Access to Benefits

IMPROVING ACCESS TO COMPENSATION FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS

Financial compensation is a crucial part of recovery for survivors of human trafficking, helping to address the economic impact of their exploitation and providing a foundation for rebuilding their lives. For many survivors, compensation is not just financial; it is a recognition of harm and a pathway toward stability. Yet despite its importance, far too few survivors are successfully accessing these funds.

Recognizing this, California must increase its outreach efforts and improve the distribution of available resources through the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB), specifically under AB 629. Survivors, particularly those from marginalized or immigrant communities, often face language barriers, lack of legal support, and fear around engaging with government systems. Without targeted efforts to address these systemic obstacles, critical resources will continue to go unused — and survivors will be left to shoulder the financial burden of their exploitation alone.

AB 629, enacted to support survivors, allows them to seek compensation for income loss as part of their restitution for trafficking-related exploitation. This includes survivors of both labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. However, many survivors are unaware of these resources or encounter barriers such as complex application requirements, insufficient guidance, and uncertainty around documentation.

To address this gap, California needs to bolster awareness, partner with community organizations, and streamline the process.  Clearer communication, culturally responsive outreach, and trauma-informed intake procedures are essential to ensuring that all eligible survivors can benefit from the financial relief available through CalVCB under AB 629.