Senate Resolution No. 1639

BY: Senator RHOADS

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
January 2024, as Human Trafficking Prevention Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2024, as Human
Trafficking Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month; and

WHEREAS, First established in 2010, National Human Trafficking
Prevention Month aims to elevate the issue and highlight the impact it
has domestically and internationally; designating a time and space to
acknowledge the importance of this issue allows for more visibility and
prevention efforts; and

WHEREAS, Trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to
control an individual into commercial sex or labor; victims of
trafficking can be children or adults, of any gender identity, and can
live in any neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Due to the complexity and grooming involved in this crime,
there are many times when individuals don't recognize their own
situation as trafficking; prevention efforts are focused on educating
the community and those who may be more vulnerable and at a higher risk
for trafficking; and

WHEREAS, Passed in 2000, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act
(TVAP), along with other State legislation have expanded prevention
efforts, extended legal protections for trafficked children and adults,
and made notable changes to criminal law; these changes in government
policies improved opportunities for programs that are involved in
investigating trafficking and providing services to victims; and

WHEREAS, Service providers have created networks that support those
who have experienced trafficking to find safety and healing; the Safe
Center is Nassau County's service provider for children and adults who
have been victims of or are at risk to experience trafficking; and

WHEREAS, The number of sexual and labor trafficking cases reported
each year continues to grow as more light is given to the issue by
various actors in New York, across the United States, and around the
globe; and

WHEREAS, The scope and magnitude of the issue of human trafficking
is yet to be known, both domestically and abroad; and

WHEREAS, Human Trafficking Awareness Month was implemented to raise
awareness among Americans that human trafficking does not just happen in

other countries, but in states and communities across the United States;
and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to eradicate human trafficking
at the local, state and national levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2024, as Human
Trafficking Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.