Using Legislation to Protect Our Youth

In the second episode of Looking Beneath the Surface, hosts Tara Hilliard and Monique Cooley welcome Dr. Stephanie Powell—a former LAPD officer and educator turned advocate—to discuss the complex interplay of legislation, human trafficking, and community impact. Dr. Powell brings decades of experience from her work as a teacher, a 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, and as the founder of Journey Out, an organization dedicated to assisting victims of human trafficking. In this in-depth conversation, the discussion ranges from evolving legal perspectives to the harsh realities of trafficking on our streets.

Dr. Stephanie Powell’s Journey and Perspective

Dr. Powell, a third-generation Los Angeles native, began her career as a school teacher for the LA Unified School District before serving 30 years with the LAPD, where she led a vice unit. During her tenure, she observed firsthand that many of those being arrested were, in fact, victims forced into the streets. This realization drove her to adopt a victim-centered approach, one that has continued to shape her work even after retirement in 2013. Since then, Dr. Powell has been actively involved in advocacy—running Journey Out for over 40 years and traveling nationwide to educate law enforcement, policymakers, and legislators on human trafficking. Her efforts aim to prevent harm to victims and ensure that laws do not unintentionally penalize those who are already suffering.

Shifting Perceptions: From Child Prostitution to Victimization

The conversation quickly turns to the critical issue of how children involved in commercial sex have historically been treated. Dr. Powell recalls that, until recent legislative changes, minors—sometimes as young as 12 years old—were routinely arrested and detained as “child prostitutes.” In 2016, Senate Bill 1322 was introduced to declare that children cannot be known as prostitutes, a necessary shift in mindset.

She emphasizes that any child involved in commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking, not a criminal. Prior to this change, many minors were placed in juvenile hall because there was no alternative safe placement. Although challenges remain—such as unintended consequences when a child escapes custody—Dr. Powell explains that this legislative evolution marks an essential first step toward recognizing and addressing the victimization of minors.

Legislative Changes: SB 14, SB 1414, and the Role of Adultification

Dr. Powell details several key pieces of legislation that are designed to protect minors from human trafficking. For example, SB 14 categorizes trafficking in minors as a felony, while SB 1414—recently signed by the governor—stipulates that soliciting or engaging a minor in commercial sex must be charged as a felony. However, if the minor is 16 or 17, the charge could range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on evidence of victimization.

She also discusses the controversial issue of including 16- and 17-year-olds in such statutes. Drawing on adultification theory—where children, particularly African American girls, are inappropriately viewed as adults—Dr. Powell highlights the risks of stripping away the nurturing protection that minors need. This theoretical framework is crucial because nationwide, 50 percent of trafficking victims are African American girls, and treating them as adults diminishes the recognition of their vulnerability.

Prostitution, Trafficking, and the Buyer-Trafficker Connection

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the distinction between prostitution and human trafficking. Dr. Powell explains that while not everyone involved in prostitution is necessarily a trafficking victim, every victim of human trafficking is forced into prostitution. She describes how traffickers—often equated with pimps—utilize forced fraud and coercion to create trauma bonds with their victims. For instance, some victims are required to meet daily income quotas (e.g., $1,000 per day) under threat of severe punishment, such as beatings or even harm to their pets.

The conversation also delves into the role of buyers in sustaining this illicit trade. Dr. Powell reveals that buyers come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from gardeners to surgeons, and are typically individuals with disposable income who view human beings as objects or commodities. She stresses the urgent need to hold buyers accountable, noting that legal accountability (such as requiring buyers to register as sex offenders) is a critical step in reducing demand.

Controversial Legislation and Community Impact: SB 357

Another contentious issue raised is SB 357, a bill that legalized loitering for the purposes of prostitution in California. Dr. Powell argues that this law has inadvertently created an environment where sex buyers and traffickers can operate more openly. For example, buyers may now circle neighborhoods—such as those along Figueroa—without fear of immediate arrest, making it harder for law enforcement to curb solicitation. This legal loophole not only undermines efforts to protect vulnerable minors but also affects the entire community’s sense of safety and well-being.

Law enforcement challenges compound the problem. Since prostitution is classified as a misdemeanor, uniformed police officers are generally not in a position to make arrests unless the crime is committed in their presence. Instead, vice officers must work undercover—a system that sometimes fails to provide the necessary protection for at-risk youth.

Empowering Communities and Holding Politicians Accountable

Dr. Powell’s final message is a call to action for communities and policymakers alike. She urges citizens to educate themselves on the nuances of legislation and to hold their elected officials accountable. In an election year, she emphasizes the importance of voting for representatives who prioritize the protection of minors and support policies that ensure traffickers, pimps, and buyers face appropriate consequences.

Moreover, Dr. Powell reminds us that vulnerability to human trafficking is not confined to children from broken homes or foster systems; even young women from two-parent households can fall prey to exploitation. Empowering these individuals begins with reinforcing the message that they are enough—and that society will not tolerate their objectification.

Conclusion: Looking Beneath the Surface for a Safer Future

The conversation with Dr. Stephanie Powell sheds light on the multifaceted challenges of human trafficking and the critical role of legislation in protecting our youth. From shifting the perception of minor prostitution to holding sex buyers accountable and addressing legal loopholes, every measure counts. As we continue to look beneath the surface, it is essential that we educate our communities, support victim-centered approaches, and insist on policies that prioritize the safety and dignity of every individual.