Collaborative to End Human Trafficking’s Post

Survivors of human trafficking have told us that they need pathways to clear their criminal records, “because when you have that going against you, that can stop you in your tracks from achieving anything.” Many survivors have been criminalized, and face additional barriers because of it, like getting a job or finding stable housing. Survivors need support, like criminal record relief, to help them move on with their lives. YOU can help survivors become thrivers. YOU can make a difference. Take action during January’s Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Ask Congress to reintroduce the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2022, providing federal criminal record relief to survivors of human trafficking: https://lnkd.in/g8mQdxEq

A recent report by @KateFitzgibbon examining family violence underpins Smart Justice for Women’s calls for justice reinvestment, revealing the critical role of services beyond the criminal legal system in preventing intimate partner violence. The report presents evidence of the opportunities for intervening early to identify, assess and manage perpetrator risk at system interaction points, to divert people away from perpetrating family violence. Read the report: https://shorturl.at/871Zr Read the Smart Justice for Women policy platform: https://shorturl.at/nqXCt

We support the immediate passage of Bill 173 declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic in #Ontario. We also need to focus on implementing the other recommendations from the #CKWinquest, such as recommendation 58 which calls for a review of mandatory charging policies. Mandatory charging policies were introduced over 40 years ago. The goal was to increase safety, reporting and perpetrator accountability. These policies were also intened to improve police responses to IPV. Unfortunately that hasn't been the case. Instead, some women are criminalized. This criminal charge can have a terrible impact on a woman's family law case - the court may mistakenly view her as the abuser. Learn more and join us in calling for a review of mandatory charging policies: https://ow.ly/ntun50RRXJj #ONpoli #Bill173

This situation underscores the critical importance of accountability and proactive measures in ensuring public safety. It is concerning to note that a commissioned officer continued to receive reprimands without undergoing a full psychological evaluation before returning to duty. The revelation that officials were aware of concerning behavior years before a tragic murder of Sonya Massey, highlights the need for thorough assessment and intervention. Allowing an officer with a history of concerning behavior to remain in service is deeply troubling. The tragic consequences could have been prevented, emphasizing the urgency for effective intervention protocols. Upholding justice and safety requires addressing misconduct issues and prioritizing the well-being of both officers and the community, especially when dealing with people of color. Organizations must prioritize transparency, accountability, and proactive measures to address behavioral concerns among law enforcement officers. Relying solely on financial settlements without taking necessary actions cannot rectify the loss of innocent lives. It is crucial to acknowledge and tackle the complexities of domestic violence within the law enforcement community to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future. #blackandbrownpeoplematter #SayHerName #SonyaMassey #womenandgirlsofcolormatter https://lnkd.in/eeCv9tjA?

Using my platform to raise awareness and ask for action from my fellow Marylander's! HB301/SB1098, the Pava Marie LaPere Act, is crucial legislation that needs our support. *Trigger Warning* This legislation aims to close a dangerous loophole that allows convicted 1st degree sexual offenders to be automatically released early via diminution credits under Maryland state law without review. Reports indicate that these offenders have an extremely high re-offense rate and multiple victims, contributing to the fact that 70% of sexual assaults go unreported. Imagine going through all the legal steps for justice on your case and the convicted attacker could be automatically released significantly earlier than their sentence without formal review. This is unacceptable and highlights the need for supportive legislation. This NEW legislation to close this loophole is commonsense and important to me and our community. Let's take steps to support survivors and honor those who are no longer with us today as a result of this crime. I urge Maryland residents to call their local Senator/Delegate and urge them to vote IN FAVOR of this bill (HB301 / SB 1098). Maryland residents - I've included a Senate list below so you can reach out directly and let your rep know you support this new legislation. #PavaMarieLaPere #MarylandLegislation #SurvivorSupport

