The Network launched in January 2013 to investigate if trafficking is organized and operates as a business, and if it can be infiltrated and attacked to increase risk and decrease revenue. Their work uncovered the massive illicit massage industry (IMI), which has grown to over 13,000 storefronts. In 2021, they developed the Landlord Engagement Program, which has reduced storefront prevalence by 49% and closed over 150 locations with the help of over 15 state and local partners.
The Jensen Project has awarded a grant to support The Network’s data-driven strategy to combat sex trafficking in the United States. This funding will enhance their capacity to increase data confidence, automate manual tasks, and make data accessible to partners, which includes Attorneys General and District Attorneys. The Network’s approach involves equipping partners with online data about illicit massage businesses (IMBs), reducing storefronts, and decreasing exploitation.
The grant will support three key initiatives: increasing data confidence by integrating new data sources, automating landlord identification processes, and developing a secure data platform for partners.
To increase data confidence, The Network aims to expand the number of websites they scrape for information and integrating new data into their pipeline.
Automation efforts will focus on identifying tech platforms with updated landlord databases, testing their functionality, and integrating these into their data delivery system. This will streamline the identification of landlords associated with IMBs, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency.
Lastly, The Network plans to create a secure, partner-centric IMB data platform to provide real-time access to critical information. This will involve defining technical requirements, selecting a tech vendor, internal testing, and a phased launch to ensure usability and effectiveness. By enhancing data confidence, automation, and access, this grant will significantly bolster The Network’s efforts to eradicate illicit massage businesses and protect survivors of trafficking.
The Network Group focuses on addressing illicit massage businesses (IMBs), an area often overlooked in discussions about trafficking. The team is relational and data-driven, essential qualities for addressing such a complex issue.
Their approach resonated with us, especially their focus on scaling their operations to dismantle more IMBs. They seek funding to hire additional staff and invest in technology, aligning with our own capacity-building goals.
Their collaboration with our partners, like Allies Against Slavery, showcases their commitment to transparent and effective collaboration.
Many team members, bring extensive experience from other anti-trafficking organizations. This diverse background strengthens their capability to address IMBs comprehensively.
"The Network’s approach involves equipping partners with online data about illicit massage businesses (IMBs), reducing storefronts, and decreasing exploitation."
A yearly grant program, funding up to $2 Million to advance economic empowerment and housing opportunities for agencies who serve adult female survivors of human trafficking.
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It takes funding for organizations to help women impacted by sexual violence, but it’s just the starting point. The Jensen Project’s holistic approach empowers nonprofits with grants, resources, and ongoing support to fuel the fight against sexual violence.