Nebraska received an “A” grade for state laws against the sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors in a newly released report card from Shared Hope International.

This is positive news for Nebraska, which was given an “F” grade in 2011, and is now one of the leading states in protecting children and minors from sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

According to Shared Hope International, grades are based on an annual review of state laws analyzed under the Protected Innocence Challenge Legislative Framework, and states like Nebraska have made significant progress. This includes:

– Preventing domestic minor sex trafficking through reducing demand

– Rescuing and restoring victims through improved training on identification

– Establishing protocols and facilities for victim placement

– Mandating appropriate services and shelter

– Incorporating trauma-reducing mechanisms into the justice system

In 2016, Nebraska substantially increased penalties related to trafficking for both traffickers and buyers, and earlier this year state senators voted unanimously to advance a major anti-trafficking proposal taking new steps to prosecute human traffickers, target trafficking rings, and expand access to services for survivors.

The marked improvements in our state are the result of years of hard-work from advocates, legislators, and concerned citizens coming together to create a better and safer state.

Read more about human trafficking in Nebraska and how you can join NFA in ending human trafficking. 

 

Nate Grasz

Nate Grasz

Policy Director
Nate is the Policy Director at Nebraska Family Alliance and host of the Capitol Report program.