From staff reports:

The Federal Way Community Action Team will host a forum on human trafficking.

The meeting runs 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center, 31453 28th Ave. S., Federal Way. The agenda will include action steps that the Federal Way community can take to educate others about sex and slave labor trafficking in the city. The public is welcome. To learn more, contact Karen Marion at (253) 815-2477.

Human trafficking is especially prevalent in Washington because of the state’s ports. In 2003, Washington became the first state to pass a law that criminalizes human trafficking. Since then, a series of laws have addressed restrictions on sex tourism, along with confidentiality and benefits for victims. In 2012, the Legislature will attempt to restrict advertisements for escort services related to underage victims.

The Seattle area ranks among the top in the world for sexual exploitation of minors, according to Genesis Project, an organization dedicated to protecting young women victimized by human trafficking. The organization estimates the average age of entry into prostitution is 13. Many of the victims are runaways with a history of sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, and poverty.