Let’s Stop Fighting Human Trafficking in the Dark: Advancing Comprehensive Human Trafficking Data Collection

• In Event: Innovative Data Collection Efforts on Human Trafficking

Abstract

In the State of Florida there is no unified database for human trafficking. Rather, each agency gathers data according to its own needs resulting in random snapshots of Florida’s human trafficking problem rather than providing a comprehensive understanding of the problem. This paper discusses limitations and consequences of the present status of human trafficking data collection and lack of data sharing across state agencies. Absent accurate data on the number of human trafficking incidents, victims, offenders, and regional hotspots in the state, Florida cannot efficiently dedicate the limited available resources to anti-human trafficking efforts. The paper discusses best practices of human trafficking data collection and solutions for human trafficking data collection and data sharing. We recommend the creation of a unified data repository for anonymous human trafficking data which would measure and track human trafficking over time to inform policy makers and facilitate data-driven use of funds and programming.

Author

• Joan Reid, University of South Florida