Assemblyman’s legislation seeks to extend protective orders for sex trafficking victims
Jordan Cunningham.
– Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) recently announced his legislation to protect human trafficking victims was supported by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. Cunningham’s legislation would extend court-issued protective orders to victims who are trafficked for labor and victims of pimping over the age of 18.
“Human trafficking is a growing heinous crime and regardless of whether the victim is 17, 18 or 35, they need protection from their abuser,” said Cunningham. “If any victim needs extensive protections it’s those captured in this modern form of slavery.”
Currently, California law only offers the protections of a 10-year criminal protective order for minors of pimping and pandering (solicitation of customers for prostitution services and recruitment of prostitutes for hire). But victims age 18 and over are in need of the protection as well, especially given abuses under pimping and pandering crimes are often similar or even worse than domestic violence. Yet, all domestic violence victims are eligible for a 10-year protective order.
Furthermore, victims of forced labor are left out of the protections of the lengthier stay away orders. While these victims are not trafficked for sexual purposes, they are still victims in need of protection.
AB 1735 is supported by Crime Victims United, the California District Attorneys Association, California Police Chiefs Association, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association. It is part of a comprehensive package of legislation introduced earlier this year by Assemblyman Cunningham.
Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham is a small business owner, former Templeton School Board Member, husband and father of four. He proudly represents all of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County, including Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Cambria, Paso Robles, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Orcutt, Pismo Beach, Templeton, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria, and surrounding communities.
