News
-
Feb 25
Another Tragic Murder of a Trans Woman in Philadelphia Highlights the Need for Sweeping Change
On Tuesday, February 23rd police confirmed another senseless murder was committed this past Saturday against a transgender woman of color. There is a long-standing pattern of violent murders against transgender individuals, especially transgender women of color. Last year, 21 transgender … Read more about Another Tragic Murder of a Trans Woman in Philadelphia Highlights the Need for Sweeping Change »
-
Feb 24
Mini Series Essay #4: Human Trafficking and “Trade”
Too often, human trafficking is referred to as a “trade,” a word connoting a business transaction between willing parties. To cloak the crime in terms of economics and commerce is to place significance on the parties conducting the exchange, and … Read more about Mini Series Essay #4: Human Trafficking and “Trade” »
-
Feb 22
Mini Series Essay #3: “Sex Worker”: Empowering or Exploitative?
Language and word choice shapes the public’s understanding of complex social issues. Increased media attention and discussion about human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation can shed light on these epidemics and bring about change, but only through the use of … Read more about Mini Series Essay #3: “Sex Worker”: Empowering or Exploitative? »
-
Feb 19
Mini Series Essay #2: Not “invisible,” but “hidden in plain sight”
I often see and hear victims of human trafficking being referred to as, “invisible,” due to the notions of secrecy associated with their plight. However, while I will not argue that human trafficking does invoke notions of secrecy, “invisible,” implies … Read more about Mini Series Essay #2: Not “invisible,” but “hidden in plain sight” »
-
Feb 17
Mini Series Essay #1: Survivor’s Ink: Why Branding Is a “Bad” Word
Branding. For marketing gurus, it means building an image or identity. In the world of human trafficking, however, it’s a word that suggests people can be property. In recent years, more and more victims of human trafficking are being tattooed … Read more about Mini Series Essay #1: Survivor’s Ink: Why Branding Is a “Bad” Word »
-
Feb 15
Coming Soon: Mini-series on CSE Terminology
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), defines sex trafficking as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purposes of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by … Read more about Coming Soon: Mini-series on CSE Terminology »
-
Feb 14
Super Bowl Successes: A Post-Game Update on the FBI’s New Approach to Cracking Down on Sex Trafficking
While the Denver Broncos had success on the field on February 7, the FBI, along with countless state and local law enforcement agencies and community groups, saw success off the field. FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bertram Fairries, says … Read more about Super Bowl Successes: A Post-Game Update on the FBI’s New Approach to Cracking Down on Sex Trafficking »
-
Feb 11
Allentown Pimp Found Guilty Under Pennsylvania’s Reformed Human Trafficking Laws
On February 3, 2016 the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office secured the first guilty verdict after a jury trial under Pennsylvania’s reformed human trafficking statute Act 105 (2014). The Pennsylvania statute clearly defines sex trafficking and lists thirteen factors that … Read more about Allentown Pimp Found Guilty Under Pennsylvania’s Reformed Human Trafficking Laws »
-
Feb 05
Prostitution in Our Own Backyard: Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Wayne, PA
On Thursday, February 4th, 2016, Radnor Township and Pennsylvania State Police arrested two women for soliciting sex from multiple undercover officers at the Body of Zen massage parlor in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The parlor has been shut down, and the two women face … Read more about Prostitution in Our Own Backyard: Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Wayne, PA »
-
Feb 04
Denver Broncos Rookie Ryan Murphy Held Accountable by Team following Prostitution Sting
Less than one week until Super Bowl 50, a Denver Broncos player has found himself packing his bags and heading home before the game even takes place. On Tuesday, February 1, Denver Broncos rookie safety Ryan Murphy was detained and … Read more about Denver Broncos Rookie Ryan Murphy Held Accountable by Team following Prostitution Sting »