Supporting Survivors' Full Recovery
Individuals working in the child protection field know that the identification of victims of sex trafficking and exploitation is a critical first step but by no means the last. The harm these children suffer is both intense and enduring and requires a combined effort by the government, service providers, and advocates to help them heal. In order for survivors to thrive, it is vital they have access to comprehensive trauma-informed care and practices. Part of these practices must recognize that adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) may have occurred prior to exploitation.
ECPAT-USA supports two long-standing pieces of legislation in Congress that would take steps toward addressing these issues and better serving vulnerable children.
The Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA) provides federal funding and assistance to states to support prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment activities for children. Advocates and lawmakers are seeking to update this legislation to account for new vulnerabilities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. CAPTA was amended by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act to require an initial investigation and assessment of child trafficking reports to help identify and support victims. JVTA was also a monumental piece of legislation because it recognized child sex trafficking victims as victims of "child abuse and neglect" and "sexual abuse" under the guidelines of CAPTA. Support for this legislation is crucial because it helps support agencies, community-based organizations, and nonprofits.
The House of Representatives recently passed the H.R. 1651 VOCA fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021. This bipartisan legislative measure would offer more financial compensation to victims by increasing funding to state agencies. VOCA funding is pivotal for child advocacy centers, rape crisis centers, and domestic violence shelters, all of which help support trafficking victims.
Learn more about cases related to sex trafficking across the country that made headlines this month:
Reading, PA Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Children: A Pennsylvania woman was sentenced to 15 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for multiple child exploitation and sex trafficking offenses, including distribution, receipt, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Four Philadelphians Charged With Sex Trafficking of Minors: Four individuals in Philadelphia were arrested and charged in two separate indictments with sex trafficking of minors. One man was also charged with both production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Flagler County Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Federal Prison For Sex Trafficking Of A Minor: A man was sentenced in Jacksonville to 30 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor. According to the case, the man recruited, enticed, and solicited a 16-year-old child to engage in commercial sex acts by texting the victim, sending her pictures of money, and providing her with alcohol or marijuana.