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"Stephanie" is a young survivor of human trafficking who works with our Client Services team. Below is the statement she delivered during the launch of the 2013 State Ratings on Human Trafficking Laws.

August 14, 2013 -- "There are things in our past that find a way into our present. As much as we may wish they wouldn't. As a minor I found myself a victim of a sexual predator. After almost a decade I still find myself struggling to rise above the things that happened to me."

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 14, 2013) – Releasing the 2013 state ratings on human trafficking laws in the United States, Polaris Project today championed the progress made by a majority of states in passing legislation to combat sex and labor trafficking and support survivors. In 2013, 39 states passed anti-trafficking laws and 32 states are now ranked in Polaris Project’s top Tier 1 category – up from 21 states last year. For the first time ever, two states have successfully fulfilled all rated categories: Washington and New Jersey, where Polaris Project operates an office in Newark.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 11, 2013) – Polaris Project today hailed the Uniform Law Commission’s (ULC) approval of a uniform act that will guide state legislatures when drafting legislation to combat human trafficking in the United States. The ULC drafting committee on human trafficking examined existing anti-trafficking statutes from all over the country and met with law enforcement, prosecutors, and anti-trafficking organizations in order to create uniformity in trafficking laws across all 50 states.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 19, 2013) – Following the release of the 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report today by the U.S. Department of State, Bradley Myles, CEO of Polaris Project, released the following statement:

NEWARK, NJ - “Today, Governor Chris Christie signed a comprehensive piece of legislation that is a major step forward in New Jersey’s ability to fight human trafficking and support survivors of this crime. The Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection and Treatment Act (A. 3352/S. 2239) will make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable people whose rights and freedom have been stolen.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Polaris Project announced the launch of the Global Human Trafficking Hotline Network today, a new alliance of anti-trafficking hotlines that will build a broader safety net for survivors of modern-day slavery and develop a more coordinated global response for victims of this transnational crime. The alliance will also create a data-driven approach that identifies human trafficking trends and informs eradication, prevention, and victim protection strategies.

Washington, DC (March 28, 2013) – Human trafficking victims across the country can now send texts to get help and escape modern-day slavery, Polaris Project and Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children announced today. Victims and concerned citizens can now send text messages to “BeFree” (233733) and instantly connect with the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) hotline (1-888-3737-888), operated by Polaris Project.

Statement by Kate Keisel, Director of Polaris Project New Jersey:

Statement by Mary Ellison, Director of Policy, Polaris Project:

“Polaris Project is celebrating a major victory today with the long-awaited passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). After almost two years of urging action on this bill, we are thrilled to see the House of Representatives support this critical tool that provides vital services to survivors and curtails human trafficking at home and abroad. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Prior to today, 49 states had passed human trafficking laws. Today Wyoming joins the ranks as the last state to ban human trafficking with Governor Matt Mead signing the first anti-trafficking law in Wyoming, making it illegal to traffic individuals for commercial sex or forced labor.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Statement by Mary Ellison, Director of Policy, Polaris Project  

CHEYENNE, WY – Wyoming is on track to become the 50th state to pass legislation against human trafficking, making it illegal to traffic individuals for commercial sex or forced labor. On Friday, January 25th, bill sponsors Representatives Cathy Connolly (D-Laramie) and Keith Gingery (R-Teton) urged their colleagues to support the measure, which increases punishment of traffickers and provides social services for underage victims of commercial sex exploitation.