The link between domestic violence and the commercial sexual exploitation of women and children is undeniable. I live in Orange County, California, home of the happiest place on earth. Yet many children here are secretly living an ongoing nightmare — as are children in virtually every city across America.

Our child welfare system has a dedicated team of social workers who serve child victims of human trafficking. Their statistics consistently show that more than 90 percent of the children who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation — sex trafficking — were already in the child welfare system. In other words, we already knew that home was not a safe place.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but I would challenge us to change the word “awareness” to ACTION. We can do something to intervene and stop the flow of vulnerable children who become easy prey for predators and traffickers.

The U.S. Department of Justice funded a multisite study on commercial sexual exploitation of children to document the progression of child abuse to commercial sexual exploitation. The study identified a sequence of events that often leads to commercial sexual exploitation, from sexual abuse and the accompanying feelings of guilt, shame and low self-esteem to running away and ultimately encountering recruiters, pimps and traffickers.

Some call this illicit industry child sex trafficking or domestic minor sex trafficking. However, the term commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) best describes the crime. It is commercial — a profit motive is its foundation, and greed, the love of money, is its driving force. Sexual exploitation describes the experience of what is happening to these victims. They are children, individuals under the age of 18, people we should be nurturing and protecting.

This is where awareness can transition to action. It is not enough to be aware; the church must do something. If we can intervene in our neighborhoods before a child becomes a victim, it will change lives forever. Some churches have discovered this gap and are intentionally involved in preparing families to bring a child into their home to be safe, feel loved and thrive.

It is not enough to be aware; the church must do something.

Great examples of ministry in this area include The Keep in Texas and Assemblies of God U.S. missionaries Gary and Tammie Webb in Arizona with OCJ Kids.

When child welfare removes a boy or girl from an unsafe home, the child needs more than a place to sleep. The child needs a supportive and belonging family.

Finding homes — healthy placements — is the top concern I hear from child social workers, case managers, family court judges and others. Many children end up in temporary group homes or multiple foster homes before ultimately running away. The best prevention is a healthy, stable home.

Learn how to identify and report children who may be experiencing abuse in their homes. Churches often avoid reporting because of a false understanding of mercy or even because of shame. Make sure your staff has training on Mandated Reporter laws in your state.

Ask your local child welfare office how your church can support its work. Become involved in a local afterschool program for at-risk kids. Learn about homeless youth in your community. Every school district has a homeless student liaison. Find out how many homeless youth are at risk in your county.

I teach a course on CSEC, and we use this insight regarding abused children as a point of reference to design prevention and early intervention strategies. However, we believe we must go back further. How can we intervene before the first abuse happens?

Many times, new parents need skills. How can we mentor young moms and dads? Start your church’s strategic plan to end child abuse, and change awareness to action.