HomeMy WebLinkAboutFS 2015-05-05 Item 2B - Resolution - Human TraffickingCity of Tukwila
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Haggerton
Finance and Safety Committee
FROM: Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst
DATE: April 29, 2015
SUBJECT: Resolution relating to Combating Commercial Sexual Exploitation
ISSUE
A resolution expressing support for combating commercial sexual exploitation through
comprehensive demand enforcement, deterrence and prevention.
BACKGROUND
Law enforcement and service agencies nationwide have been partnering to increase emphasis
on the demand side of prostitution and human trafficking, acknowledging that children and
vulnerable adults should be considered victims of commercial sexual exploitation. "Buyer
Beware," an initiative that is led by the Organization for Prostitution Survivors and the King
County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, represents a partnership with Police and City Attorney
Offices across King County to go after purchasers of sex and not their victims. Buyers drive the
industry and prosecutors estimate that around 27,000 men in King County are soliciting sex
online every day. The Buyer Beware initiative also includes components relating to public
education and an intervention program available to men both convicted of this crime and self -
referred.
Participating community organizations include The Organization for Prostitution Survivors,
Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), Stolen Youth, and Seattle Against Slavery.
Several King County cities have formally pledged support via a resolution such as this one.
DISCUSSION
The proposed resolution expresses support for law enforcement emphasis on deterring buyers
of sex, evidence -based innovations in this approach, and the Buyer Beware initiative in King
County.
RECOMMENDATION
The Committee is asked to approve the draft resolution and forward it to the May 11, 2015
Committee of the Whole and subsequent May 18, 2015 Regular Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
Draft resolution
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, RELATING
TO COMBATING COMMERCIAL SEXUAL
EXPLOITATION THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE
DEMAND ENFORCEMENT, DETERRENCE AND
PREVENTION.
WHEREAS, the Tukwila City Council is committed to public safety and the health
and well -being of its residents and visitors, and
WHEREAS, commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking are significant
threats to our community values and the safety and well -being of the children and
vulnerable adults being exploited; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of children in King County are at risk of being commercially
sexually exploited each year; and
WHEREAS, the rise of online advertising has increased the demand for commercial
sex, which victimizes children as young as 11 years old; and
WHEREAS, it is illegal to purchase sex in Tukwila, King County and the State of
Washington, yet prostituted individuals have typically been arrested and prosecuted up
to 10 times more frequently than buyers; and
WHEREAS, there is a growing body of evidence that targeting sex buyers is a
pragmatic, effective way to combat the commercial sex industry; and
WHEREAS, doctors and health professionals assembled by the Institute of
Medicine issued the 2013 report, "Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex
Trafficking of Minors in the United States," which suggests "a particular emphasis on
deterring demand "; and
WHEREAS, the Tukwila City Council is committed to promoting a safe and healthy
community, taking a strong position against human trafficking, and supporting efforts to
combat trafficking and reduce commercial sexual exploitation,
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City of Tukwila will continue collaboration with our neighboring
jurisdictions and our county, state and federal partners to combat commercial sexual
exploitation of children and vulnerable adults in our region, and to mitigate the
associated public safety, economic, and health risks to our City.
Section 2. The City of Tukwila supports the partnership of the King County
Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Organization for Prostitution Survivors, and the
"Buyer Beware" initiative to reduce the demand for commercial sex.
Section 3. The City of Tukwila's anti - trafficking strategies will be survivor informed
and comprehensive, holding sex buyers and traffickers accountable, while providing exit
strategies and options for prostituted individuals.
Section 4. The City of Tukwila supports and promotes a culture of intolerance
toward the purchase of a vulnerable human being for sex.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at
a Regular Meeting thereof this day of 12015.
ATTEST /AUTHENTICATED:
Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk Kate Kruller, Council President
APPROVED AS TO FORM BY:
Rachel B. Turpin, City Attorney
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Filed with the City Clerk:
Passed by the City Council:
Resolution Number:
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