Last night, the Senate adjourned without passing S.2925, the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010. After passing in the Senate and the House with bipartisan support, the Senate failed to act on behalf of children exploited through prostitution and suffering–without the shelter, services and access to justice this bill promised. It is terribly […]
From Pimpin’ to Prison
Shelby’s Sentence Shelby Shaandor Lewis, born April 4, 1967, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for prostitution and human trafficking during an intensive sentencing hearing with Judge Sullivan in DC Federal District Court yesterday. Lewis’ family, children, and two out of four of his victims were present, along with numerous other individuals. Lewis’ […]
Law Enforcement Resources: A Missing Link in Aiding DMST Victims
After all the hype over Craigslist and the new lawsuit brought against Backpage.com for knowingly promoting the sale of a minor for sex, more Americans are beginning to open their eyes to human trafficking of young girls happening in their neighborhoods and communities. With this new-found awareness comes a new responsibility on the part of […]
Hearing on the Hill: Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking
“These are our daughters, these are our children,” and “This is a human tragedy.” Those words were spoken by members of Congress last week as they spoke about domestic minor sex trafficking at a Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill. This hearing, held September 15 by the House Judiciary Sub-Committee on Crime and chaired by Representative […]
Congress Opens Its Eyes to the Reality of DMST
On September 15, 2010, the culmination of many voices and a powerful idea finally found its way into the halls of the illustrious Rayburn Building. With a knock of the gavel, Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) began his introduction, “Subcommittee will now come to order, and I am pleased to welcome you [to]…today’s hearing before the Subcommittee […]