Public health solutions for commercial sexual exploitation

Rollins has received a $1 million grant to support solutions to help end commercial sexual exploitation. Led by Dr. Dabney Evans, director of the Center for Humanitarian Emergencies, the grant will address the immediate needs of those at risk for or experiencing commercial sexual exploitation in Fulton County while transforming systems to prevent it. Funded by NoVo Foundation, the project is a partnership with youthSpark, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ LGBTQ Institute, and the International Human Trafficking Institute.

The collaboration is uniquely situated to provide direct services to survivors and at-risk youth, and to drive the systemic change to end commercial sexual exploitation of children in the region. “Atlanta is known as a hub for sex trafficking, thanks to its busy airport, two major interstates, large venues for conferences and sporting events, and a plethora of adult sex businesses,” says Evans. “We are really trying to change the narrative. We are working toward Atlanta being a leader in ending commercial sexual exploitation instead of being its hub.”