Washington Against Sexual Exploitation (WASE Forward) is a coalition of 34 agencies that was formed in 2021. WASE Forward was formed to bring together leaders from many organizations to work together. The goal is to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of vulnerable people in Washington state. The purpose of WASE Forward is to promote policies and practices that enhance support and justice for people with lived experience of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. WASE Forward is guided by a diverse leadership team including professionals with program, research, and lived experience of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
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.
Definitions
SEX TRAFFICKING means (1) the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel an adult into a commercial sex act like prostitution or (2) engaging a minor in a commercial sex act.
COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION (CSE) of an adult means another person or circumstance such as systematic discrimination, poverty, prior victimization or trauma, substance abuse, lack of housing, education, healthcare, documentation or any other basic need or vulnerability compels the adult to enter or remain in the sex trades. Exploiters take advantage of differences in age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or social and economic power to sexually exploit more vulnerable people. Commercial sex markets—prostitution, pornography, sugaring, sex tourism, etc.—were built upon and perpetuate INEQUITY and VIOLENCE against our most marginalized populations.
COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION (CSE) of an adult means another person or circumstance such as systematic discrimination, poverty, prior victimization or trauma, substance abuse, lack of housing, education, healthcare, documentation or any other basic need or vulnerability compels the adult to enter or remain in the sex trades. Exploiters take advantage of differences in age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or social and economic power to sexually exploit more vulnerable people. Commercial sex markets—prostitution, pornography, sugaring, sex tourism, etc.—were built upon and perpetuate INEQUITY and VIOLENCE against our most marginalized populations.
On May 4, 2023 Governor Inslee signed Substitute Senate Bill 5114. The Bill 5114 was written specifically by and for survivors of adult sex trafficking.
This bill provides funding for culturally responsive and survivor-centered programs that will support adults who have experienced sex trafficking in Washington.
Bill 5114 will provide funding for more healing and transition services for survivors in Washington state, including safety planning, housing, substance use disorder treatment, health services, legal advocacy, translation and interpretation services, education, employment support, outreach, and emergency financial assistance.