Sen. Pavley Draws Up Bill to Boost Convictions of Child Sexual Predators, by Helping Young Victims Testify Without Fear

State Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) introduced Senate Bill 1091, a  bill to help increase convictions of perpetrators against children by helping the traumatized victims testify without fear. SB 1091 is jointly authored by Senator Ted W. Lieu (D- Torrance).

"Tragically there has been a significant increase in the proliferation of child pornography nationwide. The numbers are mind boggling and have serious implications for our state. This is a disturbing trend that must be reversed," said Senator Pavley.

Senator Pavley said, "The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Child Victim Identification Program has received over one million Cyber Tip reports from the public and electronic service providers since 1998."

Current law allows trial assistance for crime victims testifying for preliminary exams; trials involving homicide, elder and dependent abuse; rape and most crimes, but it does not include the assistance for certain sex crimes against minors. SB 1091 extends trial assistance for victims of child pornography, pimping, pandering and for sex trafficking.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, SB 1091 could help provide humane support to witnesses critical in the prosecution of approximately 126 pornography cases, 97 prostitution cases and 3 human trafficking cases in Los Angeles County alone.

Jim Provenza, Special Assistant District Attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office said,"Testifying in court is a very traumatic experience for a young child, particularly a victim of human trafficking or other sex related crimes. This legislation would give the child the right to have up to two support persons present during court testimony. Experience has demonstrated that the presence of support persons helps the victim to testify accurated and completely."

Senator Pavley said this bill closes the loophole in the law. "Victims in child pornography cases are in need of protection and the comfort of  support person. If they are called to testify, they have to recall horrific experiences," the Senator said.