Time is Limited - Act Now
Time is Limited
Act Now
Deadline to file for Backpage or CityXGuide claims expired on March 31, 2026.
We are seeking individuals who meet these general guidelines:
- Were a victim of sex trafficking advertised on Backpage between January 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018, or on CityXGuide.com between April 8, 2018, and June 19, 2020.
- Can provide proof of financial loss and/or mental healthcare expenses related to trafficking.
- Do not currently have an open case with an attorney.
Holding Accountable the Platforms that Enabled Human Trafficking
Backpage and CityXGuide.com were once major online platforms that, sadly, facilitated sex trafficking by profiting from ads that exploited vulnerable adults and children. If you or a loved one were a victim of sex trafficking on these sites, you may have the opportunity to seek justice and financial compensation.
Our firm is committed to helping survivors of sex trafficking navigate the legal system. We understand the profound trauma and lasting effects of these experiences. We are here to provide compassionate guidance and dedicated legal representation to help you on the path to healing and accountability. You are not alone, and we are ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
The History of Online Platforms and Sex Trafficking
The use of online platforms to facilitate commercial sex and sex trafficking is a well-documented issue. Backpage, in particular, was a notorious website that became a hub for illegal and exploitative activities. From its launch in 2004 until its seizure by the government in 2018, Backpage was a dominant force in the online commercial sex market. The site earned hundreds of millions of dollars by promoting sex ads, many of which involved the trafficking of children.
According to a 2017 United States Senate report, Backpage generated an estimated $135 million in revenue in 2014, with the vast majority coming from sex ads. The report highlighted the website’s role in enabling child exploitation and led to a federal crackdown that ultimately shut down the site. The closure of Backpage did not end the problem, as other sites like CityXGuide.com attempted to fill the void, continuing a similar pattern until it was shut down.
A Landmark Step Towards Justice and Compensation
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken significant steps to hold these platforms accountable. The DOJ seized assets from Backpage and allocated some of these funds to a restitution trust for victims. This is a crucial opportunity for survivors to receive financial compensation. Matthew R. Galeotti, the acting assistant attorney general of the department’s criminal division, stated that "Backpage facilitated the exploitation of women and children as one of the largest online advertisers for commercial sex and sex trafficking over its 14-year existence."
This action by the DOJ acknowledges the immense harm caused by these platforms and provides a pathway for victims to be compensated for their suffering and financial losses. These losses can include the costs of mental healthcare, which is often a lifelong need for survivors of sex trafficking.
The Profound and Lasting Impact of Sex Trafficking
Being a victim of sex trafficking on Backpage or CityXGuide causes severe and long-lasting trauma. The experience can lead to a wide range of physical and psychological injuries, affecting every aspect of a survivor’s life.
Survivors often face:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Substance abuse issues
- Physical health problems
- Difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Lost educational or career opportunities
The financial and emotional toll of these injuries is immense. Seeking compensation can provide survivors with the resources needed for ongoing therapy, medical care, and other essential support services for rebuilding their lives.
Timeline of Key Events
Understanding the timeline of these events is important for those victimized on Backpage or CityXGuide.
- January 1, 2004: Backpage begins operations and quickly becomes a major online platform for commercial sex ads.
- 2017: A U.S. Senate report shines a light on Backpage’s role in enabling child exploitation, leading to the shutdown of its "escort" section.
- April 6, 2018: The U.S. government seizes Backpage and its assets, shutting down the website completely. Federal charges are brought against its owners and operators.
- April 8, 2018: Following the shutdown of Backpage, CityXGuide.com begins to see an increase in sex ads, continuing the cycle of exploitation.
- June 19, 2020: CityXGuide.com is shut down after a federal investigation.
- Late 2023: The Justice Department announces a $215 million forfeiture from Backpage’s assets to establish a restitution trust for survivors.
- November 2023: Backpage’s owners and executives are guilty of conspiracy and money laundering charges.
This timeline illustrates the long and determined effort by law enforcement and advocates to hold these websites and their owners accountable for the harm they caused.
Can You Qualify for a Free Case Evaluation?
If you or a loved one were a victim of sex trafficking on Backpage or CityXGuide.com, you may be eligible to seek justice and compensation. We are seeking individuals who meet these general guidelines:
- Were a victim of sex trafficking advertised on Backpage between January 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018.
- Were a victim of sex trafficking advertised on CityXGuide.com between April 8, 2018, and June 19, 2020.
- Can provide proof of financial loss and/or mental healthcare expenses related to the trafficking.
- Do not currently have an open case with an attorney.
We also represent loved ones, including parents or estates, who may file on behalf of minors, incapacitated individuals, or deceased victims.
We specialize in these complex cases and are dedicated to providing the support and legal expertise needed to help survivors. We handle these cases with the utmost compassion and discretion. There is no upfront cost to you, as we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Seeking justice is a powerful step in the healing process. Let us help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us today for a free, private case review.
Those who qualify may request a free, private case evaluation by a personal injury attorney!
100% Free & Secure Case Evaluations
Answer a few basic questions to get started
We'll ask specific questions to understand the situation, the injuries, and other vital info to help determine the next steps.
Receive a confidential case evaluation
A qualified legal team led by a personal injury attorney will consider the facts of the case and the potential for compensation.
Have an individual claim filed for compensation
Those that qualify will have an individual claim filed in a court of law for the justice and compensation they deserve.
Don't Suffer in Silence—We Fight for Justice for You!
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse or assault on Backpage or CityXGuide, you may have grounds to pursue legal action and financial recovery of damages.
The Attorneys responsible for this advertisement are: Levinson Legal Group, PC, 4645 E Cotton Center Boulevard, Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85040, Levinson APC 990 Highland Drive, Suite 206 Solana Beach, California 92075
