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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 24, 2022 03:45 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Lisa Baker |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program |
| Numerous reports have outlined the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on child sexual abuse and trafficking. During the time of mandated lockdown, communication and information technology played an even more central role in people’s everyday lives, providing an opportunity for predators to become increasingly aggressive and putting children at greater risk. Sharing through peer-to-peer networks on the Darknet, live-streaming of child sexual exploitation for payment, and self-generated child sexual abuse material distributed on the and Clearnet exploded because offenders had more time to organize and create content. At the same time, the reduced physical contact dictated by COVID safety measures severely hindered the ability of investigators and case managers to carry out their duties. The implications for child protection and policing are daunting as we try to address the backlog created and respond to the increased and more complex workload. Offenders proved to be highly adaptable, finding new ways to exploit children and coaching others on how to be successful. In Luzerne County alone, the number of cyber tips coming through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have tripled. In addition to increases in searching, viewing, and distributing child sexual abuse material, there has also been a surge in online enticement and grooming behavior, adults blackmailing or threatening minors, and adults pretending to be minors for sexual purposes. Funding is needed to create the infrastructure necessary to investigate and prosecute these crimes. I plan to introduce legislation to establish a grant program, housed under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency utilizing American Rescue Plan Act dollars, to give law enforcement and other frontline professionals the equipment, personnel, and training necessary to help safeguard our children. Organizations working to increase education and outreach to parents, children, and the community would also be eligible, and collaborative efforts among various agencies and disciplines would be encouraged. In recent years, we have fought against trafficking and exploitation by predators through increased penalties and improved child protections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these monsters expanded their methods for misusing technology to mistreat minors. I invite you to join me as we continue building on the protective network and mobilize resources to develop a long-term strategy to combat this ever-changing menace. |
Memo Updated: May 24, 2022 03:46 PM