In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation to amend the definition of “sexual abuse or exploitation” in the Child Protective Services Law to include the offenses of trafficking in minors and involuntary sexual servitude.

Sadly, the circumstances that contribute to child abuse and neglect also create risk factors for children to become victims of trafficking or sexual servitude. Many victims of trafficking and sexual servitude have experienced not only physical and sexual abuse, but also homelessness, living with a parent or caregiver who is experiencing addiction, being in an unstable living situation, and/or involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. A significant number of victims report having run away from home or from an out-of-home placement.

While Pennsylvania has made many efforts to address the human trafficking problem over the last several years, we still have work to do. Please join me as we continue these efforts.
 
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1006: 23-6303(a)