ECPAT-USA

ECPAT-USA is the leading anti-trafficking policy organization in the United States. As a member of ECPAT International, ECPAT-USA belongs to a network of organizations in more than 100 countries all working together to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children. ECPAT-USA's mission is to protect every child’s right to grow up free from the threat of sexual exploitation and trafficking through legislative advocacy, education, and partnerships.

ECPAT-USA is the leading child trafficking prevention organization in the United States. Our mission is to protect every child’s right to grow up free from the threat of sexual exploitation and trafficking. We do this work through legislative advocacy, private sector engagement, youth education, and community education which are described below:

Legislative Advocacy: With ECPAT-USA’s deep expertise, we partner with government, survivors, and advocates to ensure that legislation is comprehensive, proactive, and victim-centered.

Private Sector Engagement: Members of the hospitality and tourism industry are uniquely positioned to help prevent trafficking and protect children. Because of this, ECPAT-USA creates up-to-date standards and training tools to recognize trafficking and follow proper protocols. These tools are used across the country by hotel industry and travel professionals.

Youth Education: The Youth Against Child Trafficking (Y-ACT) program empowers students to be the voices in their communities advocating against sexual exploitation. ECPAT-USA leads workshops and guided conversations, where middle school and high school students learn about the reality of child sexual exploitation in their communities, how they can protect themselves, and what they can do to raise awareness about the issue.

Community Education and Public Awareness: ECPAT-USA believes that preventing child sexual exploitation begins with community education and engagement. Accordingly, ECPAT-USA leads programs, events, and initiatives to inform communities about this human rights crisis. By educating ordinary citizens, they can join ECPAT-USA in the fight to better protect children.