Joyce, Wagner bill to bolster support for human trafficking victims

Survivors of human trafficking would receive enhanced support and more resources would be authorized for law enforcement combating these crimes under a bipartisan, bicameral bill introduced on Tuesday by U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Ann Wagner (R-MO). 

The IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act, H.R. 1405, would establish within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) the Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) Program and the Victim Assistance Program to improve services for trafficking victims.

“I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to provide human trafficking survivors and law enforcement officers with the resources required to combat these horrific offenses,” said Rep. Joyce, co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence and sponsor of H.R. 1405.

If enacted, H.R. 1405 also would make permanent the IMPACTT program to assist HSI employees dealing with the stress and trauma associated with working directly with victims, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Joyce’s office.

“Human trafficking affects communities in Ohio and across our country, where traffickers threaten, deceive, and use manipulative tactics to force people into modern day slavery,” Rep. Joyce said. “I am committed to doing everything I can to stop these crimes from taking place and ensuring that survivors receive the specialized support they need, while also providing law enforcement officers with additional resources to protect themselves and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Additionally, the bill would provide increased outreach and training for victim assistance specialists, forensic interviewers, task force officers, and other partners exposed to trauma while investigating human trafficking, increase the number of victim assistance specialists, and provide victims with support and services throughout the investigative and prosecutorial process, the summary says. 

Among the three original cosponsors of H.R. 1405 are Rep. Wagner and U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV). U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and James Lankford (R-OK) also on March 7 introduced companion legislation, the same-named S. 670, in their chamber. 

“This bill will codify programs to support investigators handling traumatic crimes and includes my legislation to expand the Homeland Security Investigations Victim Assistance Program,” said Rep. Wagner. “This vital program helps survivors of trafficking and child exploitation gain access to available resources while also assisting law enforcement in apprehending their traffickers. 

“Trafficking and child exploitation are on the rise in the United States, and we must ensure law enforcement has the tools necessary to combat these barbaric crimes and protect the most vulnerable among us,” Rep. Wagner added.