By: Alison Moore
Spring Intern 2012
In the recent release of the
Protected Innocence Challenge Report Cards, every state received a B grade or lower and more than half earned failing grades. The Report Cards grade each state’s existing framework of laws addressing the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking and the protections afforded to its victims. Recognizing that a majority of sex trafficking cases are prosecuted at the state level, state law is incredibly powerful in shaping the level of protection and identification afforded to victims of this crime.
Since the release of the report, we’ve received feedback claiming that these dismal grades may indicate an unrealistic expectation on states to have a comprehensive legal framework to combat this crime. Some have asked why we don’t grade on a curve to allow states to model policy after states that received an A. In response, we ask if the Protected Innocence Initiative graded on a curve, what does that say about the standards we have for our children?
Mediocre isn’t good enough for us. Policies say ‘this is good enough’ when a lack of training has resulted in countless numbers of exploited children entering the criminal justice system without ever receiving victim services, yet training isn’t mandated. State statues minimize this horrific injustice by only offering a maximum of zero days to one year in jail for purchasing sex with a child. Ten states don’t have laws against sex trafficking, making it impossible to identify and accurately prosecute traffickers for the crimes they commit. The corrosive effect of years of weak 
state statues has caused a grave minimization of the booming industry for child sex slavery in the United States. We will never grade on a curve because we believe America’s children deserve more than mediocre protection.
Change can happen. Washington and Texas received a C during a pilot report card release in early 2011. In less than a year both states made legislative developments regarding domestic minor sex trafficking and raised their grades to a B. We’re calling on state action for national change.
Our leaders are ready. Leaders around the nation are opening opportunities for states to improve their grade. This year over 55 new bills have been introduced that incorporate Protected Innocence legislation to better protect children against sex trafficking. Fifty-one Attorneys General called on Backpage.com to remove its “adult services” section, which has been identified as a facilitator of child sex trafficking through online advertisement Because of such leaders, we can achieve zero tolerance policies for domestic minor sex trafficking.
The nation is ready, are you? Visit us at www.sharedhope.org/ReportCards.aspx now to download your Report Card and advocate for stronger laws in your state!