HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 1859 - Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation (Human Trafficking)Cl*ty of u la
Washington
Resolution No. 1859
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 12'7_�4 day of ex �j 12015.
ATTEST /AUTHENTICATED:
Chnsty O'FI erty, MMC, City Cler
41..0 12) --'A )
Rachel B. Turpin, City Attorney
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Kate)Krul(er, Coocil President
Filed with the City Clerk:_
Passed by the City Council: —/
Resolution Number:
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