Trafficking Survivor Available to Comment on Craigslist News/Public Reaction

Online, September 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - SAN DIEGO - At 12:45 am, the following text message went out to everyone in Nikki Junker's contact list: "The adult services section of Craigslist has been removed everybody!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for the late text, but it's Friday night, and I know you would all love to know!!!!!!!" This enthusiasm is nothing new for Nikki's friends and fellow activists, who are familiar with her fight to end human trafficking, and why not be excited? After a long fight, Craigslist finally eliminated the place where women, men, and children could be bought and sold online for sexual services.

A domestic trafficking victim and survivor herself, the Craigslist scandal has been especially close to Nikki's heart. Over the course of the fight, Nikki has been in personal contact with Craig Newmark, Craigslist Founder, working to bring the severity and extent of the human trafficking taking on place on the site to his attention. She has additionally posted YouTube videos, carried on conversations via social networking sites and email, built local awareness, promoted petitions for removal, and involved her own organization, With More Than Purpose, in the fight. Nikki's work extended to other activists who additionally participated.

News broke early this morning that Craigslist has eliminated its adult services section, a cause for celebration for abolitionists and survivors across the country. Currently, if one looks at the website, there is a "censored" bar where this section used to be. This action shuts down millions of dollars worth of illegal trafficking and prostitution that was taking place, making it more difficult for those pushing prostitution and services through the site to find customers. Because of Craigslist's popularity, this is one huge step in saving the lives of the individuals trapped in this business and ending human trafficking.

To thank Craig Newmark for making the right decision, Nikki has continued to publicize his choice, written him a personal thank you email, posted on his Facebook, and created a public thank you YouTube video for Abolitionist News You Can Use.

To interview Nikki, please contact her directly at 619-243-9996 or [email protected].