Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Fights for the Protection of Adult and Child Victims during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
SACRAMENTO, CA – In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) is giving a voice to victims of human trafficking through legislation including Senate Bill 14, a monumental bipartisan legislative effort she co-authored to bolster protections for victims of this heinous crime. Authored by Senator Grove, SB 14 was passed in May of 2023 and as of January 1, 2024, it is set to redefine the state's approach to combatting one of the world's fastest-growing criminal enterprises.
Human trafficking, estimated to be a staggering $150 billion-a-year global industry, remains a grave concern, with California consistently reporting the highest rates in the United States. In 2020 alone, the state recorded 1,334 cases, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address this pervasive issue. SB 14 represents a significant stride forward in the fight against human trafficking, specifically focusing on the inclusion of sex trafficking of minors in the list of crimes deemed serious under California law. This crucial addition now designates the crime as a strike under the Three Strikes law, underscoring the severity with which the state views offenses related to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
"This is a turning point in our commitment to eradicating human trafficking in California," said Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil. "By explicitly recognizing the seriousness of sex trafficking of minors, we are sending a clear message that those who perpetrate these heinous crimes will face severe consequences. This legislation strengthens protections for thousands of victims who have suffered unimaginable trauma."
Senator Alvarado-Gil is taking an additional step to champion Senate Bill 268 this year, which would prioritize victims of sexual assault by intentional intoxication and give them an equal voice to validate their experiences. Healthier Alternatives to Violent Environments (HAVEN), a non-profit dedicated to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in Stanislaus County, underscores the pervasive entrapment experienced by victims of human trafficking.
“People who are being trafficked often feel they have no paths to freedom or safety,” said May Rico, Executive Director at HAVEN. “If you are being trafficked you are not alone, it is not your fault, you have done nothing wrong, and your life matters. When advocacy agencies, law enforcement, and legislators can come together and center that message for the people we encounter, when we can start to give the choice back to survivors, we help start a path to healing and empowerment,” Rico added.
"Through collaborative partnerships in the Central Valley and across the nation, Without Permission confronts the culture that promotes sex trafficking,” explained Troy Stein, Chief Executive Officer of Without Permission. “We desire to bring the power to our students, parents, faith community, and marketplace that is needed to keep them safe and ensure justice is achieved. I am so grateful for the priority that Senator Alvarado-Gil and her team have put on battling this evil in society,” Stein said.
Through these landmark efforts by Senator Alvarado-Gil and her colleagues, California is taking a bold step towards dismantling the networks that perpetuate this crime and providing a beacon of hope for victims seeking justice and support. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888. This hotline serves as a lifeline for victims and witnesses, offering assistance and resources to those affected by this insidious crime.
Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.
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