Press & News

Legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to combat human trafficking cleared a major hurdle today, winning strong support from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in a vote to send the bill to the House Floor for consideration and passage.

Named in honor of Frederick Douglass, the renowned abolitionist, Smith’s legislation—the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (HR 5856)—would provide approximately $1 billion over five years to strengthen and expand successful programs and laws to combat modern-day slavery.

Late last night, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1394 (Wicks and Flora), making California the first state in the nation to enact a law that expressly both (i) permits survivors of child sex trafficking and abuse to sue platforms for millions of dollars for knowingly contributing to child sex trafficking and (ii) requires platforms to establish a mandated process by which survivors of child sex abuse can demand that platforms remove videos and images of their abuse.

Classifying child sex trafficking as a serious felony under California law makes it a strikable offense, meaning repeat offenders or those who have committed other serious felonies could face more time behind bars, including life in prison.

“People need to understand this is so prevalent," the Hollywood actor and longtime political activist told THR about vulnerable people coerced into unpaid work and not recognized as victims of modern slavery...."

3Strands Global Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to combat human trafficking through prevention, education and reintegration programs, recently announced Jane Einhorn as its newest board member.

Ashlie and Kitty discuss the work of 3Strands Global Foundation and the issue on a holistic level. Just a 10-minute listen. 

Listen to the full interview here

Hilary DeCesare sits down with Ashlie Bryant, the remarkable founder of 3Strands Global Foundation, to shed light on the urgent issue of human trafficking. Together, they explore the dark realities of this heinous crime and provide invaluable insights on what signs to look for, equipping listeners with the knowledge to identify potential victims and protect vulnerable individuals in their communities.

Ashlie Bryant, CEO of 3Strands Global Foundation (3SGF), discusses with Vicki Gonzalez of Capradio SB14- a bill co-authored by 3SGF. This conversation stresses the need to debunk human trafficking myths, emphasizing that it’s not about physical force but about exploiting the vulnerabilities of marginalized populations like the impoverished, homeless, or LGBTQIA individuals through coercion and fraud. The dialogue explores the contentious issue of victims often charged with the crime, asserting the need for a justice system that holds traffickers accountable.

3Strands Global Foundation (3SGF), a non-profit organization working to combat human trafficking through prevention, education and reintegration programs, is grateful for the heightened awareness and dialogue around human trafficking that has been sparked by the film 'Sound of Freedom.'

We are thrilled to announce that SB14 has PASSED through the CA Assembly Public Safety Committee and is now headed to Appropriations. This is a victory in our fight against human trafficking of minors.