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By Kerry Alys Robinson
President and CEO, Catholic Charities USA
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Following the news today can feel overwhelming, especially when we bear witness to suffering and cruelty aimed at vulnerable people. That’s why, now more than ever, moments of hope and good news deserve our attention and commendation, particularly when they involve both parties in Washington working together to address a pressing moral issue. While it didn’t garner national headlines, exactly that happened last month when the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act became law.
Knowing what a difference this measure would make for the lives of so many, Catholic Charities USA supported the bill from its inception. We applaud both parties in Congress and the administration for securing this victory for survivors—at a moment when we have a stark reminder of the dangers of human trafficking in our country.
As opponents of human trafficking know too well, large-scale events—such as the FIFA World Cup set to be played in 11 U.S. cities this summer and last weekend's Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California—are known for attracting short-term visitors to a large area and increasing the likelihood for exploitation, not to mention the true trauma that victims of trafficking experience. Regardless of your political or religious beliefs, we should all agree that we must work together to prevent trafficking, protect victims and hold traffickers accountable for their horrifying acts.
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Human trafficking may not be something we think about constantly, but it is around us every single day, even in places you might not expect. From farm or factory workers compelled to work under unsafe conditions for extremely long hours to hospitality employees subjected to violence or abuse to children being targeted online, the scourge of trafficking is widespread. It is possible that, very close to where you are as you read this, traffickers are using force or coercion to control victims against their will.
Many cases are never publicized or reported. Still, in 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 30,000 substantive signals and identified nearly 10,000 potential cases involving some 17,000 victims.
Supporting survivors of human trafficking is one of the core ministries of the Catholic Charities network. Roughly one-third of the 168 Catholic Charities agencies around the country serve crime victims, including individuals who survive trafficking. These services include trauma-informed counseling, short- and long-term shelter, food and nutrition assistance, job placement assistance, comprehensive case management and much more. Some Catholic Charities agencies focus on public education to raise awareness about the dangers and prevalence of human trafficking.
Many agencies also have longstanding relationships with state and federal government organizations to coordinate community responses for survivors. Throughout different presidential administrations, the Department of Justice has provided funding to states and community-based organizations, including Catholic Charities agencies, to offer services that meet the individual needs of survivors. These agencies work closely with officials at all levels of government to receive referrals to assist individuals rescued from trafficking or other forms of exploitation.
Last year, many organizations encountered roadblocks after the Department of Justice abruptly cancelled funding for several programs that provide critical resources for survivor support. While Catholic Charities agencies continue to support survivors to the fullest extent of their capacity, sustained government funding is essential to maintain this ecosystem of community organizations and government entities to drive meaningful progress for survivors.
The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act represents a significant opportunity to strengthen our collective commitment to ensuring victims' well being and rights. The law enables survivors to petition a court for the expungement of arrest records, the vacatur of convictions or sentence reduction, when those charges arose from conduct they were compelled to engage in because of their trafficking. It also establishes post‑conviction relief grants to ensure survivors have access to legal representation.
This law offers real hope to individuals who have long faced overwhelming barriers because of these records—barriers that block access to safe housing, employment, food assistance and other vital services. For children and vulnerable adults, removing these obstacles is a critical step toward healing, stability and the chance to rebuild their lives. The passage of one law might not be a magic-wand solution to the human trafficking problem, but it will create awareness of this horrific crime and offer compassion and support to survivors.
The Catholic Charities network serves 16 million people annually, and we are heartened that some of our most vulnerable sisters and brothers now will have added protections and support thanks to the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. It’s a small win for bipartisanship and a landmark victory for survivors of human trafficking.
Kerry Alys Robinson is President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
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