H.R. 7225: Protecting Child Sex Trafficking Victim Witnesses Act

This bill, known as the Protecting Child Sex Trafficking Victim Witnesses Act, aims to enhance protections for child victims of sex trafficking who testify against their traffickers. Below are the key components of the bill:

Victim-Centered Guidance

The Attorney General is required to produce and publish guidance focused on the needs and safety of child sex trafficking victims. This guidance must be developed within 18 months of the bill being enacted and will include:

• Practices to lessen the negative impacts of testifying for child witnesses.
• Safe travel, accommodation, and support for these witnesses.
• The involvement of child advocacy and family justice centers where applicable.
• Plans for ensuring safety after the trial concludes.

Within 180 days of this guidance being made public, the Attorney General must also provide training to U.S. Attorney offices on these new practices.

Training for Law Enforcement and Legal Personnel

The bill amends existing federal law to include mandatory training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges on the protections available for child sex trafficking victims who testify. This training will cover:

• How to apply the new victim-centered guidance provided by the Attorney General.

Use of Block Grants

The bill modifies the use of Victim-Centered Child Human Trafficking Deterrence Block Grants. It allows these grants to support:

• Enhanced protections for child victims who testify, according to the new guidance.
• Other authorized activities aimed at combatting human trafficking.

Modernizing Child Victims' Rights

The bill updates legal provisions regarding the rights of child victims and witnesses. Changes include:

• Clarifying definitions to include both "child sex trafficking" and "child prostitution."
• Adding “victim advocacy” to the list of entities involved in law enforcement processes.
• Updating references in legal documents to allow for digital or videotaped recordings of testimonies, enhancing the flexibility of how testimonies are recorded and presented in court.

Implications

This legislation emphasizes a coordinated approach among federal agencies to ensure the safety and support of child victims in the legal process. By mandating comprehensive training and establishing best practices, the aim is to provide a safer environment for these vulnerable witnesses and to improve overall outcomes in human trafficking cases.

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