GOVERNOR CHRISTIE SIGNS BILL

  Dear Benedictine Academy,

We did it! Thanks to your support, we helped pass a stronger anti-trafficking law in New Jersey that helps survivors of all forms of human trafficking.Kate Keisel, Director of Polaris Project New Jersey

Christie signs sweeping human trafficking bill into law

Posted by: Jerry DeMarco       Posted date:  May 6, 2013 Cliffviewpilot.com

http://cliffviewpilot.com/christie-signs-sweeping-human-trafficking-bill-into-law/

 "Chris Christie today signed a series of measures that increase penalties for human resources, while providing resources to prevent it.

The Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection and Treatment Act –given final state legislative approval in March — addresses a crime estimated to claim up to 20 million victims worldwide.
Among other measures, it:

• creates a Commission on Human Trafficking to review laws and enforcement and make recommendations to state policy makers;

• establishes a ‘Human Trafficking Survivor’s Assistance Fund’ to provide victims’ services, promote awareness, and develop training and educational materials;

• increases both financial penalties and prison time for those who traffic individuals.

At the same time, Christie signed bills  designating each January as “Human Trafficking Prevention Month” and Jan. 11 as “Human Trafficking Awareness Day.”
“As public officials, we have a solemn responsibility to prevent and protect citizens from the dark world of human trafficking,” he said.
The series of steps made official today, he said, “strengthens and expands the state’s ongoing efforts to aggressively combat this brutal practice, and also ensures that the victims of human trafficking receive the treatment they need.

NJ State Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (Bergen)

“There are two important messages contained in this bill.

To victims: You’re not alone.

 To perpetrators: We’re coming after you,” said one of the measure’s primary sponsors, state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle.