Today, Virginia became the 33rd jurisdiction in the United States to pass Safe Harbor protections—ensuring children who are exploited are treated as victims, not criminals.
At the same time, the state expanded vacatur relief, allowing survivors to clear nonviolent offenses connected to their exploitation.
It’s a milestone worth celebrating.
But this moment didn’t happen overnight.
Where This Journey Began
When I was in high school, I watched Taken.
Like many people, I believed trafficking looked like that—abductions by strangers, happening somewhere far away.
But when I started researching, I discovered something very different:
Most trafficking happens locally—often through manipulation, coercion, or someone the victim knows.
That realization changed everything.
Since 2014, I’ve been committed to fighting this issue.
What Changed in Virginia
This year, Virginia took two critical steps forward:
Safe Harbor protections ensure that minors who are exploited are no longer arrested or prosecuted for prostitution-related offenses.
Instead, they are treated as victims and connected to support and services.
Expanded vacatur relief allows survivors to clear a broader range of nonviolent offenses tied to their exploitation—removing barriers to employment, housing, and stability.
These changes reflect years of collaboration with lawmakers, partners, and survivors to build a more just, survivor-centered response.
The Reality of Systems Change
I had the privilege of working alongside partners to help pass initial legislation in 2021.
And each year since, we’ve come back—working to strengthen it.
Because real systems change doesn’t happen all at once.
It requires persistence.
It requires partnership.
And it requires a willingness to keep showing up—even when progress feels slow.
Why This Work Extends Beyond Policy
While laws like this are critical, they are only part of the solution.
Prevention starts long before exploitation happens.
That’s why we are also investing in initiatives like Keep Our Kids Safe—equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to recognize risks and respond early.
Just last week, we gathered professionals, parents, and community members in Southwest Washington for a full day of training.
And this week, young people are stepping up to lead awareness in their own community.
This is what it looks like to build a protective response—not just in law, but in everyday life.
The Work Ahead
While we celebrate this progress, we also recognize:
- 18 states still lack Safe Harbor protections
- Laws still need strengthening and implementation
- Survivors continue to face barriers
Moving Forward
Moments like this matter.
Because they represent something bigger than a single bill.
They represent what’s possible when people stay committed—over years, not just moments.
Children should never be treated as criminals for their own exploitation.
Today is a step forward.
And tomorrow, we keep going.
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