NCJ Number
245758
Date Published
May 2012
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper proposes seven strategies for prosecutors in responding to human trafficking that involves interconnected sexual and physical violence against trafficked and non-trafficked victims.
Abstract
The intent of the strategies is to improve the identification, investigation, and prosecution of these crimes against women. One strategy is to create a collaborative, comprehensive task force. Multidisciplinary teams should include representatives from law enforcement, prosecution, victim advocacy, healthcare, social services, and other agencies and systems with which sexually exploited women may have contact. These teams assist system responders in identifying and overcoming barriers to a victim's cooperation and providing the victim with resources, protection, assistance, and encouragement throughout the investigation, prosecution, disposition, and beyond. A second strategy is to create specialized units and prosecutors. Skills developed through specialization in human trafficking cases can greatly improve prosecutors' effectiveness. The skills, knowledge, and experience of sexual assault and domestic violence prosecutors are critical components for the successful prosecution and investigation of human trafficking cases. A third strategy is to identify victims and perpetrators by recognizing indicators of human trafficking. Experts estimate that 80 percent of prostitution occurs indoors in massage parlors, champagne rooms in strip clubs, health clubs, and hotel rooms. A fourth strategy is to cross-train healthcare professionals to identify and respond effectively to victims of sex trafficking. A fifth strategy is to conduct offender-focused, victim-centered human trafficking investigations and prosecutions. Under this strategy the paper discusses issues of victim cooperation, the use of laws often used against organized crime, and effective trial strategies. A sixth strategy involves the development of victim services designed to rehabilitate victims and reintegrate them into the community; and the seventh strategy pertains to the evaluation and improvement in a jurisdiction's current response. 59 notes