Today, District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar has endorsed California State Senator Shannon Grove’s bill, Senate Bill 1042. This bill will include human trafficking with crimes that, defined by the penal code, to be “serious” and “violent” under California law.

 “I am fighting for the passage of SB 1042 in order to hold those who commit human trafficking responsible for their actions,” said District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar. “Human trafficking is reprehensible and dehumanizes the most vulnerable of our citizens. We must band together to end the sexual exploitation of women, children, and men in our communities.” 

 Currently, human trafficking is not legally defined as a serious or violent felony under California law. Several community and international organizations, law enforcement agencies, and survivors are demanding change for this horrific crime. Human trafficking is among the world’s fastest growing criminal enterprises and is estimated to be a $150 billion a year global industry. It is a form of modern day slavery that profits from the exploitation of our most vulnerable populations.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office calls upon our community to sign in support of SB 1042. District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar, alongside fellow prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, will attend Senate hearings next week to speak on her support of the bill. To sign the petition, click here and join District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar in fighting for survivors of human trafficking.