Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield to protect women and children of color from human trafficking was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sen. Stanfield’s bill expanding the duties of the Commission on Human Trafficking to protect women and children of color was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Pixabay)

“Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery that exploits the innocence of its victims,” said Stanfield (R-8). “Anyone can be targeted by the perpetrators of these violent crimes, but women and members of marginalized groups are more vulnerable to be trafficked. This legislation requires the Commission on Human Trafficking to find ways to reduce these heinous acts from occurring in New Jersey.”

Various government reports from the FBI, Department of Justice, and advocacy groups have identified women as being the primary target of human traffickers. A two-year review of human trafficking cases in the United States, conducted by the Department of Justice, found that more than 90% of victims were women, the majority of whom were Black and Hispanic.

Senator Stanfield’s bipartisan legislation, S-3301, with Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29) instructs the Commission on Human Trafficking within the Division of Criminal Justice to study these issues to identify why women and children in marginalized communities are more vulnerable to these crimes.

Additionally, the bill tasks the Commission with increasing support for victims of this multi-billion-dollar criminal industry.

“Our bill aims to strengthen the community by identifying strategies to protect those who are most at risk of being exploited by traffickers,” added Stanfield. “This legislation increases support for the victims and is yet another way that we can put an end to these inhumane crimes.”