Protecting Child Victims of Sex Trafficking

A few years ago, I met a young lady named Sara Kruzan, who shared her story as a child sex trafficking victim. At only 11 years old, Sara was groomed for a life of sex slavery by a man she trusted. At 13, Sara's abuser forced her into sex work. After years of abuse at the hands of her trafficker, she escaped and later returned to retaliate against her abuser – killing him in the process. 

At only 17 years old, after what I can only imagine felt like a lifetime of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Unfortunately, this story is not as unique as you and I may hope. Sara was pardoned, but many are not as fortunate. 

It is gut-wrenching to know that other humans out there will do such unspeakable things to other humans – especially children – and if those victims retaliate and fight back, they could face life in prison rather than a chance at freedom to heal from their trauma. 

The United States is one of the only nations in the world that allows child victims of sex trafficking and abuse who retaliate against their abusers to grow up in prison with no chance at parole or rehabilitation. That's why I introduced the Child Sex Crimes Victims Protection Act.

The bill was previously known as Sara's Law, after Sara Kruzan's story, which inspired me to introduce this legislation. Sara wanted the public to focus on the stories of all victims who have faced similar circumstances rather than just herself. Thus, the Child Sex Crimes Victims Protection Act. 

The bill would significantly reform how child victims of sex trafficking who retaliate against their abusers are sentenced. It would allow courts to consider the trauma the child has endured through sex trafficking, abuse, or assault when sentencing. Unfortunately, despite the trauma child victims of sex trafficking and abuse endure, they are often still prosecuted as adults for fighting back against their abusers.

I believe no child should grow up behind bars because they chose to fight back against their abuser when faced with unthinkable circumstances. We cannot allow these children to be left behind or forgotten. The Child Sex Crimes Victims Protection Act is a chance for Republicans and Democrats to work on something bigger than us. I'm proud to have bipartisan support for this bill, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to push this important legislation closer to the finish line.