2012 Trafficking In Persons Final Report.pdf - NCJTC Home

Trafficking in Persons symposium
Good collaboration and cooperation between law enforcement, prosecutors, non-governmental organizations,
and other community organizations is needed to successfully investigate these cases. Professionals
need to work together and respect each other’s roles and expertise. Prosecutors and investigators should
be well trained, possess patience, and have experience in handling trafficking cases. Officials should be
familiar with the resources available for victims and establish relationships with service providers before
the investigation begins. Immediate treatment for victims should be mandated. Mentor and educate new
detectives on how to conduct trafficking investigations and explain the effects of trauma. Investigators
need to follow money trails to prove the financial motive behind these crimes.
Objective 8: Outline suggestions for removing legal barriers and creating uniform legislation across
states
Recommendations: Participants suggested looking at human trafficking from various angles, including all
possible charges relating to the offender’s behavior rather than just trying to prove the minimum elements
of trafficking offenses. Training needs to be provided to all officials regarding human trafficking so they
can develop at least a base level understanding of the issue. Local/state and federal prosecutors should
develop agreements regarding how cases will be handled so there is no confusion during the investigation.
Steps need to be taken to greatly reduce or even eliminate victim blaming. Using the correct terminology
can help in this regard. For example, children caught up in trafficking should be referred to as sexual exploitation
victims rather than juvenile prostitutes. Group members also called for a greater unity of laws
across the country. It was noted that there is a group currently working toward developing a Uniform Code
for Human Trafficking, which addresses both criminal penalties and victim services.
Victim services and restoration
Objective 1: Develop recommendations for effective interventions
Suggestions: Before an intervention occurs officials must have strong partnerships in place with one another.
Each agency/organization needs to be aware of what services the others can provide and protocols
should be developed for referring victims. Effective treatment models should be able to address the immediate,
short-term, and long-term needs of victims. Programs need to meet victims where they are and
thus be adaptable. During an intervention, officials must make themselves available to victims at all times,
refrain from making promises that cannot be kept, and be aware of culturally specific needs. Participants
were encouraged to take advantage of existing resources when developing plans such as those provided
by the Office for Victims for Crimes. There is no need to start from scratch.
Objective 2: Outline policy recommendations for dealing with unintended consequences of decriminalization
Suggestions: Participants suggested having a well functioning State Child Welfare Agency or crisis center
to provide prevention, identification, intervention, response and aftercare services. Additional recommendations
include advocating for sex trafficking to be globally considered a sexual offense, establishing
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