https://www.kcrg.com/2025/03/13/iowa-bill-would-protect-child-victims-sex-trafficking/
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - “I have a voice, I want to be heard,” said a Dubuque teenage victim of sex trafficking.
A teenager who was sex trafficked faced her abuser in a Cedar Rapids courtroom. Lawmakers could make it easier for children to testify in such cases.
Two bills are under consideration that address human trafficking, including the sex trafficking of children. Those who work to prevent these crimes said these bills will bring more traffickers to justice.
The Iowa Supreme Court ruled last year that it was unconstitutional for testimony to be recorded and not done in front of an accuser, including children. One advocacy group said that the ruling is preventing victims from testifying.
Jarod Anderson of Hiawatha is waiting for his sentencing of life in prison after picking up a Dubuque teenager taking her to a Cedar Rapids hotel and selling her for sex. One of the reasons prosecutors secured a Class A felony conviction for Anderson was because the victim came forward.
“It was hard, it was a struggle, barely felt alive,” said the teen victim in an interview from July 2024.
Teresa Davidson, the co-founder of the nonprofit ‘Chains Interrupted’ a sex trafficking surviving advocacy group said the defense in the case took advantage of a 2024 Supreme Court ruling forcing child victims to testify in person, instead of by video.
“They moved the abuser in front of her, so she had to face him directly the entire time,” she said. “That’s when she got sick to her stomach, and we had to take a break so she could go throw up.”
Iowa lawmakers want to reduce the trauma for survivors by letting them testify without the accused in the room. This brings up concerns about due process, which the Sixth Amendment protects. The attorneys for both sides would still be present, but the suspect would not.
“People would feel more comfortable telling the truth because, I can tell you from personal experience, helping people that are victimized by this that when they see that person in-person to see the abuser in person their whole demeanor changes,” said Davidson.
Davidson said the abuser would get to hear the testimony from their accuser in the trial, but she said the bill would lead to more convictions and empowered victims.
“Everyone has a voice, and it should be heard,” said the Dubuque teenager in a 2024 interview. “I am not going to give up on my case, I am a survivor.”
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Use video
Or, put the perp behind a screen. He can still be in the room, but he doesn't have to be seen.
I think that is great and I would be for that but the 6th as written doesn't make that acceptable. I know, it wasn't an option when it was written but couldn't that lend to then the 2nd? We say shall not be infringed, hard line no pass. Libs scream that "assault weapons" didn't exist then.
I know I'm on thin ice with a touchy subject but I'm really thinking about this one.
I suppose interpretation of the 6th is different though. There is no shall not be infringed... idk just thinking here
Maybe try it in one state and have the law automatically expired in 5 years. If it's good they can renew it.
I believe SCOTUS will eventually rule that the right to be confronted by your witness simply means no star chambers. A defendant deserves to know the identity of their accuser. A defendant deserves to hear testimony against him. A defendant deserves the right of cross examination. A defendant does not deserve the right to sit next to and harass a witness. We already remove unruly defendants from the courtroom all the time and continue the proceedings with them participating by video.