Thousands of minors get forced into the sex trade by pimps and then tossed in jail after they’re caught. Instead, some think they should be treated as victims.  Tanya, who was forced into prostitution at age 12 and arrested more than 20 times, told Shared Hope International she was never treated like a victim.

“When I got arrested, a lot of times it was out of state.  And so they had to transfer me back to Ohio.  What a disgrace I felt like.  Being a minor they don’t discriminate.  You’re handcuffed; you have shackles on your feet.”

Linda Smith with Shared Hope International wants a change.

“Stop putting them in jail and labeling them as prostitutes. We need to give them secure, safe placements.”

Oftentimes pimps are the ones picking up the girls once they’re released from jail.  More evidence in Smith’s mind these girls are victims.

“I have never had a girl, before me or that I interviewed or intervened for that did not have a pimp at some place.”

Smith believes change can only come when society changes its perception.

“When you see one on the street, just know that she is very likely being managed by a man who snatched her, lured her and is selling her by the hour.”

Shared Hope is also assessing cities across the US and lobbying for a change in their laws.