NCJ Number
226149
Date Published
2008
Length
90 pages
Annotation
This study examined the issue of trafficking of women for sexual purposes; the barriers to victim detection, identification and reporting; and successful prosecution of traffickers in Australia.
Abstract
Findings focus on international and Australian initiatives to investigate trafficking for sexual purposes, with issues surrounding transnational migration for work, exploitation, and sexual violence, and supporting victims. Research on trafficking in persons is challenged by the small number of cases and concomitant responses. This report provides insight into the issues, barriers, and challenges of responding to trafficking of women in Australia through the learned experience of victims' and offenders' contacts. Victim detection, identification and reporting, and prosecution of traffickers, underlies anti-trafficking responses of compliance and law enforcement through collaborative immigration and policing initiatives. Differing responses by State and national jurisdictions to detect, investigate, and prosecute trafficking cases highlight the complexities of transnational trafficking cases; victim support programs; and the provisions for legal advice, prior inconsistent statements, and the credibility of witnesses. Findings suggest the need for more research to characterize the victims of trafficking, re-conceptualize the visa framework, provide victim support services, ensure that laws protect witnesses, and improve policing education. Data were collected from literature review, a review of trial transcripts where these were available, and interviews with a number of individuals and organizations that have had the first-hand experience of responding to trafficking in persons in Australia. References and appendix