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Nearly 25 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking and yet this vile $150 billion industry is still invisible to many. Victims of this form of modern-day slavery often struggle with lifelong trauma as a result of repeated abuse, manipulation, and violence. To raise awareness of this criminal enterprise and honor human trafficking survivors, I co-authored a resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Indiana and joined State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) to present the resolution at the Statehouse (pictured). Human trafficking is on the rise in Indiana, with 140 cases reported in 2020, compared to 95 in 2017, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. |
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I authored legislation to help protect young human trafficking victims by allowing them to record a video statement instead of being physically present in a courtroom with their attacker. The bill would also increase sentencing for perpetrators whose victims are under the age of 18, and rule out victim consent or belief that a victim was at least 18 years old as a legal defense. If passed, this legislation would deliver a clear message to all who traffic youth and adults in Indiana that they will be held accountable for their evil actions. If someone is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking, it should be reported immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. |
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