Support for Victims

(a)Within 180 days of the enactment of this legislation, the government of Guam shall develop plans, in consultation with non-governmental organizations and other elements of civil society, for the provision of appropriate services, from governmental and non-governmental sources, for victims of trafficking in persons, whether U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, and any dependents accompanying the victims, or parents or guardians of minor victims, including, but not limited to:

(1)appropriate housing, taking into account the person’s status as a victim of crime and including safe conditions for sleeping, food and personal hygiene;

(2)psychological counseling in a language the victim can understand;

(3)medical assistance;

(4)childcare;

(5)other material assistance as appropriate;

(6)employment, educational, language, and training opportunities; and

(7)legal assistance.

(b)Foreign national victims of trafficking in persons and their accompanying dependent children shall be entitled to receive social benefits in the same manner as refugees.

(c)Victims of trafficking in persons shall not be given shelter in prisons or other detention facilities for accused or convicted criminals. Child victims of trafficking in persons shall not be housed in prisons or other detention facilities for accused COL 6/21/2023 CH. 26 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION or convicted criminals or juvenile delinquents under any circumstances.

(d)Residence in shelters or other facilities established under this section shall be voluntary, and victims may decline to stay in shelters or other facilities.

(e)Victims in shelter or other facilities shall have the option to communicate with and receive visits from family, friends, attorneys, and advocates without restrictions or limitations.

(f)The governmental service providers described in paragraph

(a)shall take into account the age, gender, and special needs of victims and accompanying dependent children in formulating plans to provide services to them and in delivering such services.

(g)Plans developed in accordance with paragraph

(a)shall be submitted for approval to appropriate state authorities, which shall also undertake periodic reviews of the plans and their implementation to ensure compliance with the requirements of this article and to ensure that all victims are treated with respect for their human rights and dignity.