By: Jeremiah Moniz
I had the honor and privilege of interning with the Center for Global Justice this summer, and the opportunities and lessons that it gave me are ones I will never forget. In my time interning with the Center, I had the privilege of continuing the work I had been doing this spring in preparation for the Center for Global Justice Survivor Survey. The survey, as one part of a broader research analysis, opened up the door to actually learning what the situations and predicaments that survivors who end up caught in the criminal justice system encounter. Helping with the logistics of a survey with over 200 responses was a blessing and an honor. In addition, I assisted in the creation of the second element of the research analysis—a public opinion survey to help create a better understanding of the public’s perception and beliefs around vacatur and expungement legislation for survivors. This survey will help bridge the information gap between the general public’s perception and the actual need for survivors as they escape from the horrors of human trafficking. The final part of this research report I was able to work on was developing the statutory and legislative research report. In doing so I examined the legislative protections for survivors present in all 50 states and narrowed down to the 5-7 states that left the largest gaps in their protections for survivors and helping them overcome the hurdles that inhibit their ability to fully reintegrate back into society.
In addition to working on the Center for Global Justice Survivor Survey, I also had the opportunity to research and assist in new and developing legislation in the state of Virginia that is being passed to further assist in protecting survivors. I also was able to sit in on events with local leaders in both the community and government in the state of Virginia as the Center for Global Justice helps in educating individuals as to the need that exists and the efforts that individuals can do to create positive change and make a difference.
My time working with the Center for Global Justice has been a pleasure and an honor and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of meaningful, long-lasting change that will make an impact in helping people gain their voice and autonomy back while shining a light on one of the most painful and evil issue still ongoing in our society today.
This post was written by a student at Regent University School of Law. The views expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect those of Regent University, Regent Law School, or the Center for Global Justice.