Decriminalization of the Sex Trade

Polaris’s policy positions are informed by survivors. We ask questions. We listen. We learn. Based on what we heard, in October Polaris came out strongly and publicly against a bill before the D.C. City Council that would for all practical purposes legalize the entire sex trade in the nation’s capital. To be clear: Polaris supports decriminalizing people in prostitution. Arresting these people does not reduce trafficking or trauma. It simply makes it harder for people in the sex trade to get out - regardless of how they got in. But survivors told us that the bill before the D.C. Council goes several steps too far, de facto legalizing pimping, sex buying and some brothels. Survivors are extremely concerned that doing so will dramatically increase vulnerability to trafficking in the city many of us call home and legitimize this misguided idea in the eyes of other jurisdictions. Read our statement on the D.C. bill here and stay tuned for what you can do in your community.

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Philanthropy

Please consider Polaris as you're making your 2019 philanthropic plans for your Donor Advised Fund contributions or your IRA distributions. IRA gifts can also count as your required minimum distribution. Reach out to your financial advisor or [email protected] for more information.

Financial Foundation

Among the many challenges for human trafficking survivors trying to rebuild their lives is rejoining the formal banking system. In some cases, their traffickers have used their names and identities and destroyed their credit. In others, the lack of stable work history makes them ineligible for even the most basic checking accounts. To combat this problem, Polaris worked closely with the United Nation’s Liechtenstein Initiative for a Financial Sector Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and with participating banks and service providers on practical protocols to bring trafficking survivors into the banking system, allowing them access to accounts that might otherwise be closed to them and giving them a path to move forward with a solid financial foundation.

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Charity Watchdogs

Polaris now has the top ratings at all three nonprofit rating agencies. Charity Navigator, Guidestar, and the Better Business Bureau have all recognized that Polaris effectively and efficiently utilizes every dollar we raise, putting our donors’ hard-earned money to work in the fight against human trafficking. We are particularly proud of our Platinum rating on Guidestar. The Better Business Bureau rating is the newest agency to give Polaris the seal of approval, hitting the trifecta! You are welcome to visit our Guidestar profile and leave a review at the bottom of the page.

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Unmask Traffickers

A bipartisan House voted to support the Corporate Transparency Act of 2019, which would require that business owners put their names on their corporate paperwork. Under current law, there is no such requirement, which makes it nearly impossible for law enforcement to track criminal networks that own human trafficking venues - particularly illicit massage businesses. A similar bill, the ILLICIT CASH Act, is now pending in the Senate. Contact your Senator now!

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