FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2015

MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Megan Snow, Media and Communications, msnow@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5051

City of Tacoma Announces Partnership to Help Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation

The City of Tacoma and Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County have entered into a partnership to provide assistance and services to youth in Tacoma who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Previously, the city did not have services for people who have been victims of sex trafficking, and the establishment of a community advocate will be the first step in creating a more robust support and outreach system.

“This is an important step for Tacoma and for the victims of commercial sexual exploitation in our community,” said Nadia Chandler-Hardy, Neighborhood and Community Services Department director. “Service providers, law enforcement and juvenile justice staff working with youth populations see risk factors and red flags among the youth with whom they work, but are not formally tracking or counting the number of sexually exploited individuals they encounter. We want to take a proactive approach to change that.”

The City selected Rebuilding Hope as its community partner through a competitive selection process. It is a community-based agency that advocates for victim-survivors, their families and friends. The agency embraces a client empowerment model, which acknowledges the dignity and autonomy of each victim-survivor, while providing support and information so that a victim has the tools to move toward healing.

A 24-hour crisis, information and referral line is available at 1-800-756-7273 or (253) 474-7273. People can call to schedule an appointment with Rebuilding Hope at (253) 597-6424 or TTY, (253) 274-0448. Rebuilding Hope is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and by appointment on Fridays.

Rebuilding Hope helps people who have had their lives impacted by sexual assault in Tacoma and Pierce County, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, income, veteran status, marital status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

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