Earlier this month the FBI rescued 168 victims of child sex trafficking as part of nationwide crackdown in the United States. In addition, 281 pimps and traffickers were arrested during this investigation. Through EPCAT USA, the leading anti-trafficking policy organization in the United States, the travel industry is taking an active role against sex tourism.

This is why ECPAT exists – to create a world in which no child is bought, sold, or used for sex. It’s not enough to simply identify trafficked and abused youth; the critical follow-up services need to be in place, including a warm bed to sleep in. Currently, there are fewer than 250 shelter beds for youth who have been exploited in the US. Where will these 168 children go?

Only a handful of states currently have legislation in place that mandates these protections, and with continued support ECPAT USA can continue fighting for these child victims of exploitation. A gift of $50, $100, $250 or any amount will be used to:

– Advocate for improved state and federal laws to protect victims, increase services, and punish exploiters.

– Raise awareness that children are being commercially sexually exploited and trafficked in the US. Train staff in the travel industry to take an active role against sex tourism and be able to identify victims.

– Equip high school and college students to fight this problem in their own communities.

– Collaborate with ECPAT affiliates around the world to combat the issue of modern-day slavery.

In addition, ECPAT-USA just launched an exciting pilot project, working directly with youth in the schools. This new and innovative program educates young people about human trafficking and sexual exploitation, focuses on prevention, and provides the knowledge and skills they need to educate their peers. There has been an increasing demand for this type of education, and with support we can expand the program into even more schools.

To donate online, go to: www.ecpatusa.org/donate