Justice Programs Archives - Page 12 of 20 - Shared Hope International

July 9, 2013 by Guest

Recap of 2012 National Colloquium Report Release

Written by: Jessica Garber – Intern at Shared Hope International

NAtCo1 — Efforts to Overcome Obstacles to Victim Restoration: 2012 NatCo Release

On Monday, July 8^th, Shared Hope International hosted the release of our 2012 National Colloquium Report, which presents a wealth of perspectives from over 100 provider, survivor, government, advocacy, and funding experts on emerging trends and barriers encountered in attempting to secure restorative shelter and services for juvenile sex trafficking victims and survivors. Moderated by Shared Hope’s Director of Programs, Eliza Reock, the briefing included remarks from leaders in the efforts to combat minor sex trafficking, such as Shared Hope’s Founder, President, and former Congresswoman Linda Smith, Acting Director of the Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice, Joye Frost, as well as survivor and anti-trafficking advocate Wilthelma TiOra “T.” Ortiz Walker Pettigrew.

15 years ago, Congresswoman Smith started an organization that shed light on a different kind of survivor of a violent crime—the sex-trafficking victim. She spoke of how even though there was a shift in focus to domestic minor sex trafficking between the years of 2005 and 2006, Shared Hope recognized that global services were still needed. To become fully knowledgeable about the subject, Linda and other Shared Hope staff members traveled internationally to meet and speak with survivors. Our organization emphasizes the importance of victim restoration, and understands how crucial the role of long-term restoration is to ensuring that each victim can lead a permanently better life. Our National Colloquium Report uncovers obstacles that victims tend to face while trying to enter this restoration process.

Joye Frost, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice, followed shortly after by discussing the challenges faced when attempting to collect data that adds to the knowledge base of domestic minor sex trafficking: funding, logistics, and the population of victims, which is a difficult population to identify. It is these obstacles that lead to a lack of basic victimization statistics that drive funding, policy, and legislation. Frost stated that the FBI will now collect data on sex and labor trafficking, which could help efforts immensely. She concluded with one certainty—involvement definitely makes a difference; it is vital that the victimized children have a caring and non-judgmental adult in their lives.

T. Ortiz, who was a victim in “the life” from ages 10-17, now holds the esteemed title of being one of Glamour Magazine’s 2011 Women of the Year and a leader of the Human Rights Project for Girls. She spoke about the importance of empowering these victims on all levels, and celebrating and encouraging smaller accomplishments and their personal talents, as well as available opportunities. Since the victims are all different people, with different interests and passions, it is important that therapy can be held in different settings. For example, art therapy or a life coach may be more beneficial for one young woman as opposed to strictly a psychologist.

These three speakers, along with the other panel of talented contributors, gave incredible insight into what issues victims face when seeking restoration, why these issues exist, and suggestions on how to eradicate them. Shared Hope will continue to provide in-depth research to continue this fight for knowledge which can ultimately lead to long-term and positively life-altering restoration for minor sex trafficking victims.

The 2012 National Colloquium Report is available for download here: http://sharedhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/National-Colloquium-2012-Report-B.pdf

The Report Release can be viewed here: http://vimeo.com/69921098

April 8, 2013 by Samantha

Raise Your Grade! Massachusetts Put to the Test

In 2011, the state of Massachusetts received an “F” in Shared Hope International’s Protected Innocence Challenge report. It received a final score of 45, with especially low scores regarding the criminalization of domestic minor sex trafficking and protective provisions for child victims.

Just a year later, Massachusetts has been named the Most Improved State, raising its score by nearly 30 points! It’s an exciting accomplishment about which state lawmakers and advocates should be very proud. But how did they do it? Here’s an overview.

In 2011, the state received just 2.5 out of 7.5 points for its domestic minor sex trafficking laws. In 2012, it increased that score to 7.5 out of 10. It’s a more than 30% improvement that happened mainly because Massachusetts passed its first-ever sex trafficking law. The law not only addresses sex trafficking specifically, but does not require victims under 18 to prove force, fraud or coercion.

