CHILD PORN: The damage runs deep

This is in response to Mary Budd’s opinion in Readers Write on March 9. This is a clarification to her statement that Mr. Provenzano did not hurt any children by viewing child pornography.

When a person views child pornography or participates in any sexually deviant behavior involving a child, it hurts the child. There is a more significant question that arises in child pornography or any sexual business that uses children: Who is the subject that supplies the demand? The answer is vulnerable children and young adults.

Pornography is a way for people to objectify sex, and often a person has a pre-existing sexual addiction/condition that they typically are unable to control. Irregardless of the legal or social ramifications, Mr. Provenzano was unable to refrain. This is a potentially dangerous situation.

A healthier option for Mr. Provenzano or anyone that participates in deviant sexual behavior with children or younger adults may be to seek professional help.

Similar to prostitution, pornography has many victims. These victims are typically underprivileged, and are not only used but often forced to participate in sexual acts for the benefit of warped individuals. This is not OK.

There are many victims here, and it is a form of human sexual trafficking. Children and young adults are taken to participate in the filming of pornography. Their life skills are greatly impeded and they are stuck in a life that consists of supplying sexual services. It is a lucrative business for the sex traffickers, but not for victims.

Please, let’s support and bring forth an awareness to families to prevent children’s susceptibility to being victimized in the human sex trade. Without a demand for sex (viewing or otherwise), younger people would not be forced to supply.

CHRIS SANDERS

Coeur d’Alene