The Amara Legal Center is the only legal aid organization in the DC-metro region solely dedicated to providing trauma-informed legal services to survivors of sex trafficking and those who have been harmed by the commercial sex industry.
About the Washington Metro Area
Although many believe that sex trafficking occurs only overseas, sex trafficking can be found in communities throughout the United States, and the Washington metropolitan area is no exception. Due to its unique geographic location on the I-95 corridor and close proximity to a number of casinos, airports and professional sports venues, the Washington metropolitan area is a magnet for sex trafficking.
Why Our Work is Important
The judicial system in the United States is slow to respond, and, without a coordinated community-based response to sex trafficking, many survivors are often re-victimized and criminalized. As a result, survivors are often relegated to the shadows of society, suffering severe abuse and trauma at the hands of their traffickers. This makes getting out of the “life” terrifying and perpetuates a cycle of exploitation.
The Amara Legal Center works to break this cycle. Since its founding in 2013, Amara has provided legal services in almost 800 case matters for over 500 clients. We look at our work through a racial and social justice lens, applying a holistic approach to helping clients navigate the legal system. The majority of Amara’s clients are U.S. born, Black, cis- and trans- women, ages 18-29, survivors of sex trafficking, some as young as 12 years-old, who experience homelessness, mental health issues, severe trauma, and living below the federal poverty guideline.
“I feel safer. When I think about my life as a whole, I got a new start. My life is completely changed. Things I didn’t ever think would happen. I wouldn’t have been able to work with children. I have hope. I know how far I can go.”
Amara fights tirelessly for the dignitiy of our clients
Our Legal Services
Civil Protection Orders
Obtaining restraining orders for our clients against abusers, including traffickers and/or buyers.
Victim-Witness Advocacy
Working with clients to navigate the criminal justice system and preparing them for testifying in court.
Family Law
Helping clients regain custody of their children and represent them in divorce cases from their abusers.
Post-Conviction Relief
Assisting clients in filing petitions of expungements, as many of our clients have criminal records for prostitution or related charges, even if their involvement in the commercial sex industry was against their will.
Case Management & Referrals
Throughout the legal process, Amara connects our clients to partner legal services organizations, mental health professionals, and social services agencies
A survivor’s journey
Lily had an unstable and abusive childhood. At the age of 15, she was abandoned by her family completely to live on the streets. Not long after she became homeless, a man approached her and offered a safe place to live and the opportunity to earn money. After she decided to trust him, this man began to sell her for sex multiple times a night against her will. Read more about how Amara was there to help Lily gain her life back after sex trafficking.
