Texas (KWTX) - Local prosecutors hope a new state law going into effect this week can help sex trafficking victims come forward to law enforcement.

Senate Bill 11 allows victims to avoid prosecution if they are forced to commit certain crimes under traffickers’ threats or coercion. The law covers crimes such as prostitution, selling drugs and theft.

Experts say victims’ fear plays a large role in why the sex trafficking industry continues to grow. When both a trafficker and the criminal justice system are punishing a victim, it creates barriers to reporting.

Rise in local cases

Prosecutors say there has been a rise in sex trafficking cases in McLennan County, as well as awareness.

“Trafficking has always been well addressed in central Texas,” said Joseph Scaramucci, a former McLennan

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