OLYMPIA — Child survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse would receive greater support and care in Washington under legislation heard in the Senate Law & Justice Committee today.
The Legislature has made significant progress in recent years to increase support for survivors. Nevertheless, Washington recently received a C grade from Shared Hope International, the leading nonprofit working to eradicate sex trafficking, based on new grading criteria.
SB 6006 would implement Shared Hope’s recommendations to improve how the state identifies and responds to victims, provides them with continued care, and brings justice. It also makes Washington state law consistent with the federal Justice for Victims Trafficking Act so the state can continue to receive federal funding for its anti-trafficking work.
“We must remember that these survivors are children,” said Dhingra, chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. “They have suffered more than enough trauma for a lifetime, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we give them the help and support they need to heal and to get their lives back on track.”
The grade and recommendations from Shared Hope are available here.
Archived video of the hearing can be viewed here on TVW.
