Tag Archives: sex trafficking

Human-trafficking discussion Monday to focus on identifying, rescuing victims

padden_pqThe Legislature’s ongoing fight against human trafficking will move back to a familiar venue Monday afternoon: the Senate Law and Justice Committee, where a work session will focus on the challenge of identifying those who have been pressed into sexual slavery, and how they may be rescued.

“Most people probably don’t connect the Super Bowl or high-end health spas with the modern-day slavery that goes with human trafficking. As our committee will hear Monday, there is a link,” said Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, who chairs the panel.

“It’s by understanding how the sex-trafficking industry operates, especially in places the average person wouldn’t suspect, that we can best figure out how to go after those who treat young women as a commodity – the pimps who do the selling and the johns who do the buying.” Continue reading

Padden updates Latino community about battle against sex traffickers

padden_pqSen. Mike Padden today assured members of the state’s Latino Civic Alliance that he and other lawmakers remain committed to the fight against sex traffickers.

“After your visit in 2013 the Legislature made our state’s already-substantial laws even stronger, so law-enforcement officers would have even more tools to use against those who would victimize your children,” said Padden, R-Spokane Valley. “But the traffickers come up with new approaches, and state law must evolve too.” Continue reading