STATE APPROACHES TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING POLICY IN THE U.S.

Authors

Mary C. Ellison, Polaris ProjectFollow

Date of this Version

2011

Document Type

Article

Comments

Presentation for 2011 Interdisciplinary Conference on Human Trafficking, September 29 - October 1, 2011, Lincoln, Nebraska. Copyright © 2011 Mary C. Ellison.

Abstract

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE STATE APPROACH TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

1.An effective federal and state human trafficking legal framework;

2.Creating a coordinated, comprehensive community response;
–24 hour hotline with has designated POC's for all needs, including shelters, services, etc.;
–Strong referral protocols;
–Media campaign, awareness raising;
–Community and direct outreach;

3.Collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries to:
–Identify, assist and protect human trafficking victims;
–Investigate human traffickers and the related networks;
–Initiate prosecutions from U.S. Attorney’s Offices, State Attorney Generals and County and Local Attorney’s Offices;
–Hold human traffickers accountable and suppress their markets.