Patty Haven Fleischmann

Co-founder and Chairperson of StolenYouth

Panel member - Seattle

Patricia Fleischmann, the co-founder of StolenYouth, has been a driving force in the fight against child sex trafficking in Seattle.  She was deeply moved by the novel “Sold” by Patricia McCormack. The book tells the harrowing tale of a thirteen-year-old Nepalese girl named Lakshmi, who is sold into prostitution in India.  Determined to take action, Patty and a group of like-minded women, including Jane Charles, traveled to India to learn more about the global trafficking issue. Upon returning home, Patty discovered that Seattle had its own child sex trafficking problem. She decided to address it head-on.

Founded in 2012, StolenYouth aims to prevent child sex trafficking before it happens, connect victims to resources and services, and empower survivors to lead positive and productive lives.

StolenYouth is the only local organization exclusively focused on ending child sex trafficking across the state of Washington. Since its inception, StolenYouth has raised over $11 million to combat the sexual exploitation of children and youth.  Their emergency fund provides crucial support for survivors, including counseling, housing, education, and more.

Patty’s commitment to helping vulnerable youth echoes her father’s survival during the Holocaust, reinforcing her dedication to making a difference.

StolenYouth collaborates with local organizations, grants funds, and disrupts the marketplace to address this complex issue.  Their work has a profound effect, moving the dial toward a safer future for exploited children.