NCJ Number
222483
Date Published
2007
Length
35 pages
Annotation
After a brief introduction regarding the nature of human trafficking, this paper discusses Federal and State legislation pertaining to the issue, followed by a report on research that has explored the scope of the problem in Kentucky and efforts to combat it.
Abstract
Victims of human trafficking are coerced, either by force or deception, to earn money for traffickers through various types of exploitative labor and commercial sex. Traffickers usually target children and young women. Under the control of their captors, victims often endure mental, emotional, and physical abuse. Victims have limited freedom of movement, lack identifying documents, and are fearful of contact with outsiders who are not part of the trafficking network. The Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 defines human trafficking and contains provisions designed to protect victims, prosecute traffickers, and prevent trafficking. On June 26, 2007, Kentucky became the 28th State to ban human trafficking. Senate Bill 43 makes it a felony to force anyone into labor, domestic work, or the sex trade. An offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, with a more severe sanction if the victim is under age 18 or is seriously injured during trafficking activities. Victims of human trafficking are exempted from incarceration and guaranteed the right to counseling and to an interpreter for communications with government authorities. Various information sources indicate that Kentucky is a source, route of transit, and destination State for human trafficking. Anecdotal evidence suggests that offenders are engaging in both labor and sexual exploitation of their victims. Out of early efforts to serve battered immigrant women, local task forces have emerged to deal with human trafficking in general. Nonprofit organizations also serve trafficking victims, especially in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault. A 30-item bibliography and appended Federal and Kentucky antitrafficking legislation