Column: Justice in the Shadows

Statement

When we think of human slavery, we mistakenly assume that it only exists in Third World countries, if not forgotten in the archives of history. But the truth is that human trafficking is happening to American children across the country. Online forums, websites, and social media are only accelerating the new avenues for traffickers to prey on victims and profit from this heinous criminal enterprise. We should not tolerate it and we cannot turn a blind eye.

The scale of this problem is difficult to calculate due in large part to the hidden nature of these crimes. By many estimates, including those from the United Nations and various human rights organizations, millions of people are being trafficked each year. Meanwhile, the criminals who force these victims into slavery profit to the tune of $32 billion annually. Right here in the United States, nearly 300,000 children are at risk of becoming victims of this insidious practice -- teenagers are the primary targets. These kids are being sold into a life of physical and emotional abuse. They are often runaways who flee violent households looking for a way out. While women and young girls represent a disproportionate number of the victims, this enterprise affects us all.

The pain and suffering that victims experience is hard to describe in words. Put simply, it is evil. We must do more to stop this plague, and our work begins by setting a clear example. That is why I was pleased the Senate took action last week by passing the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act -- a strong piece of legislation I was proud to cosponsor.

Through enhanced reporting and mechanisms that would reduce demand, this bill would serve as the next step to providing care for the victims of trafficking and child pornography. It also protects them in court by treating traffickers as violent criminals. By labeling predators in this way, they can be detained while awaiting judicial proceedings. Furthermore, funding for the bill comes from the increased fines placed on convicted traffickers. Funding for victim health care services remain subject to the longstanding Hyde protections, which prohibit the use of federal dollars for abortion-related services.

While nothing can erase the pain inflicted on these victims, we must do what we can to make a difference. I will continue to support legislation to help fight this evil and stop it from spreading. A number of my colleagues have other proposals to attack various aspects of this vile practice and each should be considered.

Our government has a responsibility to stand up and act for those whose voices grow weak in the shadows of an imperfect world. We simply cannot choose to look the other way. This modern-day form of slavery has continued to grow in the shadows all around us. Action is long overdue.

Thank you for participating the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

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