Human trafficking survivors in the State of Texas deserve justice. Existing legal protections for victims is inadequate. Amending the existing definition of duress in Texas statute will enable victims to escape unjust prosecution, better steward state resources, and hold true perpetrators accountable.”
Key points:
- Many victims of human trafficking are prosecuted for crimes occurred while under the control of their trafficker.
- Texas’ current definition of duress fails to protect victims of human trafficking from prosecution by disallowing relevant histories of abuse to be used as an affirmative defense.
- Texas should amend the definition of duress to bring justice to both offenders and victims.