Mission: WASE Forward is a Washington initiative to promote policies and practices that enhance support and justice for people with lived experience of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
WASE Forward proposes and supports legislation to reduce sex trafficking and exploitation in Washington State.
WASE Forward mobilizes a statewide network of CSE experts and grassroots advocates to strengthen policies and systems for people experiencing sex trafficking and exploitation.
WASE Forward educates policy-makers and the public about proven solutions to reduce sex trafficking and exploitation
in Washington state.
Law targeting drug-related criminal activity passes City Council, City Council News Releases, September 17, 2024
A bill passed Seattle City Council that would hold buyers and traffickers accountable for the violence and trauma they perpetrate on our community and individuals making it a misdemeanor to “Promote Loitering for the Purpose of Prostitution” and provide intervention through prefiling diversion for the victims of human trafficking.
Although this bill has passed which is not perfect or a fix all to an extremely nuanced problem, I stood in support of this bill. I worked to amend portions of the bill along with anti-trafficking leaders in my community.
Now it is time to hold Seattle City Council accountable in Budget season to fund much needed services.
There is no place in my community or anywhere for that matter for human trafficking to claim the lives of our most vulnerable.
WASE Forward
StrongerTogether
Substitute Senate Bill 5114
WASE Forward is thrilled to announce that Governor Inslee signed Substitute Senate Bill 5114 on May 4, 2023, providing an infusion of funding for culturally responsive and survivor-centered programs that will support adults who have experienced sex trafficking in Washington. This bill was written specifically by and for survivors of adult sex trafficking and marks a significant milestone for WASE Forward. We’re honored to have played a role in bringing this legislation to fruition and remain committed to advancing the well-being of survivors in Washington.
In 2023 SSB 5114 passed to support adults, over the age of 18, with lived experience of sex trafficking by funding Healing ,Support and Transition Services. Adults are eligible for support and services if they have experienced sex trafficking as an adult or as a child or youth (under the age of 18).
Healing, support and transition services mean safe and trauma-informed services that are tailored to the self determined needs of each individual.
Download the “Healing Support & Transition Services Purpose & Services Provided” and for more information on the 12 recipients. | PDF
WASE Forward is proud to be recognized as the 2022 Organization Human Rights Leader by the Seattle Human Rights Commission.
We are a grassroots movement working to strengthen policies and systems for those experiencing sex trafficking and exploitation. We advocate and amplify human rights by lifting up the voices of our most vulnerable communities in Washington state.
What We are Doing for 2024
WASE Forward Primary Goal: To Utilize community engagement as a prevention method for sex trafficking and CSE.
- Host 6 conversations with the community on the topics of CSE and human trafficking.
- Host 4 survivor community workshops
- Host 4 advocacy training events
- Host 8 WASE Forward partner meetings to keep them informed, involved and activated.
- 45 meetings with WASE leadership team.
- Actively outreach 10 groups to ask for support of WASE Forward’s policies
- Post 6 Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos about the harms of full decriminalization
- Implement social media toolkit that helps viewers (1) learn the signs; (2) speak to survivors; and (3) know The Equality Model
- iHeart Radio earned media (radio commercial) campaign (May 20 – June 10)