Statement: The Link Between Porn and Sex Trafficking – Human Trafficking Awareness Month

NCOSE Press Statement logo

Statement by Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of NCOSE


Washington, DC – This January is human trafficking awareness month, and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is educating the public about the links between sex trafficking and pornography.

“When people ask me what they can do as individuals to stop sex trafficking, I tell them to stop watching porn,” said Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. “What most people don’t realize is that pornography performers are sometimes sex trafficking victims. Sex traffickers regularly make pornography of their victims in order to diversify their profits and to advertise their ‘product.’

Pornographic footage of a sex trafficking victim’s rape is easily uploaded to popular user-generated sites, and even to pay-for-porn sites as well. There is no way to tell the difference between a ‘consensual’ and a ‘forced’ act in porn, which means that regular users of porn will very likely view sex slaves at some point in their lives.

While eradicating sex trafficking is a multifaceted and arduous task, each individual can make a difference by raising awareness about the link between sex trafficking and pornography.”

To learn more about the way pornography and sex trafficking are connected, visit: http://stoptraffickingdemand.com

If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Haley Halverson at (202) 393-7245 or [email protected].

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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