Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking that involves the exploitation of individuals through coercion, fraud, or force for sexual purposes and it often happens behind the closed door of a hotel room. If you or someone you care about was the victim of sex trafficking, our caring and committed attorneys can help.
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Backpage.com, an online classified advertising platform, faced numerous lawsuits and legal actions due to allegations that it knowingly facilitated and profited from illegal activities, particularly human trafficking and the exploitation of minors.
If you or a loved one were a victim of trafficking through Backpage.com, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Since 2008, legislation has empowered victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse to hold accountable businesses that directly or indirectly contribute to these crimes.
Specifically, businesses that "knowingly benefit from their participation in what they knew or should have known was a [sex trafficking venture]" can be held liable under the law.
This legislation, known as the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), enables survivors to seek damages from such businesses through civil claims.
Additionally, the TVPRA strengthens the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue justice by providing enhanced tools for identifying, prosecuting, and sentencing offenders.
This law represents a significant advancement in the fight for justice and accountability for trafficking survivors.
Survivors of sexual abuse possess remarkable resilience in the face of challenges that can include emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as physical harm from non-consensual acts. In the most difficult cases, survivors may grapple with thoughts of self-harm, yet their courage in confronting these experiences is a testament to their strength.
Taking the step to come forward and seek justice is empowering. In criminal proceedings, the focus is on holding the perpetrator accountable and ensuring the safety of others. Survivors also have the right to seek compensation through the civil justice system which may hold perpetrators and the organizations that employ them accountable.
Feelings of guilt, shame, or difficulty trusting others are common after such experiences, but they do not define a survivor’s journey. Each survivor deserves the opportunity to heal, rebuild trust, and form meaningful connections. Justice and closure are not only possible but essential steps toward reclaiming power and building a future filled with hope and strength.
At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys bring extensive experience in handling sexual abuse cases with a commitment to compassion and professionalism. We recognize how challenging it can be for survivors to come forward and are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment throughout every step of the legal process. Our legal guidance is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring thoughtful and informed advocacy.
Our firm is deeply committed to protecting your rights and relentlessly pursuing justice on your behalf. Utilizing all available resources, we aim to provide the support you need so that you never have to face this journey alone.
Nathaniel L.
Partner
Nathaniel Foote
Partner
Benjamin Andreozzi
Managing Partner
Veronica Hubbard
Associate Attorney
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We have proudly supported numerous survivors in their pursuit of justice through civil cases and are equipped with the resources and expertise to do so. We are proud to say our strengths are our unique focus on this niche area of the law, our experience taking on some of the largest and most powerful organizations, and our history of life changing results.
or call 717-921-4877 to get started today
or call 717-921-4877 to get started today
If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, reach out to us for compassionate assistance. We are here to listen, provide informed guidance, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Let us help you take the first steps toward justice and closure. Contact Andreozzi & Foote today to learn how we can support you.
Backpage was accused of allowing advertisements for illegal services, including prostitution and sex trafficking, to be posted on its site. Prosecutors alleged that the company knowingly permitted these ads to generate revenue.
Backpage.com, once notorious for facilitating illegal advertisements related to sexual exploitation, was shut down by federal authorities in 2018. The website's operations had generated over $500 million by promoting sex work and enabling child sex trafficking. Several executives were charged with facilitating prostitution and money laundering. The indictment alleged that the company worked to sanitize ads to appear lawful while knowingly profiting from illegal activities.
Survivors of trafficking and exploitation brought civil lawsuits against Backpage, alleging that the platform enabled their victimization. Many of these cases were filed under laws like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) or state anti-trafficking statutes.
In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a $215 million forfeiture settlement with Backpage.com. This settlement involves the forfeiture of assets, including cash, cryptocurrency, and real estate, which will be used to establish a restitution trust for survivors of sex trafficking who were exploited through the website.
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