Protected Innocence Challenge
In the majority of states, minors can still be criminally charged for prostitution although federal law sees them as victims of sex trafficking. Abused by the brutal world of commercial sex, these children are then victimized by the judicial system. They are #TwiceCondemned. What should states do to prosecute traffickers instead of the victims? What fuels this grotesque and widespread crime? Which states are best at providing a “protective response” and why? Tune into the press conference to learn more!
Video Clips
These video clips of interviews with survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking are available for download for media.
Shamere, Survivor and Advocate speaks on her experience of being trafficked and arrested.
Shamere, Survivor and Advocate speaks on the importance all state laws being the same.
State by State Press Releases for the Protected Innocence Challenge (2016)
National Press Release
Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Maryland
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Tennessee
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Washington D.C.
West Virginia
Featured Media Coverage
- Backpage.com Shuts Down “Adult” Section as Victims Pursue Justice (1/10/2017) - Overnight, Backpage.com announced the shutdown of its “adult services” section of the classifieds website. This announcement came on the eve
- And It Comes Full Circle (12/27/2016) - In September 2016, a community event was held in Vancouver, Washington, to educate the public about the signs of trafficking
- Christmas Hope (12/13/2016) - Reshma was little more than a child herself when she was lured from her remote village in Nepal to Kathmandu— then
- Despite Sex Trafficking Laws, Kids Can be Charged with Prostitution in Majority of States While Exploiters Walk Away (11/17/2016) - WASHINGTON, D.C., Every state now has a law covering child sex trafficking according to an annual State Report Card released
- National Foundation of Women Legislators Passes Resolution on Child Sex Trafficking (11/17/2016) - Today at the annual conference for the National Foundation of Women Legislators the members passed an important resolution on child
In The News
- Backpage.com Shuts Down “Adult” Section as Victims Pursue Justice (1/10/2017) - Overnight, Backpage.com announced the shutdown of its “adult services” section of the classifieds website. This announcement came on the eve
- Human Trafficking Awareness Week in Mesa, AZ (6/28/2016) - The Mesa City Council announced a Proclamation establishing June 26-July 2 as Human Trafficking Awareness Week in Mesa, Arizona. Mesa
- TEXAS, MONTANA, MINNESOTA JOIN RANKS OF STRONGEST STATES IN NATION FOR CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING LAWS (11/11/2015) - Shared Hope International Releases State Report Cards to Reveal State of Trafficking Laws in U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C., Legislative advancements in
Press Releases
- Critical Human Trafficking Legislation Passes the House (7/12/2017)
- Pathbreaker Awardee Leads Human Rights Efforts (7/10/2017)
- Despite Sex Trafficking Laws, Kids Can be Charged with Prostitution in Majority of States While Exploiters Walk Away (11/17/2016)
- ERNIE ALLEN, CO-FOUNDER OF THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN, JOINS SHARED HOPE (10/12/2016)
- TEXAS, MONTANA, MINNESOTA JOIN RANKS OF STRONGEST STATES IN NATION FOR CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING LAWS (11/11/2015)
More Press Releases
Photos
Speech Transcripts
- House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security (9/15/2010)
- Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives (3/25/2010)
- Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight (10/21/2009)
- Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe U.S. Helsinki Commission (9/27/2006)
