Carissa Phelps on Backpage Victim Restitution and Nevada Prostitution Laws

Backpage Victim Restitution Fund

• 💰 A settlement with the DOJ has created a victim restitution fund of over $200 million from seized assets of Backpage and CityXGuide.
• 📅 The fund is administered by Epic, with the DOJ's money laundering team overseeing the process, but the application window is short (July 31st to February 2nd).
• 🌍 The goal is to reach international victims and those trafficked into the US, many of whom may not realize they qualify or may have immigration or legal barriers.
• ⚖️ While an attorney is not required, it is highly recommended to navigate the complex application process and protect personal information.

The Harm of Legalized Prostitution

• ⚠️ Carissa Phelps advocates for rolling back the legal status of prostitution in Nevada, arguing that even legal brothels can trap individuals and profit from exploitation.
• 💔 She highlights that many individuals enter prostitution believing it's a choice or temporary, but often become ensnared by traffickers or brothel owners.
• 🚫 The argument is that legalizing prostitution creates a societal impression that it is acceptable, leading to increased demand and a need for more individuals to be sold.
• 💡 Phelps distinguishes between the act of sex and the immoral wreckage left behind by the system of exploitation.

Personal Experience and Broader Impact

• 🚨 Phelps shares a personal story of being trafficked at a young age after attempting to help a pregnant woman on the streets.
• 🗺️ She emphasizes that the marketplace for buying and selling people, often facilitated by sites like Backpage and even modern platforms, is rampant across the US, not isolated to specific areas.
• 🚗 The legalization of prostitution in certain Nevada counties is seen as a destination point that fuels trafficking, particularly of minors.
• 📣 Survivors First is working with coalitions and organizations like the National Center on Online Sexual Exploitation to advocate for change and raise awareness.