In addition, the new laws distinguish between buying sex with an adult and buying sex with a minor, and make it possible for purchasers to be charged with trafficking crimes as well.

Massachusetts also recognized that the internet has changed the way human trafficking crimes are committed. In response, state lawmakers passed legislation that imposes a five year sentence, and/or a fine of $2,500 for anyone convicted of “human trafficking or commercial sexual activity by electronic communication.” There is also a mandatory five year sentence and minimum $10,000 fine for any subsequent offense.

But they didn’t stop there! Massachusetts also took significant steps towards protecting child trafficking victims. The state enacted laws specifically designed to provide specialized services to all sexually exploited youth, and allow trafficking victims to use trafficking as a defense against prostitution charges. The laws also allow victims under 15 years of age to testify via closed-circuit television. And finally, the statute of limitations was extended to 15 years for human trafficking charges, and eliminated entirely for sex trafficking of minors.

Governor Deval Patrick has high hopes that the new laws will serve Massachusetts well, saying that it will “protect innocent victims, and give Massachusetts the tools to prosecute the criminals committing these egregious crimes to the fullest extent.” Also showing optimism is Representative Eugene L. O’ Flaherty, who says the new laws “give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to combat this issue that is often hidden from society and provides victims, particularly young children, with the safety and services they need to get their lives in order.”

April 5, 2013 by SHI Staff

“Our Great Hobby:” New Findings on the Internet’s Impact on the Commercial Sex Industry

In January, the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) published a study about the role of the internet in the commercial sex industry. According to the study, an increasing number of people use internet-based communication to discuss and access commercial sex. In fact, 34% of men surveyed reported buying sex via the internet. “’Our Great Hobby:’ An Analysis of Online Networks for Buyers of Sex in Illinois,” focuses on the exchange of information among men who post on the USA Sex Guide in Illinois. This study is a qualitative analysis of a survey conducted in the summer of 2010.

The USA Sex Guide serves as a community and an important resource for men to inform themselves about buying sex throughout Illinois. The “mongers,” as they call themselves, have formed a brotherhood centered on protection, training for newer members, and of course, their “great hobby” of buying sex. For these men, information is control. Prior to the internet, they had to learn on their own how to navigate the world of commercial sex, but now they have a guide.

The commercial sex industry in Illinois is harmful, as it is everywhere. Men on the USA Sex Guide web site admit to being violent and/or aggressive towards the women they buy; they disregard the harm they cause, defending themselves by blaming the women – saying the women “deserve” the treatment they get because they are prostitutes. In fact, the study cites a survey conducted by Durchslag & Goswami in which 21% of the respondents said they believe rape of a prostituted woman is not possible; they don’t believe the concept of rape applies in the context of prostitution. And while some men appear concerned or preoccupied by the evidence of violence they see, it almost never deters them from buying sex.

The men that posted on the USA Sex Guide seem to view sex trafficking or sexual slavery as something separate from the broader commercial sex industry, when in fact it’s an integral part. Many users seem unconcerned about any potential “red flags” regarding minors, instead concentrating on the girls’ youth as a turn-on. These notions make it extremely difficult to protect the girls because they are seen as a transient commodity instead of someone’s daughter.

Many of the men blame women for enticing them to buy sex. One even states that “the only way to stop demand is to stop the prostitutes by giving them some type of work to do.” However, despite the assertion that demand is not the issue, we’ve seen that targeting demand has a significant effect on the commercial sex industry. Over 80% of the men surveyed for this study said they would be deterred from buying sex if they knew they could be charged with a crime, or if there was a risk their families would find out. Increased law enforcement presence in the area might simply end their “cruise” for the night, but getting busted would end their activity permanently.

