“To not understand the relationship between prostitution and trafficking is like not understanding the relationship between slavery in the Old South and the kidnapping of victims in Africa and the transatlantic shipment of them to our shores.” -Donna Hughes, activist
A Town Hall in Seattle on January 20 was focused on child sex trafficking. I was unable to attend, but found a video of the entire event at on Seattle Channel. Over 700 concerned citizens attended and I found the discussion inspiring and enlightening. It was an initiative of the Women's Funding Alliance and the City Council was a co-sponsor of the event. The keynote speaker wasDeborah Richardsonfrom the Women's Funding Network, a national leader on this issue. The panel of local experts included Dr. Debra Boyer, a local anthropologist who did the ground-breaking study of child prostitution in Seattle-King County in 2008, Leslie Briner, Associate Director of YouthCare, Sean Patrick O'Donnell, Senior Deputy in King County Prosecutor's Office, and Jim Pugel, Assistant Chief of Seattle Police Department. I found this quote by Leslie Briner of YouthCare particularly inspiring: "We've talked a lot tonight and given the impression that these young people are broken. And what I really want to do is share with you how profoundly resilient they are, and how magnificently courageous they are. And my invitation to you is to be as courageous as they are."
