An anti-trafficking policy expert explains why your state’s laws may not protect survivors— and how you can help strengthen protections for children where you live.
Part 2 of “The Diddy Verdict Wasn’t the End” series
The Diddy verdict was a wake-up call—but not for the reason many think.
For Sarah Roberts, Senior Director of Policy and Legislation at Shared Hope International, the outcome was troubling but familiar.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t surprised,” she says. “Time and again, we see exploiters walk free while victims receive little justice—or worse, are criminalized for acts they committed as part of their trafficking. The verdict highlights the need for stronger laws that protect survivors and hold exploiters accountable.”
On October 14, 2025, Shared Hope will release its State Report Cards—grading all 50 states on how well their laws support victim-centered responses to child sex trafficking.
Why State Laws Matter More Than You Think
Many people assume federal law governs trafficking cases. In reality, Roberts explains, most cases are prosecuted under state law—and state protections vary widely.
“Most trafficking cases are prosecuted at the state level,” she says. “While strong federal protections exist, they operate under a separate legal framework. Since the majority of cases are charged under state law, it’s critical that states have strong laws and protections in place.”
And many do not.
- Twenty states still allow child sex trafficking victims to be prosecuted for prostitution offenses.
- Only 18 states shield child survivors from prosecution for other crimes they committed as a result of their trafficking.
- Many states have not statutorily required access to specialized services or secured sustainable funding to help survivors rebuild their lives.
“These gaps mean that a child recognized as a victim in one state could face arrest in another for the exact same conduct,” Roberts says.
Inside the 2025 Report Cards
Since 2011, Shared Hope’s State Report Cards have been the nation’s most comprehensive review of state trafficking laws. This year’s edition distills the evaluation to 10 critical protections that Roberts describes as “the bare minimum needed to ensure survivors are met with protective—not punitive—responses.”
These protections include:
- Prohibiting the criminalization of all minors for prostitution.
- Expanding non-criminalization protections to cover other offenses that child sex trafficking victims may commit as a result of their trafficking.
- Ensuring access to specialized community-based services.
The scope of research is vast. “Every year we review over 3,500 bills nationwide for their potential impact on trafficking laws and survivor protections,” Roberts says. “We vet our analysis with attorneys general, governors, state task force supervisors, statewide coordinators, and partners in the field. The Report Cards aren’t just grades—they’re a framework for change.”
A Tool for Mobilizing Change
The Report Cards are designed not to shame, but to mobilize.
“It’s always been our hope that these grades drive both nationwide reform and individual action,” Roberts explains. “And with the toolkit in hand, anyone should feel equipped to talk to their legislators and say: ‘Here are the areas where our laws fall short—here’s how we can strengthen laws.’” For the first time, Shared Hope will release a toolkit that offers a clear breakdown of state laws and their gaps, along with practical strategies to empower individuals to advocate for change.
States like Tennessee and Florida have consistently improved by adopting recommendations year after year. Connecticut recently passed an affirmative defense law expanding protections for survivors after a sustained multi-year effort.
Why It Matters After the Diddy Verdict
For Roberts, the connection between the Diddy trial and the upcoming Report Cards is direct: state laws shape the reality of justice.
“If people want to understand why cases like Diddy’s still fall short, they should look at their own state’s laws,” she says. “Awareness is the first step to change—and that’s what the Report Cards are for.”
She also emphasizes that the goal extends beyond legislation. “The more people understand what their state laws actually says, the more we can drive the cultural shift needed to recognize minors engaged in commercial sex as victims—and traffickers and buyers as the serious offenders they truly are.”
Be the first to see your state’s grade and get the advocacy toolkit.
Get Your State’s 2025 Report Card
👉 Register here
Understand the 10 Key Protections
– Learn what your state’s laws do (and don’t) cover—and how those gaps impact survivors.
Start the Conversation
Share your state’s grade. The more people know, the stronger the push to close the gaps.
The Diddy verdict wasn’t the end—it was a signal. Justice for trafficking survivors depends on the laws where you live.
On October 14, you’ll know if your state is ready to protect survivors—or if it’s leaving them at risk.
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