Trafficking victims have told their stories to New York lawmakers Tuesday at the Capitol to encourage them to pass legislation strengthening criminal penalties for forcing someone into sexual servitude.
One 18-year-old New York City woman told how she was kidnapped at age nine, sold into sexual slavery and forced to sleep in a locked closet. She says the bill would crack down on trafficking while making it easier for victims to get help.
Despite widespread support, the measure failed last year after being lumped in with legislation that also contained a controversial abortion provision opposed by some senators.
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is sponsoring the trafficking proposal as a stand-alone bill this year. She says human trafficking must be addressed without delay.
© 2014 AP
