Traffick Jamming

Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation
http://www.caase.org/

1. Work to help women gain supportive housing and jobs that pay a living wage

2. Advocate for shelters and clinics equipped and staffed to offer medical and psychological treatment for women

3. Educate young girls and boys on the harms of prostitution and how to avoid becoming a victim of sexual exploitation

4. Challenge society’s sexist views of women. Fight against pornography and other forms of media that continue to objectify women

5. Change language- stop using words such as “pimp”, “ho” and “whore” and challenge your friends when they use similar language

6. Support legislation aimed at stopping sexual exploitation and expanding options for prostituted individuals

7. Make sure the needs of sexually exploited individuals are being addressed in the domestic violence community, the sexual assault community, among homeless rights advocates and among individuals working to fight substance addiction

8. Pressure local CAPS and police enforcement to go after those purchasing sex instead of those selling it

9. Hold media and financial institutions accountable in regards to the ads they run that promote prostitution

10. Raise public awareness! Host book clubs, film screenings and art projects to raise awareness about the issue. Also join in local awareness raising initiatives such as the upcoming Rescue and Restore campaign.

Posted by mel at 09:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

In April 2007, an illegal Las Vegas massage brothel was busted by 2 law enforcement agencies+ ICE+IRS. 25 women were rounded up in the sting, and 6 suspected traffickers were arrested. At the time of the arrests, a police officer stated, "Some were brought here by force, and some were tricked into coming here with the promise of a good job." click here After 2 weeks, a second law enforcement agent said, "They were all there voluntarily. They expressed they were happy with the money they were making." click here

They're making money, they're happy, and they're there voluntarily. Isn't that what all pimps coerce the women they control to say? Before the woman's physical safety is assured, and before violations of her human rights are addressed - prostitution apologists pressure us to debate whether or not she is prostituting voluntarily. This is a situation where most would agree that the women were coerced by poverty, debt, and/or prior domestic abuse - yet because money is paid for sexual exploitation, and because the women smile - then it's voluntary trafficking.

What is wrong with this picture?

Posted by mel at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

There’s a lot to be said for looking at prostitution and trafficking through the eyes of a 5th grader. Here is comedian Betsy Salkind talking about gentlemen’s clubs.

Go to click here

Then scroll down to the May 7 entry, underneath “Bush calls Queen a Mother” and you’ll see Ethel’s comments about gentlemen’s clubs. Here's her startup:
"There are a lot of billboards on the way to my school that advertise Gentlemen's clubs. They all have pictures of women who are dressed up like prostitutes and look like they are on roofies. I don't think these men are gentlemen, but I guess gentleman really means a man who likes to pay for women to service him...."

Posted by mel at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)