Austin, Texas (September 23, 2003) - "Today President George W. Bush called human trafficking a 'special evil' that the international community must confront.

"In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, President Bush called on the world's nations to standardize their laws against sex tourism involving the exploitation of children.

"The President also highlighted the successes of the PROTECT Act and the Trafficking Victim Protection Act in addressing human trafficking in the United States.

"In Texas, state and community leaders are beginning to coordinate their resources to confront sex trafficking and assist trafficking victims. The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault is working with local groups and state organizations to improve our response to trafficking cases.

"Human trafficking is not just a crisis for criminal justice professionals. Social service organizations that serve victims of domestic and sexual violence as well as advocate for immigrants and refugees must work together stop the scourge of human slavery on American soil.

"We applaud President Bush for engaging the international community on the issue of human trafficking. Now we need his leadership here at home. President Bush should call on Congress to increase support for state and local programs on the front lines of the fight against the sex trade. The legislation President Bush highlighted represents a step in the right direction, but more resources are needed at the local level.

"Human trafficking is a tragedy with global reach. Stopping this 'old evil' will require leadership at home and abroad."

Chris Lippincott, Communications Director

NOTE: For more information on local efforts to confront trafficking, please contact:

Houston Area: Jennifer Katial or Jeff Watkins (713-339-9015)

Dallas Area: Bill Bernstein (214-821-5393)

About Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA)
The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of more than 70 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas. Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, legal services, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy, and curricula and materials development. Additional information about TAASA can be found at www.taasa.org.