By: Clare Becker
This semester, our team had the privilege of partnering with Shared Hope International (SHI) to conduct research pertaining to crime victims’ compensation (CVC) laws as they relate to human trafficking survivors. CVC is a state-administered funding program which compensates victims of violent crime if certain eligibility requirements are met. Our research objectives included detailing the eligibility requirements to obtain CVC, the application process, locating the appropriate relief, and indicating whether a victim’s receipt of CVC is public record.
The availability of CVC to trafficking survivors is an important issue since economic stability is a major barrier to survivors’ recovery. Forty-three percent of survivors live at under $25,000 within two years out of exploitation – well below minimum livable wage.[1] One survivor reported that after escaping exploitation, she turned to stripping as the only viable way to make ends meet.[2] CVC helps make leaving “the life” a real possibility for survivors and may help prevent revictimization. Regretfully, survivors have historically faced many barriers in accessing CVC. Cooperation requirements compel victims to work with law enforcement, failing to recognize that ongoing victimization inhibits trafficking survivors from cooperation. Another common requirement prohibits victims who were accomplices from accessing CVC, failing to realize that traffickers often force survivors to become accomplices.[3] Our research covered these issues (and more) to explore the availability of CVC for trafficking survivors.
This semester, we found that legislation is becoming more trauma-informed by creating carve-outs in the law for survivors. As an example, New Hampshire allows human trafficking survivors to report “at any time” – a major win for survivors.[4] A Texas statute may incidentally benefit survivors by allowing filing deadlines to be extended “for good cause”.[5] These examples show that while the law is becoming increasingly cognizant of the unique needs of survivors, we need to continue advocating for laws tailored to the needs of survivors.
Our team’s project for the CGJ and SHI has been a truly fulfilling experience. One team member shares, “I am constantly excited to be researching, learning, and submitting all that I can in the desire and faith that such work will provide Shared Hope with the answers, support, and building blocks for them to continue to advocate”. Please join us in praying that this work would be an effective tool to promote justice for the most vulnerable in our society and so be a small part of building Christ’s kingdom on earth.
[1] Polaris Project, In Harm’s Way: How Systems Fail Human Trafficking Survivors 21 (2023), https://polarisproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/In-Harms-Way-How-Systems-Fail-Human-Trafficking-Survivors-by-Polaris-modifed-June-2023.pdf.
[2] Id. at 23.
[3] See Shared Hope International Institute for Justice & Advocacy, Responding to Sex Trafficking: Victim-Offender Intersectionality (2020).
[4] N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 21-M:8-h(II) [Claimant Eligibility; Compensation].
[5] Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 56B.052(b) [Period for Filing Application].