About Us
New Englanders Against Sexual Exploitation (NEASE) is a regional effort to eliminate sexual exploitation in all forms. We advance the Equality Model, prioritize survivor dignity, and advocate for policies that reduce demand and strengthen services.
Why New Englanders Against Sexual Exploitation?
Sex trafficking cases have been prosecuted in every New England state. Often traffickers and sex buyers cross state lines to commit this crime. Last year, the federal government convicted a pimp who sold women in MA and CT. An unrelated trafficker was indicted for exploiting teenagers in RI and MA. A husband and wife couple were arrested in late 2018 after trafficking Chinese women in ME, NH and VT. Sex trafficking survivors Darlene Pawlik and Jasmin Grace of NH describes being sold to men in multiple New England states.
Traffickers lure vulnerable victims to meet demand, especially to serve markets where prostitution is normalized. And sex buyers travel to places where sexual exploitation is legal or decriminalized.
When prostitution was legal in Rhode Island (1980-2009), sex buyers came from Massachusetts and other neighboring states to exploit prostituted people, especially women.
To confront sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, we must work as a regional force.
Leadership & Partners
NEASE collaborates with survivor leaders, service providers, researchers, and policymakers.
More info coming soon
Our Commitments
Trauma-sensitive language and imagery
Evidence-based policy and transparent evaluation
Regional cooperation and survivor leadership
Stay Connected
Have a question or want to partner? We welcome thoughtful collaboration across New England.