The human trafficking industry is worth an estimated $150 billion worldwide with more than $9 billion generated in America. It is a form of modern-day slavery often occurring under the radar. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2019, 327 reports about Indiana were made via phone, text and online chats were reported. This session, I am supporting legislation expanding protections for young victims and to combat human trafficking.
The trauma trafficking and other victims face is unimaginable. House Bill 1200 would allow survivors 14 years or younger at the time of the assault the opportunity to submit a video statement for court if they are less than 18 at the time of the trial. This would decrease the amount of time the victim has to speak about the experience, which can be traumatic. Additionally, this proposal would raise the penalty for trafficking to a level 4 felony, and would allow individuals to be charged with a felony regardless if they pay the victim or trafficker directly. It would also require local agencies and organizations to report investigations of human trafficking to the Indiana Attorney General's Office.
In 2020, lawmakers raised the age to marry from 15 to 16 years old, to help prevent young Hoosiers from being sold and forced into marriage. These efforts also expanded the address confidentiality program to survivors of harassment, human trafficking, intimidation and invasion of privacy. This program helps survivors by keeping their addresses confidential for safety reasons. Lawmakers also passed a law requiring teachers and future educators to complete training to learn the signs of human trafficking and report it.
While we are diligently working to combat human trafficking, Hoosiers everywhere can watch for signs to know if someone may be a victim. One sign to be on the lookout for is if an individual has a controlling parent, guardian or romantic partner who will not allow them to meet or speak with anyone alone or who monitors their movements, spending or communications. Someone may also be vulnerable to trafficking if they have an unstable living situation, have previously experienced other forms of violence such as sexual abuse or domestic violence, or are facing poverty or economic need.
Our goal is to send a clear message to anyone who traffics in Indiana that they will be held accountable for their actions. If someone is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking, it should be reported immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If there is anything I can do to support you or someone you know, please contact my office at h75@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9769.
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State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Pike, Spencer and Warrick counties.
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