FAQs
The Department of Justice Remission Website includes a robust list of FAQs. You can access their FAQ webpage by clicking here.
NCMEC Backpage Survivor Remission Network General FAQ
Do I need to have been reported as missing or have a case with NCMEC to qualify for assistance through NCMEC’s Backpage Survivor Remission Network?
No, you do not need a prior missing child report or any case with NCMEC to receive assistance through NCMEC’s Backpage Survivor Remission Network.
Do I need to have been a child at the time of my trafficking to receive assistance through NCMEC’s Backpage Survivor Remission Network?
No, NCMEC’s Backpage Survivor Remission Network supports survivors who were trafficked as children or adults, or both.
I am a survivor who experienced trafficking on Backpage/CityXGuide and I am currently incarcerated. Do I qualify for assistance through NCMEC’s Backpage Survivor Remission Network?
Yes, you qualify, and we encourage noting this in the text box asking about “accommodation requests” to provide background for an attorney regarding their ability to connect and communicate with you.
I am a survivor who experienced trafficking on Backpage/CityXGuide and I am experiencing homelessness. Do I qualify for assistance through NCMEC’s Backpage Survivor Remission Network?
Yes, you qualify. However, an address is required for the petition. You will have time while completing the petition to identify an address to use that you trust such as a service provider/shelter or a vetted friend/family member with their permission.
How long will it take for me to get connected to a lawyer?
Please allow two weeks after you have submitted your form to be contacted by a lawyer.
Will the legal services cost me anything?
No, the law firms that are part of the Backpage Survivor Remission Network have agreed to provide free services to assist eligible survivors file for compensation relating to specific damages.
Will I incur a financial penalty if my petition is denied?
No.
I have other legal items I need help with related to my experience being trafficked on Backpage/CityXGuide, can the lawyer I am connected with through NCMEC’s Backpage Survivor Remission Network help me with these items?
No, the participating firms provide no-cost help only to support filing the DOJ Backpage/CityXGuide remission petition.
I am uncomfortable providing my address/phone/other personal contact information to anyone. Do I need to provide this to my attorney?
Yes, your attorney will need your legal name and contact information for conflict checks (a process required for all firms before they work with a new client), and an address is required to submit the petition.
Can I have a therapist, or trusted support person present for my attorney appointments?
Yes, you may have a therapist or support person present, but keep in mind they may need to sign a confidentiality agreement, and their presence waives attorney-client privilege.
Can I request a specific attorney?
No, attorneys are assigned based on availability, conflict checks, and your stated needs rather than individual requests.
General Petition FAQs
Do I need to have my ads to qualify to submit a Backpage or CityXGuide petition?
No, if you don’t have copies of ads, your attorney will ask about details you remember such as:
Approximate date range of ads posted on Backpage or CityXGuide
Emails used
Phone numbers
Trafficking alias/fake names/language used in the ad text
Details regarding photos used in ads
Geographic locations (city/state, hotel/highway references)
Name of trafficker (optional)
It is recommended that as much information as possible be submitted in the petition relating to ads. If you are interested in using the above information to try and locate your ad, you can speak with your attorney about additional resources available through NCMEC’s Backpage Survivor Network to support this effort. You can still file a petition if you choose not to search for your ad and even if no ad is found.
Do I have to have been a child at the time of my trafficking for my petition to be considered?
No. Children and adults who experienced sex trafficking on Backpage or CityXGuide may submit a petition for compensation.
Am I eligible to file a petition for compensation if my trafficking was never investigated, prosecuted, and was never reported to law enforcement?
Yes, you are eligible to file a petition. Evidence of an investigation, prosecution, or conviction of a trafficker is not required to file a petition.
Will I have to testify at any time either for myself or against my trafficker or Backpage/CityXGuide in this process?
No, as noted on the DOJ Backpage remission website, Backpage/CityXGuide criminal proceedings were concluded by the Department of Justice. The DOJ Backpage remission petition is an administrative process to make available to eligible victims the seized funds from the successful prosecutions of Backpage/CityXGuide.
If I file the petition, can I still file a civil suit against my trafficker?
Yes, the remission petition is specific to trafficking experienced on Backpage/CityXGuide and this should not interfere with past or future civil litigation regarding other parties.
I have criminal charges as a result of my trafficking, does this impact my ability to submit a petition for Backpage Remission compensation?
No, criminal charges as a result of your trafficking do not prohibit you from filing a petition for remission.
Will a successful petition have any impact on my ability to pursue support under the Debt Bondage Repair Act?
No, the DOJ Backpage Remission Process is a separate process, and a remission outcome does not determine your eligibility under the Debt Bondage Repair Act.