ECPAT-USA responds to the news that individuals facing prostitution charges will no longer be prosecuted in NYC.


** The Manhattan DA’s Decision To Target Sex Buyers, Traffickers
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ECPAT-USA applauds the announcement this week by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. ([link removed]) that his office will no longer prosecute individuals facing prostitution and unlicensed massage charges, focusing instead on sex buyers and traffickers. This is a landmark decision that ECPAT-USA hopes other jurisdictions will be encouraged to adopt.

For too long, the blame has been - and continues to be - placed on the victims of exploitation, while sex buyers and traffickers, those who fuel the demand for the commercial exploitation of children and profit off young bodies, are allowed to walk free. Until it is understood that the responsibility of harm in these situations lies with buyers and traffickers, children will never be fully protected from these heinous crimes.

Even in jurisdictions where children in exploitative situations are already recognized as victims, in many cases, those protections disappear when they turn 18. It also must be noted that the systemic inequalities and injustices that make certain youth more at-risk of trafficking, including runaway children, LGBTQ youth, children aging out of the foster care system, young people with disabilities, and those from BIPOC communities, do not disappear when a child becomes an adult. This thoughtful leadership allows for individuals from these marginalized groups to continue to have access to supportive services as they enter young adulthood - without fear of prosecution.
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BREAKING DOWN SYSTEMIC BARRIERS: TRAFFICKED YOUTH & THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
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Join us for an important virtual discussion on the intersections that affect child sex trafficking victims in the juvenile justice system and alternatives to incarceration, including diversion programs and prevention and trauma-informed practices to better serve at-risk youth. R ([link removed]) egistration is open now ([link removed]) .

THE SURVIVOR SOLIDARITY RIDE

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The Survivor Solidarity Ride ([link removed]) highlights locations where survivors have indicated they were trafficked and where there have been reports of child exploitation. In doing so, it symbolizes our solidarity with the brave men and women in our Survivors’ Council and celebrates their leadership. This year, we will ride through Suffolk County, New York, on May 31. Support our team ([link removed]) .

THE ECPAT-USA FREEDOM AWARDS
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The Freedom Awards ([link removed]) gathers advocates, private industry partners, and special guests to honor leaders in the fight to end child trafficking and other forms of sexual exploitation. This year, the celebration will be held virtually on June 15 and hosted by Cheryl Wills, award-winning anchor for NY1 News. S ([link removed]) ee our website for honoree, benefit committee, and sponsorship information. ([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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