I reflect on my work on behalf of an over 60 year old woman, educated, skilled, smart - who became a puppet and slave for a charismatic pimp. She was able to walk to court in the day, with her loving dog, and bear witness to the horrors she survived.
I wanted a far larger verdict, and I believe all trafficking victims, raw slaves, and torture victims deserve more. Colorado caps pain and suffering at a pittance of $400K or so. Here the judge did all he could to double the verdict and add punitives and economic losses. But the civil law is inadequate to compensate the range of injuries that human beings suffer in Colorado. Torture: being tased for 8 or more hours a session until one can no longer maintain bladder control. Whippings. Cigarette burnings. Cuttings. De-humanization - sleep deprivation. Torture for three years. Extortion. Complete loss of self. All in testimony in District Court resulting in a judgment.
Colorado legislators need to boldly stand up once again, and ensure that all assets of the perpetrators of these crimes against humanity are stripped from them. Let's see who steps up to the plate this session. For too many years I have heard that only prosecutions have priority. The Colorado Council on Human Trafficking completely ignores the power of civil law. It's time to allow new and expanded civil side remedies to END IT. www.init2endit.com
Hi Beth. Thanks for sharing your story about this poor woman. I'm amazed how much you got for this woman, not that she doesn't deserve it, but just amazed. I don't think you can really put a monetary amount on that much suffering anyway. You could submit a story for the WP "Ushering in Peace in 2018" awards about your vision and all the work that you do with your foundation: https://www.worldpulse.com/en/voices-rising/story-awards/81284. Please keep up all your good work!
Thanks so much for the great work you are doing.
Thanks again
Dear Beth, you are right that there is no price for such suffering. I also believe that the traffickers should get the harshest punishment.
You fought for that woman and thank you for helping her and sharing her story. Keep up the good work.
Dear Beth,
Really, NO ONE should go through such inhumane treatment anywhere in the world! When I hear stories like this, I begin to question whether we have any shred of humanity left.
Thanks to you, a semblance of justice has been served. I totally agree that civil redress needs to become more substantial for such appalling crimes.
I wish you all the very best in this fight.
Hello Beth,
What has been done to this woman is so chilling, enraging and heartbreaking. Extreme violence against women everywhere, met with such paltry government responses is disgraceful. Your story is such an important reminder of what we need to continue to focus on, and work together toward real compensation and effective deterrence. Thank you for being there and doing such important work. It creates hope to know that this woman has found support.
In sisterhood,
Tam
Dear Beth,
Congratulations on your success in fighting for your client. I agree that NO amount of money will replace nor erase the evil that has been done to her. I hope more can be done to help her for she will need mental and physical therapy for only GOD knows how long.
The Civil Lawmakers need to get real and improve their laws of because much injustice and flaws are are ruling in these cases.
Thank you in your efforts in fighting for this woman and may you have continued success in your endeavors fighting and aiding humanity!
Best regards,
Queen