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5/31/2017
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Rep. Craven’s bill that adds ‘sexual exploitation’ to the domestic abuse prevention law passes House
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 STATE HOUSE – Rep. Robert E. Craven’s (D-Dist. 32, North Kingstown) legislation (2017-H 5990A) that would add the definition of “sexual exploitation” to the domestic abuse prevention law which would include acts by any person who willfully encourages, aids or coerces any child under the age of 18 to engage in commercial sex acts was passed by the House of Representatives tonight.
“Sadly, this legislation is needed in order to protect children who are horrifically sexually harmed in domestic abuse situations. To profit off of the sexual abuse of a child one is tasked to nurture and protect, is one of the most despicable acts one can perpetrate upon a defenseless child and it should be punished with the full extent of the law. This bill will protect our children and punish these repulsive monsters,” said Representative Craven, Chairman of the House Committee on Labor.
“Sexual exploitation” is defined in the legislation as recruiting, employing, enticing, soliciting, isolating, harboring, transporting, providing, persuading, obtaining, or maintaining, or so attempts, any minor for the purposes of commercial sex acts or sexually explicit performances; or selling or purchasing a minor for the purposes of commercial sex acts.
The legislation would also allow a parent, guardian, DCYF, or a legal custodian to seek a protective order on behalf of a minor for domestic abuse or sexual exploitation.
Cosponsors of the legislation are Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), Rep. Deborah L. Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown), Rep. Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren), and Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett).
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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