Buyer Accountability Roundtable and Social Media Campaign

Join us on January 25th for a virtual roundtable discussion of the importance of accountability for buyers in the commercial sex market! For this virtual event, we will feature organizations and law enforcement agencies who have been at the forefront of the buyer accountability movement, and share a social media toolkit for individuals and organizations to raise awareness of the issue.

Background: House Bill 1540 went into effect this September. The bill is a key component of the ‘Texas Model’ to combat commercial sex – and its associated harms including the fueling of sex trafficking – through strengthening buyer accountability. The bill makes solicitation of sex to a state felony on the first attempt, and law enforcement agencies across the state have already conducted major stings and operations to implement these increased penalties.

But why is buyer accountability important? What does the history of buyer accountability in the state of Texas look like? What do we know about buyers that makes the Texas Model a promising approach? Join us for a roundtable discussion as we explore the evidence, experience, and expertise of those involved in the buyer accountability movement, and help us raise awareness of what HB 1540 means for Texas!

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ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANTS

• Dennis Mark – Task Force Coordinator, Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance
• Lisa Bowden – Founder & President, Reflection Ministries of Texas
• John Nehme – President & CEO, Allies Against Slavery
• Maria Orand – Detective, Fort Worth Police Department

Hosted by Children at Risk