The House passed the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (S. 2255/ H.R. 4323)! Now, we must demand that the Senate supports the TSRA. This critical legislation aids trafficking survivors who are unjustly criminalized due to their victimization.

Many victims of trafficking often commit crimes committed under coercion or the control of their trafficker. Due to their criminalization, victims are left with criminal records, limiting their access to educational and employment opportunities.

“Psychological chains are much stronger than physical ones. . . . These non-violent crimes are committed under the constant force, fraud, duress and coercion of traffickers. Trafficking survivors should not be held responsible for the crimes of their traffickers . . . This opportunity for a fresh and fair start will provide salvation for so many survivors."

-Anonymous Survivor-

The TSRA provides a way to vacate, or remove, non-violent offenses linked to trafficking victimization and allows survivors to assert an affirmative defense without jeopardizing their post-conviction relief eligibility.

Take action now! Contact your legislators and urge them to support this bill!

You can learn more about trafficking victim-offender intersectionality here.