House Judiciary Committee Advances the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act

CPAC commends the House Judiciary Committee for advancing the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, a bipartisan initiative that ensures justice for human trafficking survivors. This legislation provides criminal record relief for victims coerced into committing non-violent crimes, such as prostitution or fraud, by their traffickers. By proposing expungement or sentence mitigation, the act ensures survivors are not further punished for offenses committed under duress, recognizing their victimhood and aiding their path to recovery.

Human trafficking strips individuals of dignity, and in addition to this, survivors often face unjust criminal records that hinder access to jobs, housing, and education. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act addresses this by clearing or reducing penalties for crimes directly tied to trafficking, allowing survivors to rebuild their lives free from an undeserved stigma. This compassionate approach prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, offering a fresh start to those who have endured unimaginable hardship.

CPAC’s Center for Combating Human Trafficking stands firmly behind the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which protects victims and holds perpetrators accountable. CPAC applauds the House Judiciary Committee’s leadership and urges continued support to make this legislation law. Together, we can empower survivors to heal and thrive, sending a clear message that our society values their dignity and potential.