An Intersectional Examination of Barriers to Human Trafficking Victim Designation

• In Event: Trauma and Healing: Examining Public Opinion and Policy Responses to Violence

Abstract

Purpose/problem: Human trafficking victim identification has been low since the implementation of the 2000 Trafficking Victim Protection Act. Research has found that there are disparities in victim treatment and labeling based on race, gender, sexuality, and other identities. Yet, there has not been a study on how race and other intersectional identities may influence law enforcement’s decisions to designate someone a victim or human trafficking. As such this study explores challenges advocates face when seeking victim designation on behalf of trafficking victims.
Study Design: This is a qualitative study that uses a descriptive survey with semi-structured interviews with victims’ advocates who work with human trafficking victims.
Major Findings: We found that stereotypes around the perfect victim affect proper victim identification and that respondent/advocates actively try to minimize stereotypes when advocating on behalf of their clients/survivors.

Authors

• Arifa Raza, Washington State University

• Cassandra Young, University of Denver