U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), James Lankford (R-OK), and John Cornyn (R-TX) recently introduced a bill that seeks to enhance the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s ability to combat human trafficking.
The Investigators Maintain Purposeful Awareness to Combat Trafficking Trauma (IMPACTT) Human Trafficking Act would make permanent the IMPACTT program within Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
“Human trafficking not only leaves deep, traumatic scars on its victims, but it also impacts the dedicated professionals who are responsible for investigating these crimes,” Peters, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee chairman, said. “This bipartisan legislation will help increase support for victims who are recovering from these horrific crimes and ensure that Homeland Security Investigations agents, victim assistance specialists, and others who work with human trafficking victims have the support they need to effectively do their jobs.”
The legislation would provide outreach and training to investigators, forensic interviewers, victim assistance specialists, task force officers, and partners exposed to trauma while working with victims of human trafficking.
“Human trafficking along our southern border is at an all-time high, and the problem is only getting worse,” Langford said. “Battling cartels, abuse, and trauma, human trafficking survivors have been through enough. It’s critical that survivors – along with the professionals helping them – have access to the resources they need to get the justice and closure they deserve. This bipartisan effort will make that a reality and continue the work to end human trafficking.”
The HSI would be required to provide training to employees on available resources to help cope with burnout, compassion fatigue, and trauma while permanently expanding the HSI Victim Assistance Program, enabling guidance on victim assistance, including training and technical assistance while monitoring federal crime victim statutes compliance.