Atlanta Spa Shootings: Decriminalizing an Inherently Violent and Bigoted System of Disparity Cannot Make It Safer
Fully decriminalizing an inherently bigoted and violent system of disparity can never make it safe. In March 2021, our nation once again faced a terrible mass shooting as eight victims (seven women and one man)—six of whom were women of Asian descent—were murdered while working in massage parlors in Atlanta. It took no time for…
2021 Grammy Awards Show Normalizes Systemic Issues of Sexual Exploitation
It took a lot of work to make the 2021 Grammy Awards show happen amidst myriad COVID-19 complications, but unfortunately the effort was marred by CBS’ decision to green-light sexually regressive and exploitative material in the broadcast. Beyond the troubling implications for families who were watching (a significant audience for the Grammys), the onstage presentations…
Demand for Prostitution: The Critical Role of Market Dynamics in Combating Sex Trafficking
The concepts of supply and demand are fundamental building blocks in capitalist economies. Supply represents how much of a particular product the market can offer, and demand refers to how much of a product is desired by potential buyers.[1] When these concepts are applied to the phenomenon of prostitution, those individuals who are bought and…
Only a few fans at Super Bowl LV? That’s no problem for sex traffickers.
The fact that Super Bowl LV, a game featuring Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs squaring off against Tom Brady and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will likely long hold the record for the fewest fans in attendance at a Super Bowl would be a problem for sex traffickers… if commonly held misperceptions about sex trafficking…
Accusations Against John Weaver a Reminder of the Sexual Exploitation Faced by Boys and Men
The accusations of sexual harassment—including allegations which appear to describe the grooming of a teenage boy—leveled against John Weaver, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, represent yet another tragic reminder of a reality which has long gone underreported even as far too many people have lived it: 1) sexual abuse and exploitation are perpetrated in all…
Survivors of Sexually Exploitative Multi-Billionaires Are Still Awaiting Justice
Survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation were dealt an unjust blow when lawyers for New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft were able to convince certain Florida judges that videos investigators gathered of him paying for sex in an illicit massage parlor should not be admitted to court. Kraft faces two charges of solicitation of prostitution…
#TraffickingTruths: Realities of child sex trafficking!
Right now, we are experiencing a cultural moment centered on combatting the devastating and very real issue of child sex trafficking. However, despite the well-meaning intent behind much of this national discussion, many of the theories and social media posts being passed around are riddled with misconceptions that actively harm the anti-trafficking movement. For instance,…
Real Sex Trafficking Statistics: A Look at the Federal Human Trafficking Report
Note: While the National Center on Sexual Exploitation prefers to use the term “survivor” rather than “victim,” in order to accurately reflect the report’s findings and remain consistent with language used in the TVPA, this blog uses the word “victim.” The 2019 Federal Human Trafficking Report is a compilation of all United States federal human…
Ghislaine Maxwell’s Arrest is a Step Toward Justice for Survivors of Epstein’s Abuse
Ever since Jeffrey Epstein’s untimely and unjust death in August 2019, survivors, advocates, and many others have been asking an important question regarding those who participated in the sexual abuse and exploitation perpetrated by Epstein: Will justice be served? Due to Epstein’s connections with a vast web of wealthy and influential individuals, many have worried…
Combating Demand is Crucial for Protecting Victims of Prostitution
For advocates and allies in the movement to end sexual exploitation, the arrest of even one sex buyer, pimp, or trafficker is cause for celebration. It’s like Christmas when hundreds, even thousands, of these exploiters are held responsible for their actions. For Marian Hatcher of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in Chicago, Illinois, “Christmas”…