Lawmakers support giving victims of sex trafficking the opportunity to sue their traffickers. Members of the House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed House Bill 1161 Friday.
House Judiciary Committee members heard testimony on three bills involving sex trafficking. Those testifying say it’s a very real problem in South Dakota. Proponents of House Bill 1161 say the measure sends a message to traffickers planning to come to the state. They say allowing victims to seek civil damages strips away financial incentives for traffickers. Dale Bartscher with Family Heritage Alliance Action says it allows a victim to regain some of what was taken.
“Human trafficking, has been stated, is modern day slavery,” Bartscher says. “And thus the slaveholders financially benefit at the expense of their victims. Does it not make sense, Representatives, that the traffickers should not be able to keep any of the assets acquired through the enslavement and the abuse of others? And the victims of this crime should be able to seek compensation from their traffickers.”
Bartscher says financial compensation can help survivors put their lives back together. The measure was placed on the consent calendar.