The Erie County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution at its legislative session on January 18, 2019 that asks supports state and other legislative action to protect the confidentiality of shelters for victims of human trafficking.

While laws have been enacted to provide protections to shelters for domestic violence victims, there are some gaps for domiciles in which human trafficking victims are temporarily living while they get assistance and heal.

The primary sponsor of the resolution was Legislator April N.M. Baskin.  She said: “We already have safeguards in place to protect victims of domestic violence from their abusers.  I think it is only right that we protect victims of illegal human trafficking in the same way.  Human trafficking is a serious crime, and our local victims deserve the utmost privacy, security and safety as they heal.”

It is estimated that there are over 100 victims of human trafficking who currently live in Erie County. Given the heinous nature of these crimes, a lack of confidentiality can be a deterrent from reporting criminal activity in the first place.  Local groups like Project Mona’s House work diligently to help provide rehabilitation to victims and to start them on the path to healing from the trauma of their previous situation.

“I am proud to stand behind the work our community groups do and help them however possible. It is in these partnerships that we build effective community safety nets to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” Legislator Baskin added.