The United States is the second highest destination in the world for trafficking victims, bringing in an estimated 17,500 women every year. New York is a leading entry, transit, and destination point for victims. Brothels disguised as massage parlors are prevalent throughout the state, shamelessly advertised in local newspapers and online. Traffickers are supplying the local sex market by taking advantage of vulnerable, powerless women who think they are coming to the United States to find the American dream, only to find a nightmare of imprisonment, abuse, forced prostitution, and inhuman labor conditions.
Contact your state legislator
Eve though New York City's JFK International Airport is one of the main trafficking hubs in the United States, New York State is not among the 27 states that have passed anti-trafficking legislation. Your voice can help New York State Legislators recognize the urgency of this need. Most importantly, your voice must be heard by your own representatives. Your state assembly person can be located at www.assembly.state.ny.us or the Assembly Public Information Office at (518) 455-4218. Your state senator can be located at www.senate.state.ny.us or the Senate Public Information Office at (518) 445-2800.
In the 2007 legislative session, Assemblyman Dinowitz has proposed A2771 to curb human trafficking and provide services for the victims. While this bill is a positive step in the right direction, it is missing a few key elements needed to make it a strong bill.
Ask for stronger penalties in the bill. As is, the bill would make the penalty for labor and sexual servitude a class C felony, which doesn't mandate jail time. The penalty must be increased to a class B felony for the law to truly deter human trafficking. Ask for more comprehensive services for victims of trafficking. As is, the bill greatly limits the scope of services available to the victims.
Take the Pledge for traffic-free publications
Focus on publications in your area. We need to shame these publications. These newspapers and magazines are in a position to eradicate questionable ads from their pages and pledge to no longer do business with traffickers. Set up meetings with their publishers, owners, and advertising directors.
Investigate ads run by the publications by calling the listed phone number, and try to get a sense of the establishment. Some questions to keep in mind:
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Does the receptionist speak English? |
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Do they understand spa-related words such as “chiropractor, vertebrae, joint, dislocation, muscle damage, etc.”? |
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Ask tough questions: “Is every masseuse licensed? Where did they study? Do you have both male and female staff members? How long have you been at this location?” |
Chances are, you will be hung up on before you get an opportunity to ask these questions. That's okay. Make note of these calls, and record every piece of information you get. Then pass it along. When you meet with publishers you need to be able to show them which ads are fronts for prostitution and human trafficking. The NOW-NYS office is depending on you for these important facts!
Take the pledge (pdf)
