District of Columbia
UPDATE: The D.C Human Trafficking Bill was passed by the D.C. Council on June 1! It now awaits Mayor Fenty's signature before it is signed into law.
Washington, D.C. has waited long enough for an anti-trafficking law! Send a message to the D.C. Council that you support the Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Act of 2009 (Bill 18-70). This bill will help us fight the crime of human trafficking in the District and bring D.C. in line with its neighbors, Maryland and Virginia which have passed anti-trafficking laws, along with most states in the nation.
The facts:
- Up to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the U.S. every year.
- At least 100,000 American children are exploited through prostitution every year in the United States.
- The majority of states have passed human trafficking laws. DC should immediately act to pass a human trafficking law.
- Current D.C. law does not provide the severe punishment for human traffickers that is critical to deter this crime.
- The National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline number (1-888-373-7888) should be posted in public places to increase awareness.
The Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Act of 2009 will:
- Create the crime of human trafficking, covering both labor and sex trafficking, with appropriately severe penalties.
- Provide crucial assistance to victims, including access to a victim advocate to develop a safety plan, easier access to Crime Victims’ Compensation
- Allow civil cases to be brought by a victim against his/her trafficker.
- Require the District to collect and publish statistical data on trafficking to better equip authorities and the public to respond to the crime.
- Criminalize the possession of child pornography.
On July 6, 2009, a heavily attended public hearing demonstrated the support for this bill. However, we must continue to show our support as the full council is expected to vote on April 20.
We can get this bill passed if we show the D.C. Council that this important issue deserves their time and support!
Help D.C. Council in their efforts to get this law passed. You don't have to be an expert or have experience to submit comments – take action!
1. Reach out to Mayor Fenty and urge him to support this legislation. Click here to encourage him to support this bill.
2. Email the Mayor. Clearly state your position on the Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Act of 2009 (Bill 18-70), and provide a reason why you want the members of the committee to vote yes on the bill. You can use the points above.
- Be sure to include your name and address - the Mayor's office is responsive to voter requests, so including your name and address is important.
3. Pass this information to your friends and neighbors and urge them to join the fight!
Human trafficking is happening in Washington, D.C.
– you can help stop it!
Questions? Contact Amy English, Communications Coordinator at Amy@SharedHope.org or call us at (703)351-8062.
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