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Vermont Legislation
13 V.S.A § 2662
SYNOPSIS: A VICTIM MAY BRING AN ACTION IN THE CIVIL DIVISION OF THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR DAMAGES, INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN THE CASE OF A WILLFUL VIOLATION, AND REASONABLE COSTS AND ATTORNEY’S FEES.
Sec. 2662. Private Cause of Action.
(a) A victim of human trafficking may bring an action against the offender in the Civil Division of the Superior Court for damages, injunctive relief, punitive damages in the case of a willful violation, and reasonable costs and attorney's fees. Actual damages may include any loss for which restitution is available under section 2657 of this chapter.
(b) If the victim is deceased or otherwise unable to represent himself or herself, the victim may be represented by a legal guardian, family member, or other representative appointed by the court, provided that the legal guardian, family member, or other representative appointed by the court has not benefited in any way from the trafficking.
In a civil action brought under this section, the victim's alleged consent to the human trafficking is immaterial and shall not be admitted. (Added 2011, No. 55, § 2.)