Discussing the pervasiveness and impact of online sex trafficking and how to fight it, Proskauer hosted a seminar titled “Combating Online Sex Trafficking: Confronting Challenges, Forging Cooperation.” It is estimated that 50% of sex trafficking takes place online.

The event brought together global players in the fight against human trafficking including François Delattre, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations; Per-Anders Sunesson, Swedish Ambassador-at-Large for Combating Trafficking in Persons; Cyrus Vance, New York County District Attorney; Monique Villa, CEO, Thomson Reuters Foundation; Yves Charpenel, Deputy State Prosecutor, the Supreme Court in France, and President, the Scelles Foundation; Valiant Richey, Prosecutor, King County, Washington; Mary Mazzio, Producer and Director, “I am Jane Doe”;  and Angel Nguyen, Vice President of Compliance and Financial Crimes Solutions, Enigma.

The panel, moderated by veteran journalist and former New York Times columnist Bob Herbert, explored ways to increase awareness and understanding of the prevalence of online sex trafficking and the harm it engenders. The panel also addressed the need to encourage the private sector, law enforcement, policy makers, and victim advocates to work together to develop and implement more effective strategies to combat one of the most widespread international criminal activities and brutal forms of violence against women and girls.  In addition, Mr. Herbert interviewed a survivor of internet-facilitated sex trafficking, who shared her story of being trafficked as a child in Queens, New York. Over 200 people attended the event, and more viewed a live-streamed video.

Proskauer represents a number of trafficking victims as part of our pro bono program.  The Firm also serves as Counsel to the New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition, and organizes events like this one in order to facilitate discussion and action. We were honored to co-sponsor this event with Sanctuary for Families, the Scelles Foundation, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations.

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