Ordinance fights sex trafficking in Redding massage parlors - KRCRTV.COM

[massage]

REDDING, Calif. -
An ordinance was introduced to the Redding city council Tuesday to combat illicit massage parlors around the city.


Matt Moseley of the Northern California Anti-Trafficking Coalition said most of the women working in these places are sex slaves.

"They're not from this country, typically," Moseley said. "They have language barriers and they live in poverty and fear."

Jean King, executive director of One Safe Place said some of these women are underage as well.

"They are very likely to be minors," said King. "Women from 12 to 18 years old."

According to Moseley, a lot of these massage parlors will advertise sexual services online. He said an online search reveals at least 25 illicit massage parlors just in the city of Redding.

"Basically every single one of these sites has review comments talking about the quality, type and cost of the sexual services they provide," said Moseley.

The ordinance introduced to the counsel calls for background checks of workers and ensuring proper licensing of massage therapists. It will also govern the application process. Moseley hopes the parlors will be shut down with this kind of system.

The ordinance will also charge all massage parlors fees. These fees will go towards police salaries to monitor the parlors.

Moseley hopes the council will adopt the ordinance immediately.

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