Critical anti-trafficking legislation passes the U.S House of Representatives

Hope for Justice is delighted that the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022 (TVPRA) passed the U.S House of Representatives with an impressive bipartisan vote of 401-20.

The Act, if it passes the Senate, will make $1.1 billion available for programs supporting victims of trafficking, including shelters, mental health support, education, life skills and job training. It will also make $35 million available for housing for people who have escaped trafficking, and young people leaving foster care who are vulnerable to being exploited in this way. 

Heather Stockdale, Director of U.S. Programs at Hope for Justice said, “We were really pleased to have been able to share our experience and insights with the co-authors of the Frederick Douglass Bill, and are delighted that it got strong support from both the Republicans and Democrats in the vote last week. We are grateful to all our supporters who wrote to their representatives, asking them to support the Bill. This is a really important step in our journey as a country in the fight against human trafficking – one which we are all helping to shape.” 

As well as supporting survivors of trafficking, the TVPRA will also help prevent it from happening at home and abroad through improved education on keeping children safe online, stopping convicted child sex offenders' being able to travel for international sex tourism; and by integrating anti-trafficking measures into U.S. aid programs. 

After the vote in the House of Representatives, Chris Smith, Representative for New Jersey and the Bill's co-author, said, “The enormous support in the House for this critical human rights and law enforcement legislation is a testament to a widespread consensus and underscores the absolute urgency for securing the funds needed to protect victims, prosecute perpetrators and prevent trafficking from occurring in the first place.” 

How you can help

The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022 will now be voted on by the Senate. So, we still need your help to make these vital measures a reality. We have put together everything you need to write your Senators to urge them to vote for the Act, and to promote the TVPRA on social media.  

Hope for Justice's co-founder Natalie Grant spoke to Anne Basham about how people can support the TVPRA, what a difference the Act will make, and why every voice matters. 

Our advocacy work would be impossible without your financial support. If you want to help create a world free from human trafficking, please consider donating.