PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ruoxi Chen, Program Manager of Garden of Hope, on the Safe Hotels Act
1:42:22
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130 sec
Ruoxi Chen, Program Manager of Garden of Hope, testifies in support of the Safe Hotels Act, highlighting the dangers faced by human trafficking survivors in hotels. She emphasizes the urgent need for improved safety measures and protection for vulnerable individuals exploited within the hotel industry.
- Chen describes the traumatic experiences of trafficking survivors in illicit massage businesses operating within hotels, including physical and sexual violence, robbery, and constant fear.
- The testimony underscores the unique vulnerabilities of immigrant workers with limited English proficiency and resources, who often feel powerless to seek help.
- Chen argues that the Safe Hotels Act is crucial for addressing these issues and providing safety and support for those who are often invisible and voiceless in the hotel industry.
Ruoxi Chen
1:42:22
Good morning, distinguished members of the New York City Council.
1:42:25
My name is Rosie Chen, and I'm the program manager of the human trafficking intervention program at Garden Hope.
1:42:30
We are linguistically and culturally competent nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and empowering survivors affected by domestic violence sexual saw human trafficking, hate violence, and other forms of violence, as well as promoting family well-being and community justice.
1:42:44
I stand before you today to address the urgent needs to support and pass the Safe Hotels Act.
1:42:49
Many of our clients have endured complex trauma especially those involved in illicit massage businesses operating within hotels.
1:42:56
These individuals often rent rooms on a monthly basis with phone operators controlling the flow of clients.
1:43:02
They have no choice in who they see receiving customer assignments solely through tech or phone calls, which leaves them in a constant state of fear and vulnerability.
1:43:10
The risk of encountering dangerous customers is ever present.
1:43:15
Our clients have reported multiple incidents of robbery and burglary throughout their working experience along with frequent physical and sexual violence at the hands of buyers.
1:43:24
They attribute much of this danger to the hotel standing itself where the confined space provides no means of escape or hiding during an attack.
1:43:31
Their savings often hidden in their rooms further compound the risk.
1:43:35
Many of my clients have shared that there wasn't a single day they work in hotels without feeling constant fear and anxiety.
1:43:41
Even after leaving that environment, many continue to suffer from lingering post traumatic stress symptoms.
1:43:46
A hunting reminder of the dangers and trauma they endured.
1:43:49
As immigrants with limited English prophecy and resources, these women feel powerless to seek help.
1:43:55
Even in emergencies, fear and isolation prevent them from reaching out for assistance, Based on our client's experiences, the risk of encountering various crimes while working in illicit's massage businesses within hotels is significantly higher compared to those working in traditional massage powers on the streets.
1:44:12
The safe hotels act address the uniqueness unique vulnerabilities of individuals, particularly human trafficking victims, who are exploited within the hotel industry.
1:44:21
Supporting this legislation is crucial in providing much needed safety and support, those who are often invisible and voiceless It will ensure that previously on reported cases are brought to light and properly addressed.
1:44:32
Thank you.
Marta Bustillo
1:44:32
Thank you.
