Month: February 2014

CHICAGO: Leader of Progressive Social Justice Organization Speaks Out Against the ‘Gravest Human Violation’

February 20, 2014

By DONNA FISHMAN on January 27, 2014— “I have always been motivated by a strong sense of justice. To me, there is no graver violation against humanity than human trafficking, and sex trafficking, in particular. Taking an innocent child or young adult, beating, raping, abusing her, and coercing her into performing sex acts for monetary … More CHICAGO: Leader of Progressive Social Justice Organization Speaks Out Against the ‘Gravest Human Violation’

ILLINOIS: Campaign Against Human Trafficking Grows

February 19, 2014

By Mike Moen on January 27, 2014— “January [was] human trafficking awareness month. In Illinois, advocates continue to raise awareness in hopes of preventing such activity. Advocates say Illinois, especially the Chicago-area, is a hub for human trafficking. With the region serving as a key transportation center, experts say traffickers bring young women here, and … More ILLINOIS: Campaign Against Human Trafficking Grows

LOS ANGELES: Official Unveils Sex-Trafficking Diversion Effort

February 19, 2014

By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent, on February 12, 2014— “The Los Angeles County district attorney said Wednesday she was launching a program to keep young victims of sex trafficking from being prosecuted for engaging in prostitution. District Attorney Jackie Lacey said minors engaging in sex for pay will be viewed as victims, not criminals, … More LOS ANGELES: Official Unveils Sex-Trafficking Diversion Effort

‘Project Concern International’ Leading Efforts to Combat Sex Trafficking in Southern California, Border Region

February 19, 2014

Originally posted on Febrauary 14, 2014, on The Daily Journal— “In response to the proliferation of sex trafficking in the San Diego and US/Mexico border region, PCI (Project Concern International) is providing leadership by convening key stakeholders and launching programs aimed at preventing sex trafficking in these areas. Building on a successful anti-trafficking education program … More ‘Project Concern International’ Leading Efforts to Combat Sex Trafficking in Southern California, Border Region

NEW YORK: Three Brothers Sentenced in Brooklyn Federal Court for International Sex Trafficking

February 18, 2014

Originally posted on February 10, 2014 on The Brooklyn Daily Eagle— Loretta Lynch, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. File photo “Three brothers were recently sentenced in Brooklyn’s federal court for the Eastern District of New York to lengthy prison terms after they pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges. Benito Lopez-Perez and Anastasio … More NEW YORK: Three Brothers Sentenced in Brooklyn Federal Court for International Sex Trafficking

NEW YORK: Victims Tell of Torture They Suffered, Forced to Have Sex with 60 Men a Day

February 18, 2014

Three brothers smuggled the women from Tenancingo,Mexico, infamously called ‘the town sex trafficking built’ They were forced to have sex with dozens of men each day and beaten when they weren’t earning money One used to hope the beatings would end her life so she no longer had to suffer, another was forced to tattoo … More NEW YORK: Victims Tell of Torture They Suffered, Forced to Have Sex with 60 Men a Day

Florida Ranks 3rd in Calls to Human Trafficking Hotline

February 18, 2014

By Jared Mauldin, and Noura Aalen, First Coast News, on February 13, 2014— “Telisia Espinosa is speaking out about her experiences in the human trafficking trade. Espinosa came from a broken home, was sexually abused in childhood and lived with a mother who struggled with drug abuse. Ultimately, Espinosa found herself in the middle of … More Florida Ranks 3rd in Calls to Human Trafficking Hotline

Attend the 2014 Freedom Network Conference—April 1-2

February 14, 2014

The Freedom Network is a national coalition of anti-human trafficking service organizations and advocates. Their members take a rights-based approach to human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The Network was formed in 2001 and currently has 35 member agencies and some individual experts around the United States. The keynote speakers at the conference this year will … More Attend the 2014 Freedom Network Conference—April 1-2

UK: Mariana Popa Killed Working as a Prostitute after Police Drove Her and Others Off the Streets

February 13, 2014

Mariana Popa was fatally stabbed on her beat. Fellow sex workers say a Met police campaign to drive them off the streets had forced her to work on her own, leading to her murder. Mariana Popa, a Romanian, had been in England only three weeks when she was killed in Redbridge, east London. Campaigners say … More UK: Mariana Popa Killed Working as a Prostitute after Police Drove Her and Others Off the Streets