There exists a prevailing ideology that refuses to acknowledge that boys can be and are victims of sexual exploitation. As an underserved population, they often do not seek out or receive support due to stigmas surrounding boys’ masculinity. 

As the nation’s first organization to work on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation of children, PACT has built a movement to protect children grounded in education, partnerships and community engagement, and advocacy.  Because of the PACT community, we are able to share our 2023 Annual Report, marking our first full year under our new name, Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT). 

Behind the breathtaking landscapes and diverse cuisines that travel offers us, the dark underbelly of travel presents a much different reality. The growth of travel and tourism can pose significant risks to children when preventative measures are not in place. 

As a survivor-centered organization dedicated to the prevention of child sex trafficking and exploitation, PACT stands in solidarity with survivors of human trafficking and highlights these critical issues.

Faith Robles, who joined PACT’s Survivors’ Council in 2020, embodies strength and resilience. This past Spring, she celebrated a significant victory. In her own words, she shares her reaction.

When you hear the term “child trafficking,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of a child who is kidnapped and tied up against their will, especially in a different country. The reality, however, often looks quite different.

Since 2001, the U.S. State Department has released an annual Trafficking in Persons report, which provides the world's most comprehensive assessment on human trafficking. Highlights of the report included education and outreach efforts, victim services, and data collection and sharing efforts.

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.

We had the opportunity to sit down with 2024 Freedom Awards Honoree, Patrick Pacious, Choice Hotels International President and CEO. Read his exclusive interview!

Donna Lynne Hubbard is the daughter of the late author and Community Activist Barbara “Nayo” Watkins and Charles “Charlie” Hubbard, graduates of Atlanta’s historic Booker T. Washington High School. Raised by her mother Nayo and Civil Rights Icon Hollis Watkins who took great pride in cultivating Donnas' social awareness and creative spirit, at 16 she married and became a wife and mother.

Patrick Pacious is President and Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, with nearly 7,500 hotels, representing almost 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories as of September 30, 2023. Mr. Pacious’s nearly 20-year tenure at Choice has been marked by growth, innovation and effectively anticipating and capitalizing on industry trends.

Jackie Shapiro grew up in Greeley, Colorado and thought she wanted to be a diplomat. That didn’t happen. But, a bit unusual for “her time”, she did graduate from college with a triple major in history, East Asian area studies and Chinese language. With great idealism and enthusiasm, she joined the Peace Corps and was sent to teach as a volunteer in South Korea.

We had the opportunity to sit down with 2024 Freedom Awards Honoree, Jacqueline Shapiro, a passionate child protection and human rights advocate and philanthropist who now serves on PACT’s Emeritus Council.

Jess Dannhauser is the Commissioner of the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS). Commissioner Dannhauser was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in 2022 to help lead a more upstream approach to supporting New York families.

This year, as part of our Freedom Awards Benefit, we are proud to honor Saint Ignatius School (SIS) for their remarkable work and engagement in the anti-trafficking field. Please take a moment to read about the school.

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.