“Our Great Hobby” is an enlightening survey. It reveals not only the underlying attitudes of men who buy sex, but more importantly indicates that the best way to fight commercial sexual exploitation is to address demand.

February 12, 2013 by Samantha

The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act Advances in the Senate Thanks to the Violence Against Woman Act

On February 12, 2013, the Violence Again Women Act (VAWA) passed in the Senate with critical amendments made by Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy’s (D-VT) to secure the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) as part of VAWA and by Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to authorize grants to enhance the safety of youth and children who are victims of, or exposed to sex trafficking, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was enacted in 2000 to create tools to enable the U.S. government to address the prosecution of traffickers, protection for victims, and prevention of human trafficking. This Act serves as the cornerstone of legal protection for victims of trafficking at the federal level and sets a standard for state legislatures around the nation. For 18 years, VAWA has been the foundation of fighting violence, providing services and resources for victims of violence. Together these two statutes have enabled America to lead the world in protecting and delivering justice to victims of trafficking.

“National leadership is the key to combatting this crime,” said Linda Smith, President and Founder of Shared Hope International. “When our federal government takes a stance against trafficking, they reenergize the prioritization of innovative and effective solutions to this national crisis.”

The TVPA serves as a baseline standard for Shared Hope’s Protected Innocence Challenge, a comprehensive analysis of existing state laws against a framework of legal components necessary to fully protect children from child sex trafficking. Under the Challenge, every state receives a Report Card that grades the state on 41 key legislative components that must be addressed in state’s laws in order to effectively respond to the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking. In addition, each state receives a complete analysis of this 41-component review and practical recommendations for improvement. Click here to find out how your state scored.

November 29, 2012 by SHI Staff

National Study Reveals Top Seven States that Protect Against Child Trafficking

A National Call To Action Spurs 44 States to Strengthen Child Trafficking Laws

Press Release: Protected Innocence Challenge Grade Announcement 11 29 12

Arlington, VA—Sweeping national legislative advancements proved successful for Louisiana, Florida and Georgia who will join the ranks of Illinois, Missouri, Texas and Washington in leading the nation with laws that provide protection and justice to child victims of domestic minor sex trafficking, according to research released Nov. 29, 2012 by Shared Hope International.

Recent findings from the 2012 Protected Innocence Challenge Report, the first comprehensive study on state child sex trafficking laws, show 15 states have raised their grades by enacting legislation that strengthened laws that impact or relate to domestic minor sex trafficking. In addition to the seven leading states listed above that scored a “B” on the 2012 report, nine states earned a “C,” compared to only six in 2011. In 2012, 35 states received grades of “D” or lower, including 18 failing grades— a significant improvement from the 2011 scores with 41 states receiving a grade of “D” or lower and 26 failing states.

The release of the Protected Innocence Challenge report is being hosted in conjuncture with Sharing the Hope 2012, a three-day event that includes training, the National Colloquium, a forum of national experts on the issue of shelter and service provision for child victims of trafficking, and the Sharing the Hope Gala and Pathbreaker Award Ceremony honoring Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children; Drew Oosterbaan, Chief, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the U.S. Department of Justice; Amy O’Neill Richard, Senior Advisor to the Director in the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons; and Deborah Richardson, Executive Vice President of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

“In 2011, Shared Hope International challenged each state to review the laws on its books and the impact they are having on local children.” Linda Smith, President and Founder of Shared Hope International said. “Advocates around the nation united, forming coalitions, legislative review committees, and petitions to strengthen their states laws. Citizens showed they want stronger laws on the books and their efforts proved successful.”

“For me the Protected Innocence Challenge signifies liberation from a life of slavery with the opportunity for the oppressed to pursue the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Shamere McKenzie, Program Assistant, Shared Hope International and Survivor Advocate said.

