2012 Trafficking In Persons Final Report.pdf - NCJTC Home

FINAL REPORT
the prohibition of carrying money and/or identification. Survivors also noted that the initially victims are
often abused to establish the handlers dominance; and that once this is accomplished the trafficker will use
more psychological means of control.
Objective 3: Develop a list of risk characteristics
Findings: Participants decided situational factors are important and demonstrate any child can be the
victim of trafficking. Common risk factors include truancy, repeatedly running away from home, delinquency,
gang involvement, substance abuse, mental health, sexual/physical abuse, poverty, disability,
limited language proficiency, overly permissive parents, environmental education factors, false sense of
invincibility, foster/residential care, race/ethnicity, low self-esteem, depression, past trauma, media exposure,
and physical features.
Objective 4: Develop an offender profile
Finding: The data suggest that offender behaviors are dictated by culture and type of trafficking; making
profiles problematic. For example, offenders operating massage parlors exhibit different indicators than offenders
from Mexico. While a true “profile” could not be developed, attendees did identify some common
behaviors or indicators seen among traffickers. Offenders are manipulative and controlling. Being motivated
by financial gain often results in overt displays of wealth including flashy clothing, expensive cars, and
carrying large amounts of cash. Traffickers also have a complete disregard for human dignity and liberty.
Objective 5: Examine best practices for victim and offender interviewing
Finding: There are several approaches that work well with both groups including building rapport early
on, utilizing multiple interviewers, and providing training to interview staff. Training needs to specifically
focus on dealing with the victims and offenders involved in trafficking to be effective. Participants also
recommended obtaining and reviewing all available information and data regarding the individuals being
interviewed. This can include prior arrest and Child Protective Services reports. Interviewers should
have a detailed timeline of the victim or offender’s life prior to beginning the interview. While conducting
research before an interview is important, one should also have a pre-determined strategy regarding
how the interview will be conducted and what information will be obtained. A successful interviewer will
already know the “end-game” before asking the first question. Additional best practices were identified
specifically related to victim interviews including being empathetic and authentic, learning to understand
psychological clues, keeping the emotions of the interviewer under control, addressing the victims’ fears
and concerns, starting where the victim is, and obtaining a complete life history to fully understand what
they have been through.
Objective 6: Explore the unique characteristics of trafficking victims
Finding: Common adolescent characteristics such as impulsiveness, depression, neediness, loneliness,
anger, and jealousy; put them at risk for victimization. Additional indicators of a high-risk youth can in-
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