The conversation around sex trafficking and modern slavery has never been more urgent. With legislative changes underway in both the U.S. and the U.K., the discussion comes at a crucial moment. Illinois is on the cusp of making history in the U.S. It could be the first state to decriminalize sex work and so strengthen protections against trafficking for sexual exploitation. Meanwhile, in the U.K., lawmakers are debating legislation that makes it an offence to pay for, or attempt to pay for, sex either for themselves or on behalf of others. It also includes measures to criminalize anyone who benefits or provides support related to the purchase of sex. This presentation aims to answer the most pressing questions in the conversation around how to address trafficking for sexual exploitation and how to improve protection for sex workers including: 1) Is increasing the policing of the sex industry an effective way to find and protect trafficking survivors? 2) How does the further criminalization of sex work affect trafficking victims and survivors? 3) How does this issue affect society at large? and 4) Why now? With lawmakers actively shaping the future of sex work policies in both the U.S. and U.K. to better protect people from exploitation, this presentation will provide crucial insights into the real impact of these and existing laws and what is the most effective path forward.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Rebekah Enoch is a Program Manager at Freedom United with over 15 years of experience working in the U.S. and Australia on human rights issues and over 5 years working in the modern slavery sector. She is also a member of the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars.