Citizens Against Trafficking is a broad based coalition formed in 2009 to combat all forms of human trafficking.
Policy Initiative
CAT advocates for effective public policy and law to combat human trafficking.
CAT played a major role in 2009 to pass the prostitution bill and to
advocate for the inclusion of "forced labor" in the human trafficking
law in Rhode Island.
CAT believes prostitution is inherently harmful and fuels the demand
for sex trafficking. CAT believes decriminalized prostitution in Rhode
Island enabled the expansion of the sex industry, an industry
vulnerable to trafficking. Decriminalized prostitution meant that we
were unable to identify and assist victims of trafficking. We
were unable to use some federal laws or participate in federal
initiatives to combat trafficking.
Demand Initiative
CAT believes that human trafficking is a market. CAT is committed to addressing demand.
Citizens Against Trafficking is available for speaking engagements and consultation.
Contact us to ask questions, get involved, or join the mailing list:
Melanie Shapiro
Co-founder
melanieshapiro4@gmail.com
Donna M. Hughes
Co-founder
dhughes71@cox.net
