The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), Colorado’s leading voice for survivors and the professionals who serve them, issued the following statement this morning on the passage of Proposition 133:
We are heartbroken and deeply disappointed by the passage of Proposition 133 (Require Life in Prison for Human Trafficking of Minors). The extremist, dark-money-funded group behind this dangerous, deceptive ballot measure claims it will deter human trafficking, but survivors, victim advocates, human trafficking experts, and law enforcement know that it actually puts victims at further risk, makes it even harder for them to come forward for help, and makes it more difficult to hold traffickers accountable.
As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence, the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault sees how grooming, violence, exploitation, and other forms of trauma deeply impact trafficking victims throughout their lives and how many barriers they face to accessing safety and healing. That’s why, when human trafficking survivors and experts across the state shared concerns about how Prop 133 would hurt victims, we knew that we needed to warn voters about the dangers this measure poses to victims.
Our opposition to Prop 133 is grounded in the fact that, despite Colorado’s meaningful investment and progress in addressing and preventing human trafficking, victims continue to face significant barriers to accessing help, struggle to have their victimization recognized within the criminal legal system, and often lack the resources for strong legal counsel and support.
Sex trafficking victims who are forced to engage in criminal acts face serious personal and legal risks in coming forward, especially when they know that they can be charged with crimes. Traffickers know this and rely on it as a weapon to deepen victims’ fear and prevent them from coming forward and speaking out. Now that Prop 133 has passed, victims who are forced by their traffickers to post ads, message buyers, and transport other victims could receive the same life sentence as their traffickers. These harms are real and urgently require our attention and response. Forced criminality is not hypothetical, and neither are the consequences for victims seeking to escape trafficking situations.
Colorado must protect children, prevent human trafficking, and ensure accountability for those who sexually exploit others. It is equally important that we make it easier for survivors to access safety, trauma-informed care, and support.
We call on the Colorado legislature to protect trafficking victims by passing comprehensive, survivor-centered policies, increasing investments in supportive services and care for victims, and interrupting the economic and social conditions that make children vulnerable to exploitation. We stand ready to work with our coalition partners, elected leaders, and allies to shield victims from Prop 133’s harm and remove unnecessary barriers to safety, healing, and justice.
Despite this heartbreaking setback for survivors, we will never stop standing up, speaking out, and ensuring survivors’ voices are heard wherever decisions are made.
To those who joined our grassroots voter education effort against Prop 133: thank you. We are grateful for your courage, partnership, and tireless work.
To survivors everywhere: we see you and believe you. Your story matters. You deserve safety, healing, and care. Help is available when you’re ready:
- Access safe, confidential, and anonymous support by calling the Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline at 866-455-5075 or texting 720-999-9724.
- Find free, confidential advocacy services near you by visiting youhavetherightco.org.
- Receive confidential emotional support by calling or texting the Colorado Mental Health Line at 988.