Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a pervasive, global problem with acute consequences for the survivors. Human trafficking, according to the U.S. Department of State, is a form of modern-day slavery involving the recruitment, harboring, or obtaining a person for labor or services, through force, fraud, coercion or threat for the purpose of exploitation.
The Issue in Virginia
In 2016, 610 calls have been made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline from Virginia, leading to the investigation of 140 cases. Of these, roughly 70% were instances of sex trafficking, and among victims, over 85% were female and roughly 40% were children.[1]
In terms of legislation, Polaris Project has proclaimed Virginia a Tier 1 state, meaning that it has passed significant laws to combat human trafficking! Virginia has passed statutes that criminalize both sex and labor trafficking, and has a state wide trafficking task force, specialized training for law enforcement, and a lower burden of proof for the sex trafficking of minors.
However, Polaris Project classifies Virginia as a Tier 4 state in terms of victims’ assistance, indicating that Virginia has “not made minimal efforts to pass laws to support victims of human trafficking”. As of 2014, Virginia has not passed Safe Harbor laws or laws that provide victims with assistance programs, access to civil damages, or the option of having convictions of prostitution due to being trafficked overturned.[2] For a complete list of the current Virginia laws pertaining to sex and labor trafficking, please click here.
Although the scope of the problem can seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that we can make a difference! Remember – the overwhelming majority of calls to the hotline are made by concerned community members who knew the warning signs of trafficking.[4] Every step forward counts, so we invite you to join us in running for freedom.
[1]"National Human Trafficking Hotline." National Human Trafficking Hotline. Polaris, Dec. 2016. Web. 21 June 2017.
[2] 2014 State Ratings on Human Trafficking Laws. N.p.: Polaris, 2014. PDF.
[3] “National Human Trafficking Hotline.” Polaris, Dec. 2016.
