STATEMENT: Abolitionists Applaud Presidential Signing of FOSTA-SESTA, Provide Resources for Those Currently in the Sex Trade

NCOSE Press Statement logo

Statement by Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of NCOSE

Washington, DC – Tuesday, President Trump signed H.R. 1865, FOSTA-SESTA, into law. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation welcomes this new legislation.

“Finally, immunity for those engaged in online sex slavery is over,” said Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. “Before FOSTA-SESTA, sex trafficking victims were essentially barred from the civil courts when seeking justice against websites that knowingly facilitated prostitution and sex trafficking, and state and local prosecutors had tied hands because the law was giving broad immunity to these websites. The signing of FOSTA-SESTA changed that and is an historic and overwhelming victory for human dignity and freedom from sexual exploitation.”

“The National Center on Sexual Exploitation rejoices with every trafficked or prostituted victim set free from a life of desperation and destruction,” Hawkins continued. “We are also concerned for those who turned to prostitution out of despair, lacking any other financial resources, and who now do not know where to turn. That is why we and a collection of sexual exploitation abolitionist organizations have gathered a list of resources to help anyone currently in the sex trade. These resources can be found at www.SexTradeSurvivorResources.com. We encourage the public to share these resources widely so that survivors of commercial sexual exploitation can seek healing and support.”

The Numbers

300+

NCOSE leads the Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation with over 300 member organizations.

100+

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation has had over 100 policy victories since 2010. Each victory promotes human dignity above exploitation.

93

NCOSE’s activism campaigns and victories have made headlines around the globe. Averaging 93 mentions per week by media outlets and shows such as Today, CNN, The New York Times, BBC News, USA Today, Fox News and more.

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