May 23, 2024—Survivor leader Ruby* joined International Justice Mission’s Nate King, (IJM’s Director of Policy and Advocacy) to speak at a press conference in Washington, DC led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senator Graham and Senator Durbin have championed multiple online child safety bills through the Senate Judiciary Committee. The press conference addressed the need for legislation to prevent this fast-growing abuse and hold big tech accountable.

Other speakers included Dawn Hawkins, CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE); Lori Cohen, CEO of Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT); and Katrina Massey, PACT Board member and Survivor Council Member.

“It’s been 1,539 days since the EARN IT Act was first introduced in the Senate. Since then, a version of the bill has unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on three separate occasions. Yet, it has never received a floor vote,” said Nate King, IJM Director of Policy and Advocacy. “Survivors of this crime should not have to wait a single day longer, and the American people deserve to know where their legislators stand on one of the most pressing human rights abuses of our time.”

Survivors of this crime should not have to wait a single day longer, and the American people deserve to know where their legislators stand on one of the most pressing human rights abuses of our time.

Ruby directly addressed the top leadership of big tech companies – those with platforms on which OSEC occurs. “It is time to stop talking and start taking action. We are real people, children, who are being sexually abused online,” said Ruby. “Our abuse is live-streamed, and even after we are rescued, this footage remains online. Take down the footage of our abuse living on your platforms.” Ruby added, “I urge all members of the United States Senate to support the passage of these bills today. Survivors cannot wait any longer for change.”

Our abuse is live-streamed, and even after we are rescued, this footage remains online. Take down the footage of our abuse living on your platforms...I urge all members of the United States Senate to support the passage of these bills today.

Watch the press conference here.