Rep. Vargas Hosts Briefing on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
National City, CA (November 22, 2013) –Today, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) hosted the “Human Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children” briefing, which focused on the efforts being made to combat the sexual exploitation of children throughout the world. Earlier this year, Rep. Vargas introduced H.R. 1690, the Child Protection Act of 2013, which would remove the knowledge of age requirement in order to stop child sex traffickers from receiving lighter sentences.
“I was honored to host this desperately-needed and incredibly informative briefing on human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Sexual slavery is a rapidly growing epidemic and it is essential that we raise awareness of this horrific crime against humanity,” said Rep. Vargas. “This briefing is just one of the steps we must take to combat child sex trafficking. We need to continue to work together to ensure that none of our children are victimized.”
Vargas was joined by governmental and non-governmental groups, along with a child sex trafficking survivor, who now trains law enforcement and social workers on the tell-tale signs of trafficking. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office provided a unique perspective on the challenges of prosecuting those who engage in human trafficking. Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, Survivors for Solutions, and the Polinsky Children's Center offered attendees an in-depth look at how their organizations fight the sexual exploitation of women and children, offer peer-led services for survivors, and provide a safe residence for children separated from their families, respectively.
“There’s been an alarming increase in human trafficking cases in San Diego County and combatting this modern-day slavery is a priority for our office,” said District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. “Congressman Vargas’ leadership on this issue is helping to educate the public and generate awareness. Bringing together experts, including Deputy District Attorney Mary-Ellen Barrett of our Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division, is a step toward helping victims of human trafficking and holding the traffickers themselves accountable for their crimes.”
Anne Hoiberg from the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition stated, “In 1995, 189 countries represented at the Beijing “Fourth World Conference on Women” made a promise to women and girls worldwide to end human trafficking and forced prostitution. “a promise is a promise.” Human trafficking must end now! NOW!”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.