Advocates closely monitor California SB 1414

The work being done at the 3Strands Global Empowerment Center on H Street seems endless.

The center provides assistance to victims of sex trafficking. It also gives hope.

“First, we meet their basic needs such as housing, food and if they need a shower,” said Ashley Bryant, CEO of 3Strands. “One of the things we did when we built this place was how can you feel safe and at home.”

The Table opened at the end of January. The number of victims encountered by staff is overwhelming.

“We've had up to 17 a day and, on average, seven to 10 a day,” Bryant said.

Most are still teenagers.

“The 16- and 17-year-olds are the ones who have progressed the most over the last few years in terms of who we serve,” Bryant said. “That’s why it’s important for us to include them in the legislation.”

3Strands is a sponsor of SB 1414, a bill introduced by State Senator Shannon Grove. Purchasing sex from a minor would be a crime, but some lawmakers want that to only cover victims aged 15 and younger.

“I just don’t understand why we wouldn’t decrease buyer demand,” Bryant said.

This week, KCRA 3 Investigates highlighted the difficulty of passing sex trafficking bills inside the Capitol in the documentary “Escaping the Blade.” Lawmakers took note of the documentary.

“This industry affects all of us across the state of California,” Grove told his Senate colleagues. “KCRA produced a documentary that highlights what is happening right here in Sacramento. This highlights the blade right here in our capitals.

“I am done protecting people who would buy and abuse our children,” added Senator Susan Eggman. “I ask you all to watch the documentary.”

After SB 1414 passed the Senate, it now moves to the Assembly side. Those who see the trauma caused by trafficking every day hope that the bill will be reinstated to cover all minors.

“Sixteen and seventeen are juveniles,” Bryant said. “They should be included in this language.”

KCRA 3's investigative documentary “Escaping The Blade” covers the issue of sex trafficking in Sacramento County. Watch the full report here.

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