Mandatory Restitution for Victims of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is extremely profitable. It is far too easy to get rich using young women and girls as sex slaves. Texas must act now to ensure that not only will those engaged in human trafficking be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but to also ensure that they will be hit where it hurts the most: their bottom line.
PROPOSED POLICY REFORM: CHILDREN AT RISK proposes that Texas compel mandatory restitution from anyone convicted of the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. Additionally, 25 percent of forfeited assets raised from traffickers will be used to create a dedicated Victim Assistance fund for trafficking victims to ensure that victims receive the comprehensive recovery and assistance they need to overcome the trauma of coerced sexual exploitation. Support services may include but are not limited to compensation for lost income, medical expenses, housing, and pain and suffering.
RATIONALE: Dallas and Houston are national hubs of human trafficking. The United States Department of Justice has labeled the Interstate-10 corridor as a primary route for the trafficking of women and girls. Fortunately, Texas law enforcement is doing more than ever to fight human trafficking. All Texans should be proud of the strides our state has made to eradicate the sexual exploitation of children.
Adding financial pain to existing criminal penalties will send a clear message to anyone engaged in human trafficking: Texas will arrest and prosecute you and Texas will seize your assets in the process.
SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM: Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. The United Nations estimates that human trafficking is a $32 billion a year industry. As with all globally traded commodities, women and girls trapped in sexual exploitation are traded through a complex and increasingly sophisticated network of wholesalers and retailers. Demand for fresh product is created by conventions and large sporting events, as well as by massage parlors and strip clubs.
HOW MUCH WILL THE BILL COST? CHILDREN AT RISK believes that not only is this proposal revenue neutral, but that it is revenue positive. Assessing fees and restitution on those responsible for and profiting from human trafficking will ensure that those who created the evils of human trafficking must also foot the bill for cleaning up its gruesome impact. Additionally, local jurisdictions will be allowed to access the funds to continue prosecuting traffickers to the fullest extent of the law.
For Questions or comments please contact:
Mandi Sheridan Kimball, Director, Public Policy and Government Affairs, 713.869.7740 or mkimball@childrenatrisk.org, or
Jennifer Michel Solak, Senior Staff Attorney, 713.869.7740 or jsolak@childrenatrisk.org
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