NCJ Number
226181
Date Published
2009
Length
93 pages
Annotation
This Office of the Attorney General's report provides both an overview of human trafficking in the State of Texas, as well as the government's responses to this crime.
Abstract
The U.S. Department of State's most recent Trafficking in Persons Report estimates that approximately 800,000 victims are trafficked across international borders each year. Report findings show challenges that remain for Texas as it prepares to provide a comprehensive response to human trafficking. Noted was that additional review of State law is needed to enhance State-level prosecutions and to provide more legal tools as law enforcement attempts to dismantle criminal enterprises that engage in human trafficking. To increase victim identification and rescue, and to encourage criminal prosecutions, professional training on human trafficking is essential for all levels of government, law enforcement, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and first responders. Prevention efforts must be maintained to help end the supply of and demand for trafficked victims. Even as improvements and enhancements to existing laws and social services for victims are implemented, additional solutions and legal tools that will further improve the State's fight against human trafficking must be found. Human trafficking-related issues are identified within this study and recommendations are provided for the Legislature's consideration as it examines how to enhance existing statues and services available to human trafficking victims. References and appendices