Forty-five of the United States have legislation to provide legal help to those victims forced to break the law by their trafficking captors. Four more states at least offer affirmative defense possibilities for their trafficking victims. Virginia stands alone – but things may be changing.
According to this article in The Roanoke Times by Sakata Rutherford,
Traffickers often use violent and coercive means to force victims to break the law. As a result, their victims are often charged with prostitution or related charges, facing steep legal fines or even jail time. Moreover, survivors face tremendous challenges once they have escaped their past and are ready to restart their lives. The punitive forces of the criminal justice system stretch far beyond the prison walls, the shadows of their past making it difficult for them to obtain steady employment, stable housing, and access to education.
Relief for trafficking survivors is a racial justice issue. As a result of deep-rooted systemic racism, Black and Latino communities are more likely to be targeted by traffickers and more likely to be convicted of crimes related to their trafficking. Fortunately, Gov. Northam has the opportunity to change this by signing HB 2133 and HB 2234 into law.
The one bill would allow records to be expunged, helping victims get on with their lives, without their record preventing hiring or housing problems.
The other would allow an affirmative defense, preventing additional charges being added on top of their arrest. It would also open up other treatment opportunities for rehabilitation.
If you are in Virginia, please write Governor Northam and strongly press him to sign House Bills 2133 and 2234.
Nine more articles you might find enlightening:
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Learn the dangerous language of human traffickers before your child does
Learning the facts about sexual violence – these stats are incredible
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Stock photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
