French law student Elise Hirsch wanted to intern for PACT because of our “comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking, which includes prevention, education, training, and advocacy.” She is particularly interested in PACT’s efforts in legislative action, and how she can apply her knowledge of international human rights to help create systemic change.

For 30 years, ECPAT-USA has been at the forefront of the fight against child sexual abuse and exploitation. To that end, the organization has been contributing to a new piece of legislation, the "Strengthening Transparency and Obligations to Protect Children Suffering from Abuse and Mistreatment" (STOP CSAM) Act of 2023”, which aims to strengthen the protection of child victims of sexual abuse and imposes greater accountability and transparency requirements on large technology companies.

ECPAT-USA commends Congress and President Biden for passing and signing into law the reauthorization of The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). TVPA funds critical programs that support survivors of human trafficking and provides the legal framework for the U.S. to combat, monitor, and prosecute human trafficking.

ECPAT-USA applauds President Biden for signing the Eliminating Civil Statutes of Limitations for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022, S.3103 into law. Introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), this critical piece of legislation eliminates civil statutes of limitations for sexual abuse offenses.

Children across the United States continue to face harm from online grooming for sexual exploitation, and it is imperative to increase anti-trafficking efforts by equipping schools with the necessary resources to protect children. Education about exploitation, recruitment, grooming, and consent must be taught at every level in age-appropriate and culturally sensitive ways that ensure inclusivity and understanding. ECPAT-USA urges the implementation of a state-wide human trafficking prevention curriculum within schools for students, educators, and school personnel.