To support minor victims of human trafficking, I plan to introduce legislation that would ensure that children that are found to be sexually exploited are immune from being prosecuted for any nonviolent crime they were forced to commit while being trafficked. This legislation would also ensure that minors cannot be charged with offenses related to prostitution to specify that they cannot be charged with a crime that is a result of their exploitation.
 
All too often, minor victims of human trafficking enter the juvenile justice system as a result of being forced to commit a crime by their trafficker. While Pennsylvania’s Safe Harbor laws protect victims from being prosecuted for some status offenses, victims who have been forced to commit more serious crimes may not be exempt. Even if they are ultimately not prosecuted for these crimes, victims will still have to endure the trauma of being arrested and having to go through the juvenile justice system. As a result, these victims are unable to begin the healing process which will allow them to put their life back together.
 
Minors who have been trafficked and sexually exploited have gone through horrific experiences, and they should not be punished for being a survivor. This legislation would ensure that any minor who is being sexually exploited can feel secure knowing that they will not be jailed for crimes they were forced to commit.
 
Please join me by co-sponsoring this important legislation to protect Pennsylvania’s youth from unjust prosecution.