Written by Angel Warner on behalf of UAlbany SSTEP

Sanctuary For Families has brought it to our group’s attention that they are pushing for a new law to be signed, New York State Assembly Bill A6823-b. This law specifies that the trafficking of a child is a class B felony, and would protect child victims of sex trafficking from having to testify and provide details of the events and activities that they were forced to engage in. Under the current anti-trafficking law in New York State, prosecutors must prove that the child was coerced into participating in these sexual activities, even though under New York State law children are legally unable to consent. The requirement for child victims to testify against their traffickers and abusers is often re-traumatizing. Changing the coercion proof requirement will enable prosecutors to create a stronger case without subjecting the survivor to further distress.

Take a moment to think about the following: this could be your child, your cousin, the child next door, or in the school down the street.

New York State Law must acknowledge that the sex trafficking of children happens here, children who are subjected to rape, abuse and related forms of violence. We must take a stand and hold traffickers accountable through this legislation.

New York is one of three states that does not align with Federal Law regarding coercion and the criminalization of child sex trafficking. Through these changes in legislation, we give child victims the opportunity to heal from their experiences in their own time as they, and those who care about them, see fit. We must take a survivor-centered approach.

We demand New York State lawmakers to pass the New York State Assembly Bill A6823-b. We plead that these children no longer have to give such a testimony. We ask New York State residents to plead with their representatives, demand that they support this bill. Please, join us in this fight.