In 2000, the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) was enacted to provide a strong legal platform to bring justice to victims. Though this resource is a vital component in our federal legislative framework, most cases of domestic minor sex trafficking are declined for federal prosecution. That is why Shared Hope International launched the Protected Innocence Initiative.

Texas scored a “C,” indicating that Texas state law contains some provisions against domestic minor sex trafficking, but leaves generous room for improvement. One of the key findings of the Report Card was that current state law requires proof of force to prove the crime of trafficking-even for children.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) has helped numerous trafficking victims, domestically and internationally, however, this Act could be revised to generate more aid and programs for international trafficking victims. There are several limitations within the TVPA that facilitate the revolving door  for trafficking victims; there needs to be more services available to victims of this tragedy.

Megan McFeely updates us with information about Shared Hope International's partners across the world in India.  Both the Village of Hope and the India WIN Program are programs that help counsel and restore women who have been trafficked while teaching them vocational skills for the future.