By Legislator Viviana L. Russell
In recent months, Nassau County has taken important steps toward combating the scourge of human trafficking – but there is more work to be done to ensure the perpetrators of such heinous acts have no safe harbor anywhere within our communities.
On Thursday, Aug. 27, I stood with human trafficking survivor Hollie Nadel and my Democratic Caucus colleagues, where I announced the filing of my proposed local law that seeks to ensure local massage parlors cannot be exploited as springboards for criminality.
Already, the Legislature has demonstrated a bipartisan interest in addressing this issue. In April, I joined my colleagues in a unanimous vote to ban short-stay bookings under eight hours, require hotels and motels to document guests’ vital information and documents, preserve security footage, and train employees to spot signs of human trafficking.
I am seeking to expand those requirements to so that massage establishments are held to the same standards as hotels and motels, explicitly prohibit coercion, forced labor, commercial sexual activity or trafficking activity at massage parlors, and strengthen the overall code in important ways.
Under my proposed local law, the Department of Consumer Affairs would be empowered to conduct inspections to enforce compliance at massage parlors. Additionally, the Office of the County Attorney would be authorized to take civil enforcement actions - up to and including closure proceedings against properties that frequently violate this code or engage in trafficking activities.
The proposal would establish some of the toughest local regulations on massage establishments in New York State while shifting the focus of enforcement toward the people, businesses and properties that enable and profit from trafficking, rather than disproportionately punishing individuals who may themselves be victims of exploitation.
Recent reporting has underscored the scale and persistence of the problem on Long Island. A Newsday analysis found that Long Island has become one of New York’s most active fronts in an illicit massage industry estimated at roughly $500 million annually statewide. Police and town officials raided at least 231 spas in Nassau and Suffolk counties over the last five years, including at least 85 that were raided more than once.
While enforcement mechanisms are essential, it is my hope that comprehensive regulations will prevent trafficking in the first place. A key component of a comprehensive and holistic strategy is built upon a foundation of public awareness and action.
That is why my proposal directs every hotel, motel and massage establishment to post the National Human Trafficking Hotline number and information for reporting suspected trafficking in English and the languages most commonly spoken by staff and clients. All covered hotels, motels and massage parlors will additionally be required to establish procedures for reporting suspected trafficking activity to the proper authorities.
Once human trafficking operations have been unearthed and disrupted, we have a duty and an obligation to provide support and care for the victims so that we can help them escape this nightmare and rebuild their lives. My proposal directs Nassau County to establish a Human Trafficking Response Working Group to issue policy recommendations.
Members will be appointed by the Legislature and consist of stakeholders from the Nassau County Police Department, the District Attorney’s office, the Departments of Social Services and Consumer Affairs, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and survivor advocacy and victim services organizations.
Additionally, we would establish a Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Fund to provide emergency housing, counseling, transportation assistance, legal services, workforce development, language access services and survivor support programs. These trauma- informed resources will help survivors find their footing and rebuild their lives, and services will be provided with an emphasis on preserving privacy and confidentiality.
I am hopeful that my colleagues will embrace this proposal and adopt it as we continue our efforts to combat human trafficking. As the legislative process continues, we will keep working on parallel tracks to raise awareness and connect our community with vital resources.
Never lose sight of the power within each of us to make an impact by becoming more informed, vocal, and active. There are many important agencies fighting back against sexual abuse and trafficking, and I encourage you to spread the word about the services provided by these essential organizations and others that make a daily impact.
National Human Trafficking Hotline - 1-888-373-7888
https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
U.S. Department of State – 20 Ways to Prevent Human Trafficking
https://www.state.gov/20-ways-you-can-help-fight-human-trafficking
New York State – Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking
https://otda.ny.gov/programs/bria/trafficking.asp
Crime Victims Center of Long Island - (516) 465-4700
https://www.parentsformeganslaw.org/
Nassau County Rape and Domestic Violence Hotline – 516-542-0404
Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network - https://rainn.org/
Operator of the National Sexual Assault Hotline – 1-800-656-4673
Viviana L. Russell, of Westbury, represents Nassau County’s Second Legislative District.