Advocacy by Erin Williamson of Love146

It’s great to be aware trafficking is a problem and feel compassion for the children affected by it, but ending child trafficking and protecting a multitude of children will happen at a policy level. If passed, it will allow more children to be recognized as victims of trafficking and receive care, and it will allow more traffickers to be prosecuted. Here are some things CT HB 6657 addresses: Child sex trafficking often involves the exchange of drugs, food, shelter, and other items of value; many of the children served by Love146 were exploited for something other than money. This legislation changes the language from “fee” to “anything of value,” and helps ensure victims aren’t ignored or dismissed. Additionally, some traffickers use the children they victimize to groom, recruit, and exploit other children or engage in other criminal activity as part of their victimization. This legislation helps ensure survivors of child trafficking have legal options that acknowledge their victimization related to any charges they could face. This is the testimony of Erin Williamson from Love146 to the Connecticut House Judiciary Committee.