Did you know that under the prostitution statutes, child victims can be arrested in Connecticut?  This re-traumatizes the child who really requires urgent care.  Wouldn't it be better for children to have a "safe harbor" in CT, where they would be properly identified and treated as victims?

CT State Senator Rob Kane (R-32) has proposed a bill which would presume that any minor child who is arrested and charged with prostitution is a victim of trafficking in persons. The proposed bill would also provide these children desperately needed social services guiding them to restoration and a life free from abuse.
 
So, what can YOU do to help?

The way law-making works in CT is that a state senator or state representative must propose the bill--Sen. Kane has done that by urging the Connecticut Assembly’s Select Committee on Children to raise a "safe harbor" bill for children. We must now urge the Select Committee on Children to have a vote to raise the bill.

The committee must have the vote be February 18th in order for the bill to be considered.  With a strong show of support from our community, the committee will vote to take up the issue.  Then, the bill can be drafted and hearings can take place.
 
ACTION STEPS:

 Send your email to the members as soon as possible.  They must vote by Thursday, February 18th.  Therefore, we ask that you email them this week to give them time to vote.
 
Thank you for taking the time to voice your support for the most vulnerable in our community.  Child victims of commercial sexual exploitation deserve to be given a chance for a better life free from abuse.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kathy Maskell

Love146 U.S. Advocacy Director