Every year in the United States, experts estimate at least 100,000 children are exploited in the U.S. commercial sex industry. The average age a child is first exploited through prostitution is 13 years old.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

1. 15 states improved their grades from 2011

2 states went up two grades: AK and MA went from F to C
13 states went up one grade
3 new “B” states: LA, FL, GA
6 new “C” states: AK, IN, MA, OH, OK, WI
6 new “D” states: CO, MD, NE, NV, SC, UT

2. 7 states improved their Protected Innocence Challenge scores by 10+ points

MA went up 29.5 pts
WV went up 21 pts
LA went up 17 pts
SC went up 17 pts
AK went up 14.5 pts
OH went up 12 pts
WI went up 10 pts

3. States were scored based on six categories of law. Scores by area of law – states have achieved perfect scores in sections 1 and 6, with “near perfect” scores in the other areas of law:

Section 1 (Criminalization of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking): IL and TX have perfect scores (10 points possible)
Section 2 (Criminal Provisions Addressing Demand): LA now has a “near perfect” score with 24.5 points (25 points possible)
Section 3 (Criminal Provisions for Traffickers): MS, KY, FL and AL have a “near perfect” score with 14.5 points (15 points possible)
Section 4 (Criminal Provisions for Facilitators): LA and WA have a “near perfect” score with 9.5 points (10 points possible)
Section 5 (Protected Provisions for Child Victims): IL is the closest to a “near perfect” score with 24.5 points (27.5 points possible)
Section 6 (Criminal Justice Tools for Investigation and Prosecution): AL, MN, OH and TX have perfect scores (15 points possible)

4. Most Improved = MA
5. Highest Score = LA
6. Worst score = WY

GRADES:

B (7) – FL, GA, IL, LA, MO, TX, WA
C (9) – AK, AZ, IN, MA, MN, OH, OK, TN, WI
D (17) – AL, CO, DE, IA, KY, MD, MS, NE, NJ, NV, NY, NC, OR, RI, SC, UT, VT
F (18) – AR, CA, CT, DC, HI, ID, KS, ME, MI, MT, NH, NM, ND, PA, SD, VA, WV, WY

2012 Legislative Progress:

One year after the release of the 2011 Protected Innocence Challenge:*

240 state and 38 federal bills were introduced that relate to domestic minor sex trafficking.
78 laws were passed that relate to domestic minor sex trafficking.
40 states had legislation introduced that relates to the Protected Innocence Framework.
33 states enacted legislation related to the Protected Innocence Framework.

*Statistics are based on Congressional Quarterly State Track accounting for legislation introduced or passed between August 1, 2011 and August 1, 2012.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Taryn Mastrean

Communications Director

703.351.8062 office / 602.818.3955 cell

Taryn@sharedhope.org

ABOUT THE PROTECTED INNOCENCE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK: The Protected Innocence Legislative Framework is the legal analysis tool of the Protected Innocence Challenge, a comprehensive strategy to promote zero tolerance for child sex trafficking. Shared Hope International conducted a 41-component comprehensive analysis of each state’s existing laws as a basis for the Report Card. The Protected Innocence Legislative Framework solely evaluates a state’s existing laws and does not evaluate enforcement or implementation.

The methodology was vetted by experts in the anti-trafficking field including Ambassador Mark Lagon (U.S. Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons 2007-2009) and directors from the following organizations: the National District Attorneys Association; American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law; the Protection Project at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies; ECPAT-USA; Children at Risk, Houston, Texas; and A Future. Not a Past., Atlanta, Georgia

MEDIA MATERIALS

For media convenience, a variety of video clips and resources, including sex trafficking survivor comments, are available upon request.

ABOUT SHARED HOPE INTERNATIONAL: Shared Hope International was founded in 1998, by former U.S. Congresswoman Linda Smith, and exists to rescue and restore women and children in crisis. We are leaders in a worldwide effort to prevent and eradicate sex trafficking and slavery using a three-pronged strategy: prevent, rescue & restore, and bring justice. For more information about Shared Hope International, and the Protected Innocence Challenge, go to www.sharedhope.org.

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