Oklahoma bill would expunge prostitution records for human trafficking victims

OKLAHOMA CITY - A bill filed in the Oklahoma Legislature Thursday would erase the prostitution records of human trafficking victims.

State Rep. Sally Kern, who authored the bill, says  House Bill 1058 addresses a common-sense problem the state is facing.

“I think no one would expect a human trafficking victim to have to have prostitution on their record. When an individual has been rescued from the horrors of human trafficking and is no longer willingly involved in prostitution, it is [incumbent] upon society to help these victims overcome the negative effects of this modern day forced slavery," Kern said.

"I hope that this will improve the lives of victims, so that they do not have to have a constant reminder of the crime that has been committed against them,” she said.

According to the Department of Justice, the average age of a trafficked victim is 12 to 14 years old.

To report human trafficking, call 1-888-373-7888 or contact your local FBI office.