On March 5, 2009, Sheriff Thomas Dart of Cook County, Illinois filed a lawsuit against the online local classified and forum medium, Craigslist.org, alleging that it provides for the solicitation of sex trafficking and prostitution.

Dart’s complaint asserts that Craigslist is the largest source of prostitution in the United States. It is the ninth most visited site in the country. The plaintiff describes the online community as a “public nuisance” that facilitates illegal sex trafficking under its “erotic/adult services” categories.

On July 10 the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) filed an amicus brief (letter of support) describing the severity of sex trafficking in the United States. Whether coerced by domestic pimps or johns or by international traffickers, the organization has found prostitution and sex trafficking are hardly distinguishable in most cases. The group writes, “International law recognizes three fundamental principles related to sex trafficking and prostitution: (1) that it is a myth that prostitution is consensual; (2) that sex trafficking has nothing to do with movement or distance as victims cans be trafficked domestically as well as internationally; and (3) that sex trafficking and prostitution are inextricably linked.

The non-profit included actual advertisements from the website, citing posts that blatantly promise the exchange of sexual acts for money. In 2008, the FBI found 2,800 advertisements for child prostitution on the website. Using search tools, users can find sexual services based on ethnicity or appearance.

CATW’s amicus brief also includes the signatures of 31 domestic and international anti-trafficking groups and advocates.

The intended goal of the lawsuit is to compel Craigslist, Inc. to remove all “adult services” sections of the website.

Vital Voices works to both raise public awareness about human trafficking and empower women leaders working to make a difference around the world. The organization recognizes that the United States faces the abhorrent reality of human trafficking and supports efforts to eliminate the practice.

Sources:
Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW)- Amicus Brief
Citizen Media Law Project