Shared Hope International is committed to bringing justice to victims of sex trafficking by supporting the development of global, federal and state policies and legislation. We provide comprehensive research, expert testimony, coalition support, and advocacy initiatives to strengthen trafficking laws and build better policies to protect victims and prosecute traffickers, buyers, and facilitators.
The Protected Innocence Challenge is a comprehensive study on existing state laws designed to inspire and equip advocates. Under the Challenge, every state receives a Report Card that grades the state on 41 key legislative components that must be addressed in state’s laws in order to effectively respond to the crime of domestic minor sex trafficking. In addition, each state receives a complete analysis of this 41-component review and practical recommendations for improvement.
Click here to view report cards if you cannot see the map below.
Protected Innocence Challenge Reports
- 2012 Protected Innocence Challenge: State Report Cards on the Legal Framework of Protection for the Nation’s Children
- 2011 Protected Innocence Challenge: State Report Cards on the Legal Framework of Protection for the Nation’s Children
Additional Resources
- Protected Innocence Legislative Framework Methodology
- Fact Sheet
- RICO Prosecution and DMST Offenses
- Asset Forfeiture State Index
State Comparisons of Laws Impacting Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking
- Criminal Liability for Buyers of Sex with Minors
- Child Protective Service Involvement in CSEC Cases
- Expungment of Delinquency Records for CSEC Minors
- Immunity from Prostitution Charges for Minors
- Child In Need of Services Related Services
- RICO and Gang Laws to Combat Trafficking
- Sex Offender Registration for Traffickers and Buyers
- Victim-Witness Protections
Be an Advocate!
Find the policy gaps in your state by reviewing your state’s report card and analysis and recommendations report then use these tools to advocate for stronger laws!
- Issue Briefs - An explanation and sample legislation for the 41 components of law that were analyzed for the Protected Innocence Challenge Report Cards.
- Contact your Legislator
- Send a Letter to the Editor
- Track Legislation in your State
