NCJ Number
203762
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 70 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2003 Pages: 68,70,72,73,74
Date Published
December 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the three-tiered approach of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), and underscores the importance of agency collaboration in the fight against human trafficking.
Abstract
The TVPA provides a threefold approach to curbing cases of human trafficking; it works to (1) prevent human trafficking; (2) protect victims of trafficking; and (3) prosecute traffickers. Severe forms of human trafficking are defined and include sex trafficking and involuntary servitude. The first objective the TVPA, the prevention of human trafficking, is focused on preventing human trafficking in other countries that are known as sending countries or countries of origin. The United States Agency for International Development and the Department of State work together to lobby foreign governments to enact anti-trafficking legislation in their countries. The second objective of protecting victims of human trafficking is met by allowing victims to legally remain in the United States for a time period deemed necessary by the prosecution team. Governmental services are available to such victims, including food stamps and Medicaid, which is made available by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Victims of Crime. The latter agency has the ability to make funds available to victims prior to their certification as victims of trafficking. The ability of victims of trafficking to tap into such governmental resources is largely based on their willingness to assist in the investigation and prosecution of traffickers. This requirement can prove difficult where victims of trafficking are distrustful of law enforcement. Finally, the need to establish direct lines of communication between agencies dealing with various aspects of human trafficking cases is underscored. Specific tasks in the fight against human trafficking have been given to different governmental departments, thus ensuring clear lines of communication become necessary to the efficient conclusion of such cases.