Unfortunately, my office sees the faces of women and children being exploited every day. Many are brought to San Francisco against their will by human trafficking rings that force them into sexual slavery. Many speak little English and don't know their rights. Many are victims of pimps who control their lives.

All of them are scared.

If Proposition K passes, San Francisco's justice system will turn its back on them. Services will be cut across the board for those trying to escape prostitution. City funding will end for re-education programs like the First Offender Prostitution Program and the Early Intervention Prostitution Program. This would leave victims without programs to help them escape prostitution and sex trafficking.

Proposition K forces police officers to disregard California's prostitution laws, strips ALL funding to investigate human trafficking rings and prevents my office from prosecuting prostitution-related crimes.

In short, Proposition K prevents San Francisco from pursuing and punishing those who sexually exploit women, children and immigrants.

This measure will particularly harm children forced into prostitution, for whom enforcement efforts are often their only hope. Only by pursuing and prosecuting abusers are we able to find these young victims and give them the help they need.

Proposition K conceals the inhumane nature of prostitution and cripples the efforts of law enforcement, human rights groups and social service agencies to assist those who seek escape from sex-traffickers.

As a law enforcement officer, a woman and a citizen of San Francisco, I ask you to join me in voting NO on Proposition K.

Kamala Harris, San Francisco District Attorney