EFTA00020574.pdf

Type: pdf
Source set: data-set-8
Extracted text

Thank you, Ariel. 
As a result of this new law, victims of childhood sexual abuse 
whose voices were never heard and whose stories were never 
told have now been given a new chance to come forward, to 
share their experiences, and to vindicate their rights; 
All of these goals are wholeheartedly shared by our Office, 
which is committed to using the federal criminal law to the 
maximum extent possible to investigate and prosecute those 
who sexually abuse and traffic minors. 
As many of you know, several months ago our Office brought 
criminal sex trafficking charges against Jeffrey Epstein, a serial 
predator. 
To bring that prosecution, we relied on the courage of many 
young women who were victimized as minors and who were 
willing -- years after their abuse — to share their stories. And 
while Epstein committed suicide before he could face trial, our 
investigation into his co-conspirators continues. 
I have said publicly before, we can only do the work we do with 
the assistance of victims willing to come forward. 
By providing victims of childhood sexual abuse with a new 
opportunity to be heard, this law marks not only an important 
step for victims' rights but will help facilitate the work of law 
EFTA00020574


enforcement in identifying and prosecuting those who prey on 
our most vulnerable. 
I want to thank Safe Horizon for inviting me to this important 
event. As the country's largest victim services organization, 
Safe Horizon provides support on a daily basis to victims of 
human trafficking, sexual assault, and child exploitation. This 
work is incredibly important -- and incredibly challenging. 
Our Office knows that it takes great courage for victims of 
trafficking and assault to report their experiences to law 
enforcement. It also takes coordination, trust, and 
partnerships between service providers like Safe Horizon and 
prosecutors. 
For years, our Office has received case referrals from Safe 
Horizon and we look forward to continuing our part…
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