Dear Friend, As we hear stories and meet survivors of sexual exploitation, we so often can feel powerless to stop the scourge of abuse happening seemingly everywhere. That is why one of NCOSE’s primary missions has been to develop and build out a team of lawyers to stand up and fight for survivors of abuse and exploitation in the courts. As a supporter of this mission, we wanted to share with you some of the highlights the NCOSE Law Center was able to accomplish this year, working hand in hand with you, the one who make this all possible. Here are some of our 2020 highlights: - Law Center Files 3 Suits Against Kingpins of Exploitation, More to Come
Last year, the NCOSE Law Center launched a project to match survivors of sexual abuse with plaintiffs lawyers for the purpose of filing litigation against the sexual exploitation industry, specifically focused on bringing justice for those deeply hurt by pornography, sex trafficking, and child sexual abuse. In 2020, our attorneys filed three different lawsuits intending to cripple the pro-exploitation industry and bring it to its knees. In addition to the suits already filed, we have several more pending that we are so excited to share with you! This year, the Law Center added several passionate and dedicated attorneys as well as critical support staff needed to make the legal team even more effective! We welcomed attorneys Christen Price and Peter Gentala, as well as Dr. Stephany Powell, director of law enforcement training and survivor services. We also had several legal interns, with plans to build out a fellowship program later this next year. In addition to our active cases in the courts, we have submitted 10 different motions or briefs this year on behalf of survivors of sexual exploitation. One example was an Amicus Curiae Letter filed in support of the plaintiff in Valerie Haney v. Superior Court for the State of California, County of Los Angeles. The amicus letter urges an appellate court to reverse a trial judge’s order compelling that all of Ms. Haney’s claims be tried before a panel made up of members of the Church of Scientology—the very institution she alleges has abused her. Working closely with our policy team, the Law Center continues to draft model legislation for state governments and federal level policies. This includes our ongoing Freedom From Sexploitation Agenda, as well as consulting on policies such as the EARN IT Act, which would help hold Big Tech accountable for protecting children online. By standing with us at NCOSE and with our incredible Law Center, you are directly standing with survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse. Please consider giving to NCOSE to help fund our Law Center and continue the critical representation we need in the courts. Right now your gift will be DOUBLED thanks to our generous $250,000 matching gift. With your support, I know we can accomplish even more incredible things. Thank you for your dedication toward fighting for the human dignity of all. I hope you feel inspired by these victories and progress, and know that the vision of a world free from sexual exploitation becomes a little clearer every day. Best, Dawn Hawkins Senior VP & Executive Director | 
