South Carolina is set to launch a groundbreaking pilot program on September 30 aimed at assisting human trafficking survivors in clearing their credit of debts incurred by their abusers. This initiative makes South Carolina the second state in the U.S. to implement support under the 2022 federal Debt Bondage Repair Act. The program will specifically aid those whose traffickers have used their identities to open credit accounts or take loans, leading to financial hardships that hinder their ability to secure housing, transportation, and employment. Survivors will receive free legal assistance to navigate the often complex process of blocking harmful credit information, including defaulted loans and criminal convictions linked to their trafficking experiences. The initiative will collaborate with pro-bono attorneys and the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network to facilitate the process. This program is part of a broader effort in the state to support trafficking survivors, including recent legislative measures to expunge certain criminal records.
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