The Federal Way Coalition Against Trafficking organization will host their fourth annual forum “Ending Sexual Exploitation by Ending Demand,” on Jan. 8.

The free event will run from 7-9 p.m. in the Federal Way City Hall chambers at 33325 Eighth Ave. S., Federal Way.

Presenters will be introducing the new “Buyer Beware” program, an initiative to reduce the demand for prostitution in King County, led by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Organization for Prostitution Survivors.

At any time, there are an estimated 300-500 prostituted children in King County, according to the coalition. The average age of entry into prostitution is 12-13 years old.

Sexual exploitation is frequently (and inaccurately) labeled as a “woman’s issue.” However, the coaltion believes that all people have a role to play in ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and that it is essential for men especially to play a primary role in the solution to the problem. Violence against women is a human rights issue.

In addition to enforcement of the laws regarding people who buy sex, social change and a shift in cultural norms are needed to end the demand for commercial sexual exploitation.