Dear Friend,
As with natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies, the novel coronavirus pandemic of 2020 creates new “opportunities” for sexual exploiters as well as increased peril for the vulnerable and those already experiencing sexual exploitation.
Seizing on the economic insecurity and job losses experienced by many in times of crisis, sex traffickers step up their "recruitment" tactics to lure vulnerable people with promises of financial security through prostitution.
Those currently involved in the sex trade also face significant dangers. For instance, prior to an intervention by the state's governor, Nevada brothel owners said they would be continuing their “operations” despite the national call for social distancing. That's right: rather than suspend their exploitative businesses in the face of a deadly virus, brothel owners callously attempted to continue their exploitation by promising handwashing, hand sanitizers, daily temperature checks, and a reduction in the number of bar stools as their primary response to the public health threat. The irony of such a “regimen” in this context is glaring. Fortunately for the victims of these exploitative Nevada "businesses," the state's attorney general has directed that financial support be made available to help those who are in systems of prostitution and sexual exploitation in Nevada brothels and strip clubs and who are being impacted by the COVID-19 shutdown.
As a society we must not allow COVID-19 to infect us with the calloused notion that these kinds sexual predation and vulnerabilities can be redefined as “survival sex.” Prostitution is not a substitute for a robust safety net of resources and services for vulnerable individuals.
Thus, we are calling on our elected officials, social service agencies, and anti-trafficking organizations to work together to ensure the creation of strong social supports for both those vulnerable to sexual exploitation and those already within the sex trade.
We need the movement to end sexual exploitation, made up of passionate advocates such as yourself, to take a moment to advocate to your state and federal officials the importance of considering the plight of those vulnerable to and trapped by sexual exploitation. Legislators are MOST responsive to requests from their constituents because those are the ones who elect them to office.
To make your advocacy efforts more seamless, we’ve made an easy-to-use action that allows you to quickly email and tweet your elected state and federal officials in order to encourage them to support victims and the vulnerable.
Thank you for being willing to stand up for justice!
