The Problem
When people hear the words "sex trafficking," they think of strangers and city streets and Jeffrey Epstein. The reality is far more complex. More than 40% of human trafficking survivors report that their first trafficker was a family member.
Mezzo Allies exists because our CEO, Kait Gannon, was trafficked by her father, grandfather, and uncle. Her buyers were men from her church and community in Erie County. For decades, Kait couldn't find people to help her.
No one wanted to believe that people in their community would, in the words of this bill, "Intentionally aid, assist, manage, supervise, control, finance, advertise, maintain premises for, transport for, provide security for, conceal, or otherwise materially support the carrying on of a sex trafficking venture."
The Solution
Recognizing family-controlled sex trafficking is essential, but we cannot address the root causes of this horrific abuse unless we disrupt the complex networks of enablers that make trafficking possible. This is why the Trafficking Survivor Recovery and Accountability Act is essential to ending family-controlled sex trafficking. Not only will it allow survivors a chance to finally seek justice, but it will also provide a deterrent for people who might look the other way because it's easier.
Take Action
Contact your New York State Assemblyperson on the Rules Committee and ask them to support this bill and move it onto the Assembly calendar for a vote.
Carl E. Heastie (Chair and Speaker of the Assembly)
Suggested Script
Hi, my name is [NAME], and I’m a constituent from [town].
I’m calling/emailing to urge Assembly Member [NAME] to support the Trafficking Survivor Recovery and Accountability Act (A11323) and help move it onto the Assembly Floor before the end of the legislative session.
[OPTIONAL]: Add any personal reasons that you support the bill.