In Massachusetts alone, more than 411 boys have been referred to the state Department of Children and Families since 2018 for concerns they were victims of commercial sexual exploitation — about 15 percent of the total number of referrals, according to state data.
All models were at least 18 y.
A small but vocal brotherhood of survivors is beginning to speak out.
Bates says he sometimes feels alone but knows victims are everywhere.
Prosecuting exploiters and traffickers of boys and young men is even more challenging.
The decision was later met with scrutiny from the father of the Stone Bridge victim Scott Smith as he reportedly swore at the boy's parents and the attorneys.