Shared Hope International: Fighting Trafficking through Policy and Legislative Change
The response to the gaps in identifying and responding to our nation’s prostituted children requires action at many levels. The federal government has enacted strong victim-centered legislation; prosecutions of traffickers and pimps are proceeding. However, much remains to be done to fully realize the potential of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act and provide the required protection to the victims of this crime.
The strategy is clear. PREVENTION includes proper victim identification enhanced by public awareness and training of those who interact with the vulnerable population of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking victims. It is critically important to enact strong legislation that criminalizes traffickers/pimps and buyers while protecting victims. Additonally, PROSECUTIONS resulting in convictions with appropriate sentences are imperative. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking victims require PROTECTION, including protective safe homes and tailored services that rescue and restore while removing the child from the control of the trafficker/pimp.
Shared Hope International has outlined state and federal policy legislation recommendations. Federal policy recommendations have been tailored specifically in response to federal legislation against sex trafficking. However, because human trafficking legislation varies from state to state, our state policy recommendations serve as a guide for state governments to follow when instituting effective sex trafficking legislation.
We urge you to take action by contacting your Legislator, Congressman on Senator to emphasize the need for these policy changes in order to properly address the the crime of sex trafficking.
Policy Resources
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