Recent years have thankfully seen an uptick in awareness and efforts to combat human trafficking. While this rise in attention is a good thing, the unfortunate reality is that human trafficking is increasing and on par to overtake the illegal arms trade in profits.

The reason for this is simple. While drugs and guns can only get sold one time, human beings can be repeatedly sold over and over again, multiple times per day. Therefore, tackling human trafficking will involve collective efforts throughout society.

Some people have suggested penalizing sex buyers, as these individuals fuel the demand for human trafficking. Without sex buyers, traffickers themselves would lack the incentive to sell individuals.

Thankfully, California just made a big move to crack down on sex trafficking, particularly as it pertains to minors.

California's latest step forward in the fight against human trafficking

Earlier this week, Governor Newsom of California signed off on SB 14 (Grove), hence designating the sex trafficking of minors as a felony in his state. SB 14 thus mandates that convicted sex traffickers of children will now receive stronger sentences for this crime than they would have before California made it a felony.

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The governor and other bipartisan leaders of his state stressed the seriousness and inhumanity of human trafficking. As Newsom signed SB 14 into law, he did so with not just state leaders by his side, but also survivors of human trafficking and supporters of the anti-human trafficking movement.

More to fight human trafficking in California

In a formal announcement from the California governor's office, Newsom stressed the longstanding efforts his state has taken to combat human trafficking.

These efforts include an over $280 million investment in apprehending human traffickers and providing care to survivors since 2019. On top of this, California has also directed $25 million toward preventing minors from being moved into the sex trade.

Finally, Newsom himself previously signed other bills that focused on the needs and support of human trafficking survivors. The legislation in question centered around taking survivors' traumatic experiences into account throughout the legal system and even doing away with certain sentences under the right circumstances.