MEDIA ADVISORY: Independent Women’s Network Chapter Member Sheri Lopez Testifies Before Congress on Her Trafficking Story And Measures To Prevent Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Victims
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Independent Women today announced that Sheri Lopez, a chapter member of Independent Women’s Network, will testify before the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance today, February 27, on protecting victims of human trafficking and online exploitation and the need for legislative action to prosecute traffickers, prevent human trafficking, and protect victims and survivors.
Lopez’s goal, as stated in her testimony, is “to prevent child grooming and exploitation in America through prevention education and awareness.”
The hearing, titled “Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking and Online Exploitation,” began at 9:00 a.m. ET on February 27.
Lopez is a survivor of human trafficking and the founder of the nonprofit Pearl at the Mailbox, named in honor of the woman who saved her from a life of exploitation. Lopez is now a member of the Independent Women’s Network Phoenix Chapter and continues to share her story and advocacy to stop anyone from sharing her fate.
In her testimony, Lopez writes, in part: “Upon rescue, it took me close to 25 years to process what happened to me: the abuse, the darkness I was subjected to, the loss of freedom I faced, why my parents never suspected anything, why I could not tell anyone what was happening, the beginning of what would be 12 operations to fix my damaged internal organs, and the reality that another human being preyed upon me for money.”
Lopez will address:
- Her own experience of being trafficked while still at home with loving parents;
- Her prior support of updating Arizona law to not prosecute trafficking victims for prostitution;
- And her work to support the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act last congressional session.
During her testimony, Lopez will call upon Congress to pass the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which would:
- Provide vacatur and expungement of criminal records for trafficking survivors;
- Mandate one hour of grooming prevention education twice a year in all American schools;
- Increase sex offender registry requirements and mandate prison time for buyers, creating the inability to plead a misdemeanor.
“One of the greatest benefits of being a part of Independent Women’s Network is meeting women like Sheri who inspire action. Sheri is a member of our Phoenix, AZ Chapter. What an incredible gift it is to watch her use the strength she has found through healing to give voice to victims. She not only educates to prevent more victims of trafficking, she also advocates for the wellness and quality of life of victims long after being rescued. We are honored to call her a member and I am personally honored to call her a friend, said Christy Narsi, Independent Women’s Network National Chapter Director
DETAILS:
WHAT: House Judiciary Committee hearing, “Protecting Victims of Human Trafficking and Online Exploitation”
WHEN: Thursday, February 27 at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: 2141 Rayburn House Office Building, 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20515
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