Plus, join us for our online parent workshops in April.


** CHAMPIONING LEGISLATION THAT SUPPORTS TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS
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The sexual exploitation and abuse of a child are incredibly harmful and pose significant long-term and irreversible damage. It is imperative that the courts, law enforcement, and lawmakers sufficiently address this issue through policy and the legal system.

Children who are exploited and trafficked are often predisposed to sexual abuse and violence, leaving them incredibly vulnerable to the continuous perpetuation of these crimes against them. To that end, ECPAT-USA has signed onto letters to both the White House and the Senate Committee on Appropriations urging the prioritization of federal funding and research that aid in child sexual abuse prevention.

The Trafficking Victims and Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 ([link removed]) and its subsequent reauthorizations provide the legal definition and framework for prosecuting and addressing human trafficking in the United States. While federal laws exist to confront exploitation and trafficking, states retain autonomy in creating statutes, which tend to differ across jurisdictions, making uniformity of prosecutorial procedures challenging. The TVPA is due to be reauthorized this year, and ECPAT-USA is actively engaging with Congressional offices to discuss the need to provide additional support services for survivors and take further steps to protect children from all forms of exploitation and trafficking.

Last week in Congress, the House of Representatives passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) ([link removed]) . Trafficking victims are at increased risks for both sexual and physical violence, and this bill helps provide resources for victims of both crimes. Some view the most recent authorization as transformative for its expanded protections and support for marginalized and disadvantaged communities, including Native American, immigrant, and transgender women. Considering this, combined with the emphasis on addressing child poverty in the United States of the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ([link removed]) , ECPAT-USA is confident that the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to prioritize protecting
and supporting this nation's children.

Learn more about cases related to sex trafficking across the country that made headlines this month:
* Superseding Federal Indictment Implicates Augusta Woman in Child Exploitation Investigation ([link removed]) : A Georgia woman has been charged with sex trafficking in a newly unsealed federal indictment that files additional charges against the man to whom she was married at the time of the alleged offenses. The charges carry a penalty upon conviction of a minimum of 15 years in prison.
* Jacksonville Couple Charged With Conspiracy To Sex Traffic A Child And Other Child Exploitation Offenses ([link removed]) : According to the indictment, a Floria couple conspired to traffic a girl for sex, knowing that she was under the age of 18. Charges of possessing child sexual abuse material have also been brought.
* Federal Indictment Brings Additional Charges Against Georgia Man Accused Of Transporting A Minor For Sexual Activity ([link removed]) : The man is accused of knowingly picking up a minor and transporting them across state lines for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation.

Register For Our Online Parent Workshops
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Facilitated by our youth education team, our parent workshops discuss child sex trafficking through the lens of preventing online exploitation and offer practical tips and other resources on how to help kids develop smart internet habits. Join us on April 6 at 7 p.m. EST. Register now - space is limited! ([link removed])

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Facilitado por nuestro equipo de educación juvenil, nuestro taller para padres aborda el tema de tráfico sexual infantil, pero a través de la lente de como prevenir la explotación en línea. El taller ofrecerá consejos prácticos y útiles además de otros recursos sobre cómo ayudar a los niños a desarrollar hábitos saludables e inteligentes en el Internet. Únanse el 8 de Abril a las 7 p.m. Regístrese ahora – espacio es limitado! ([link removed])
SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS ([link removed])
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ECPAT-USA is the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. Join us ([link removed]) .

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