The Survivors Justice Act: A Bold Step Forward in North Carolina’s Fight Against Human Trafficking

CPAC’s Center for Combating Human Trafficking recently convened with North Carolina legislators, law enforcement officers, and conservative advocates over this past Lincoln Day to strengthen the coalition against modern-day slavery and leadership from Republicans across the state in protecting the freedom of others. 

This meeting underscored a commitment to survivor-centered initiatives designed to not only identify and dismantle trafficking networks but also provide comprehensive support to those exploited by these criminal enterprises. These policy experts and elected officials aimed to ensure that North Carolina remains a national leader in the protection of the vulnerable and the aggressive prosecution of those who profit from human exploitation.

Ending modern-day slavery requires action – not rhetoric. CPAC’s Center for Combating Human Trafficking is proud to stand with conservative champions in the North Carolina legislature and grassroots leaders in the Tar Heel State as we advance policies that support survivors by holding traffickers accountable for the crimes they commit.

The Survivors Justice Act represents significant progress in the approach to human trafficking by addressing the complex issue of forced criminality. This legislation allows courts to consider victimization as a mitigating factor during sentencing and provides a critical pathway for resentencing individuals who were coerced into illegal acts by their traffickers. By prioritizing these restorative measures, the act ensures that survivors are treated as victims rather than criminals, helping them overcome the systemic barriers that often follow a criminal record. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, signed by President Donald Trump in February, makes similar progress on the federal level. At the same time, it is important to reinforce that progress at the state level.

This shift toward justice-centered policy marks a critical step in empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and holding traffickers accountable for the full scope of their crimes. CPAC looks forward to more states adopting similar legislation in efforts to end modern-day slavery.