This is significant news and a huge step forward for trafficking survivors! The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (HR 7137) passing the House Judiciary Committee signals that federal legislators are recognizing the critical need to address the injustices that survivors face long after their trafficking experience ends. By providing a pathway to clear criminal records related to their victimization, this bill acknowledges the trauma and the systemic barriers that can prevent survivors from rebuilding their lives. Having a criminal record due to coerced activities can haunt survivors, limiting their ability to find housing, employment, and even participate in community activities. With this bill advancing, there's real potential for systemic change, aligning federal law with the precedents set by 48 states. We are thankful for the organizations who have tirelessly championed this cause, highlighting the importance of comprehensive legislation that offers genuine relief and a new beginning for survivors. This development is a testament to the advocacy efforts and, most importantly, the voices of survivors who have shared their stories and pushed for this change. #traverseproject #survivorreliefact

🚨BREAKING POLICY NEWS 🚨The REPORT Act has been signed into federal law. We're proud of our endorsement and support of the REPORT Act, which modernizes and streamlines how child sexual abuse material is stored and reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Act also adds new reporting requirements and increases fines for failures to report. The signing of the REPORT Act is a significant step forward in the fight against online child abuse and exploitation, and our heartfelt thanks go to Rep. Laurel Lee and Senators Blackburn and Ossoff for sponsoring this badly needed legislation. Learn more about the bill here: https://ow.ly/jSXi50S4si7

❌ Support the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act ❌ Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that affects millions globally, including right here in our communities. Survivors often face the additional burden of criminal records for actions they were forced to commit while being trafficked. This injustice hinders their ability to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) aims to address this by providing a pathway for survivors to vacate these criminal records, offering them a chance to heal and thrive without the shadow of their past holding them back. I stand with the Polaris (formerly Polaris Project) in advocating for the TSRA. This legislation is crucial for ensuring that survivors are not further victimized by the legal system and can access the opportunities they need to move forward. Join me in supporting this vital cause. Let’s raise our voices and urge our representatives to pass the TSRA. Together, we can combat modern day slavery and make a difference in the lives of trafficking survivors. #EndHumanTrafficking #SupportSurvivors #TSRA #PolarisProject #Advocacy #HumanRights #TogetherWeRise #EndItMovement #HumanTrafficking

Coercive control is a gateway to intimate partner violence, which in turn becomes murder in slow motion. This is therefore SUCH an important and long overdue piece of legislation, which will hopefully go some way to addressing the epidemic of domestic violence offences which continues to have an impact on so many families… Lasting change however never starts and finishes with policy … we need strong law enforcement coupled with substantial cultural and education initiatives across the board to support this and change the narrative. https://lnkd.in/gw7vtqfG

🚨#CallToAction Fill out a witness slip TODAY! Tomorrow The Network will be testifying in support of the Community Safety Through Stable Homes Act, and your lawmakers need to hear from you. This bill protects survivors of domestic and sexual violence from being pushed out of their homes for experiencing violence and ensures survivors may contact law enforcement when needed without fear of becoming homeless. Currently, “crime free nuisance ordinances” are making survivors choose between their safety and contacting law enforcement. Submit a witness slip as a proponent of SB 3680 - https://bit.ly/3T7z6XM How to fill out the witness slip:  1. Section I – Fill in your information. If you are submitting on your own behalf, write "not applicable" in the Firm/Business or Agency field in Section I. If you are submitting on behalf of an organization, put that organization's name in this field. 2. Section II – If submitting as an individual, fill in "not applicable" in the Representation field. If you are representing an organization, add the organization’s name again in Section II. 3. Section III - Click the radio button labeled "Proponent." 4. Section IV - Choose “Record of Appearance only.” 5. Click the box at the bottom agreeing to the terms. 6. Click the Create Slip button--you will get an email confirmation with your witness slip. Want to learn more? Check out our one-pager here➡ https://bit.ly/3I42edf #GBV #GenderBasedViolence #SafeHousing #SafeHousingForAll #DomesticViolence #SexualAssault #HUD #VAWA