct of India and overall in the world. Reaching out for help is looked down upon because men view CSE as a women's problem, often blaming the victim for being trafficked. I remember that men generally do not get educated on these topics; as time progresses and less education is provided, more men will grow up and believe, "That does not concern me. I am not a woman". However, we fail to realize that men get trafficked too, but those male victims are programmed not to talk about their problems, especially those sexually exploited. Hearing this presentation proved to me how little I know about CSE; what we learn and hear is only the surface of the problem. So many resources are provided to help spread and help out victims of CSE, and if no resources are available, then it is up to us to make them happen.

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I hope to encourage the community by providing further education on these topics. As president of PASS (Psychology Ambassadors for Student Success), I will put together a presentation highlighting the issues with CSE and ways to help the cause. A big first step is being an informant to a cause that can be prevented by providing proper education and removing the thought of it being an only-woman problem and making it a global problem. Doing proper research on non-profits and helping with a donation can come a long way. For example, one organization that can benefit from a fundraiser could be the Odanadi organization, which offers care and support to sex trafficked victims. Small steps like spreading awareness can come a long way for a problem that starts with ourselves and help overcome these issues together.