2016 Anti-Trafficking Report Cards for Your State ( pizzagate )

submitted by SturdyGal

Shared Hope is a national organization that grades states based on their laws protecting children against sex trafficking. They work with state legislatures to make better laws. You can also download their recommendations for your state.

Under the Challenge, every state receives a Report Card that grades the state on 41 key legislative components that must be addressed in a state’s laws in order to effectively respond to the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking. In addition, each state receives a complete analysis of this 41-component review and practical recommendations for improvement.

Download and check your state's 2016 Report Card Protected Innocence Challenge here: Report Card Page

For example, the center of the pizzagate investigation, Washington, DC, got a grade of 71(C) out of 100.

palmitespo910

The human trafficking law does not require proof of force, fraud, or coercion to cause a minor to engage in the commercial sex act, but buying sex with a domestic minor sex trafficking victim is not criminalized unless the buyer knew the minor was forced into prostitution. This limits the reach of the law and could threaten victims with prosecution for prostitution offenses.

- Indiana's report card (pdf warning)

So let me get this straight. I can buy a child prostitute, have sex with the kid, and then sit back while the kid gets in trouble? What a wonderful state that I live in.

SturdyGal

This is really terrible. There is also a link to their legislative recommendations if you feel all pitchforky.

palmitespo910

Yeah I'm going to have to organize something here in Indiana about this. Too bad I don't have facebook anymore, I really could use the numbers lol.

SturdyGal

Go get em!

equineluvr

It is important to remember that this is an analysis of STATE LAWS on the books.

Laws on the books is a far cry from ENFORCEMENT, as we all are acutely, painfully aware.

SturdyGal

Yes, but to act at the state level you have to know what you are working with. You have to start with solid protective laws. If there is resistance to changing the laws, you know that it is your state legislature that's your first problem. Then you can watch how enforcement is handled.

Also, these are just trafficking protection related laws. We know that other federal laws related to state bonuses for removing children into foster care and adoption are also contributing to child trafficking. This is an excellent resource for people wanting to make changes in their state. The very fight to change the laws will bring awareness of the problem.

abortionburger

Hmm my state got a 94 and I'm surprised since Florida is probably a hot spot for smuggling Haitians and whatnot.

SturdyGal

I'm surprised, too. I guess there is a big difference between the law and enforcement. I liked it because they told you at least what the current legislation was in your state which can be hard to find.