Alaska Native women and girls are facing a dire trafficking problem. Sex-traffickers often lure the victims to Anchorage, where they’re separated from their local support network and then coerced into the sex trade. Investigators say that this trend has been on the rise for the past couple years, and they fear Alaska Natives are targeted due to their “versatile” look—which makes them easier to advertise on the Internet as Hawaiian or Asian. So how can both the Alaskan and tribal governments stop failing these girls? Two words: prosecution and education. Tell Governor Sean Parnell and the state legislature to firstly, strengthen Alaska state laws to mirror federal penalties. And secondly, work with tribal governments to fund a trafficking-specific education program for families.

Alaska’s state trafficking laws are relatively weak. Currently, authorities often choose to prosecute pimps under federal sex trafficking laws, as the state law only allows for prosecution of trafficking if the victim is transferred across state lines. Unsurprisingly, this system isn’t working. Governor Parnell and the state legislature needs to strengthen Alaska’s state laws to mirror the federal laws, and get traffickers off the street for good. This legislation can't come soon enough.

It is also essential that a high-quality trafficking education program is put in place. By educating families on the dangers of trafficking, girls will be more apt to ask for help, and families will be better equipped to monitor potentially volatile domestic situations. A state-wide government funded education program—developed in conjunction with tribal governments—would go a long way in helping prevent trafficking crimes. Thank you in advance for your support!