Stanfield Legislation Supporting Victims of Human Trafficking Advances Through Committee

Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that requires the Attorney General to perform outreach and provide services to victims of human trafficking was approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

"Anyone can fall victim to the evil criminal networks intertwined with human trafficking, and New Jerseyans are no exception," said Stanfield (R-8). "Victims of these violent crimes must have the resources necessary to recover emotionally, physically, and financially."

Senator Stanfield's legislation, S-3300, provides outreach and financial support to areas identified with a higher risk of falling victim to the multi-billion-dollar criminal industry of human trafficking.

Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Attorney General to establish a pilot program to award grants to service providers in areas identified as having a high crime index in the most recent Uniform Crime Report.

In the report, the New Jersey State Police identified municipalities and locations near maritime transportation hubs as areas with the highest crime index. These areas include, but are not limited to, Newark, Paterson, Jersey City, Trenton, Elizabeth, and Camden.

"Our bill requires the Attorney General's Office to work with other government entities to provide greater support for the survivors of human trafficking and to raise awareness about the risks in the places where these crimes are most likely occurring," added Stanfield. "This is one of the many ways that we can help stop the injustice of these heinous crimes."