WASHINGTON, DC (December 19, 2025) – The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) applauds the U.S. Senate passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA), which is a major victory for survivors. The U.S. House of Representatives already passed the legislation, which will go to President Trump for signature.
“We are grateful that the Senate unanimously passed the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act to enable human trafficking survivors charged with committing federal crimes while under the control of traffickers (known as ‘forced criminality’) to clear those charges from their record. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act recognizes this injustice and affirms that survivors should not be punished for their own exploitation. We call on our elected officials to continue prioritizing justice for survivors,” said Dr. Marcel van der Watt, President and CEO, National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
“For too long, survivors have been forced to carry the lifelong consequences of crimes committed against them, facing criminal records, barriers to housing and employment, and continued retraumatization by the legal system. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a critical step towards ensuring justice, dignity, and healing for survivors. NCOSE thanks the bill’s bipartisan champions and the many survivor-leaders and advocates whose voices made this progress possible.”
About National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE)
Founded in 1962, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading national non-profit organization exposing the links between all forms of sexual exploitation such as child sexual abuse, prostitution, sex trafficking and the public health harms of pornography.
To schedule an interview with NCOSE, please contact press@ncose.com.
