Victim’s Rights

COL 6/21/2023 CH. 26 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION

(a)Victims of human trafficking shall have the same rights as either victims of a crime, including the right to receive victim compensation.

(b)Victims of human trafficking shall also be entitled to basic information, including but not limited to information on their legal rights, human rights, immigration rights, emergency assistance and resources, and any other applicable right and resources.

(c)Any statement by a putative victim of human trafficking or the minor child of such victim to a qualified social worker or case-worker, guardian appointed under this Act, or advocate is a privileged communication unless waived by the victim’s attorney, the adult victim, or the advocate or guardian of a child victim.

(d)Department of Public Health and Social Services employees and contractors shall provide information and statements to a person or such person’s attorney, guardian, or legal representative for purposes of such person’s application for immigration relief or benefits under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 or other victim assistance law or regulation. Any statement made under this subsection shall be privileged for purposes of any criminal or civil action.

(e)Victims of human trafficking shall not be required to cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of their traffickers as a condition to receiving any social service or benefit, including legal services.