New report: sketchy ability to aid victims
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A new state study shows Tennessee must improve its response to victims of human trafficking for recent changes in law to be effective.
The state legislature passed a series of changes in law aimed at harsher punishment of people convicted of coercing adults and children into sexual servitude. Effective July 1, a dozen anti-trafficking statutes took effect. There are stronger penalties for traffickers and a longer period of time during which offenders can be charged.
But The Tennessean reports the study finds services to victims of trafficking are disjointed. The 97-page report assigns responsibility for responding to victims to the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children’s Services.
The report calls for a better way of tracking victims of trafficking. For a full look at the 97-page report, go to: http://tn.gov/humanserv/adfam/TDHS-2013-HT-Plan.pdf
