New York Anti-Trafficking Law

After lobbying for a strong, comprehensive anti-trafficking law for two consecutive years, NOW-NYC helped pass New York States' Anti-Human Trafficking Law in 2007. This law addressed all the components NOW-NYC and the New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition were seeking: a comprehensive definition of trafficking;  tough penalties for traffickers; comprehensive services for victims; clearer laws on sex tourism operations; and increased penalties for patronizing prostitution from a B to an A misdemeanor.

How well the new state law will actually combat trafficking depends on the financial and intellectual resources that are put behind it. A new law on the books doesn’t automatically translate into district attorneys seeking indictments. Despite the staggering number of victims of human trafficking, there has only been one conviction  under the new statute since the law went into effect in November of 2008.

Progress has been made. In 2010 Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes announced the creation of a new Sex Trafficking Unit on the heels of the indictment of 8 individuals on sex trafficking charges. But work still needs to be done. District attorneys need to seek indictments. Judges and prosecutors need training on how to apply the new statute. Cops need real training and a message from the highest level that this is a top priority. Service providers need grants for shelter, healthcare and psychological therapy to assist victims. The anti-trafficking legislation needs real funding- rather than the paltry allocation it has received in the past.