Human Trafficking Victim Assisted on Sunday at Colman Dock
Information submitted by Dan Frizzell, Washington State House Democratic Caucus, and the Washington State Patrol
In Olympia, legislators have sent Governor Jay Inslee a bill designed to help sex-trafficking victims break free from their victimizers.
“A little bit of peace of mind to a person who has been trafficked, enslaved, put into prostitution against their will.” That’s what Representative Debra Entenman hopes her bill can bring to some people who need hope the most.
Entenman, a freshman Democrat from Kent, earned unanimous OKs from both chambers for a new law that will allow police officers to arrest pimps and other traffickers who violate outstanding no-contact orders, even if the officers don’t witness the violation themselves. It’s long been standard practice in violations of other kinds of no-contact orders, such as domestic violence. But in trafficking cases, police had to seek a warrant before making an arrest if the violation didn’t happen before their eyes. It’s a dangerous loophole that Entenman saw needed to be closed.
“We want this person to be able to move forward with their life without the fear of being menaced and harassed. We want them to be able to move from trafficking and prostitution and enslavement to freedom, and choice, and a better life.”
Entenman says the first step in freeing victims, mostly women and children, is to stop the repeated violence and psychological intimidation that keeps them in bondage. Police think her bill will help them do just that, and it now awaits Governor Inslee’s signature.
In related news, the Washington State Patrol released the following:
Homeland Security Division: Human trafficking victim assisted at Colman Dock
On March 31, 2019 a Lieutenant from the Washington State Patrol Homeland Security Division was providing security inside the Colman Ferry Terminal and was contacted by an 18-year-old woman who stated she was the victim of human trafficking. The victim indicated she had managed to escape those responsible for her capture. The victim was able to be safely connected with advocates in Seattle that will help with shelter and available resources. WSP detectives will continue to investigate the case and circumstances surrounding the incident.
It is important to be aware of the potential signs of human trafficking. With awareness and a mind-set of see something, say something; we can continue to help victims of this billion dollar industry. Please visit the Washington State Attorney General website at http://www.atg.wa.gov/human-trafficking for further information and resources.
The Washington State Patrol’s Homeland Security Division has the duty and responsibility of keeping safe all of the estimated 24 million passengers and almost 11 million vehicles that transited on a Washington State Ferry in 2018. The WSP works very closely with our partners from the Washington State Ferry System and U.S. Coast Guard to ensure passenger’s safety.
