S2599

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg that would ensure that children under the age of 18 arrested for and engaging in acts associated with prostitution are treated as victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation rather than as criminals has been signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.

“It is time that we stop treating the child victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking as criminals and instead offer them protective and rehabilitative services,” Senator Gill (D-Essex) said. “By making available these much needed tools and services, such as counseling and crisis intervention, the state can provide these children with the support they vitally need to improve their lives.”

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nia H. Gill and Loretta Weinberg that would ensure that children under the age of 18 arrested for and engaging in acts associated with prostitution are treated as victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation rather than as criminals passed the Senate and General Assembly today, receiving final legislative approval. It now heads to the Governor’s desk for consideration.

“It is time that we stop treating the child victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking as criminals and instead offer them protective and rehabilitative services,” Senator Gill (D-Essex) said. “By making available these much needed tools and services, such as counseling and crisis intervention, the state can provide these children with the support they vitally need to improve their lives.”

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nia H. Gill and Loretta Weinberg that would ensure children under the age of 18 arrested for and engaging in acts associated with prostitution are treated as victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation rather than as criminals was approved unanimously today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

“New Jersey’s children who are victims of human sex trafficking and forced into prostitution deserve to be treated as victims, rather than criminals,” said Senator Gill (D-Essex). “By providing community and agency services to these victims, including counseling and crisis intervention, the state can provide its children with the help they deserve and hopefully a more stable and meaningful future.”