Child sex trafficking in the US is increasingly moving onto the internet. Online classifieds are now a primary venue for traffickers to sell sex with minors and for buyers to purchase sex with these children. This is domestic minor sex trafficking. Websites that advertise commercial sex acts provide anonymity and accessibility to individuals looking for commercial sex and the victims are very often trafficked youth. Shared Hope International joined policy, faith and NGO leaders in national advocacy efforts to hold online classifieds liable for their role in facilitating sex trafficking through advertising.
To learn more about our successful advocacy on federal legislation to address online facilitation, click the button below.
Resources & Congressional Testimony
Recommendation to Enforce a Subpoena Issued to the CEO of Backpage.com, LLC
2015-11-19 Backpage Hearing – Joint Staff Report | Updated 5/18/2016
Consolidated Filings: In Support of Child Sex Trafficking Victims Seeking Justice Against Backpage
J.S., S.L., L.C. v. Backpage.com | Washington | September 2014
White Paper: Online Facilitation of Domestic Sex Trafficking
August 2014
Written Remarks: Facilitation of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking
Arizona Governor’s Task Force | September 9, 2013
Testimony before the House Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security “Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: the prostitution of America’s children”
Linda Smith | Washington | Video Coverage | September 15, 2010
Amicus Briefs
Amicus Brief in Support of Petition for Writ of Certiorari
Does v. Backpage.com | U.S. Supreme Court | September 29, 2016
Amicus Brief: In Support of Child Trafficking Victims Seeking Justice Against Backpage
Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3 v. Backpage.com | Massachusetts | October 15, 2015
