Human trafficking cases involving minors remain one of the most complicated aspects of the anti-trafficking efforts in Texas. While there is a common view that children who are caught up in human trafficking are victims, the best approach to the cases remains somewhat elusive –falling somewhere in between the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Much of the focus of ant-human trafficking efforts has been on female domestic minor sex trafficking victims, as they represent most of known cases. However, male victims of sex trafficking are often overlooked. Stepping up the focus on male victims may also be an effective strategy to address one of the root causes of human trafficking.
One study found that 72% of pimps were male, and 56% …show more content…
These efforts have helped produce preventive strategies, identify victims, raise awareness, increase education, provide victim services, prosecute offenders, and increase data collection and intelligence-sharing. Members of the Task Force and other anti-trafficking organizations have been a part of a paradigm shift within agencies, organizations, and communities. A small sample of the anti-trafficking activities which have occurred across the state since the inception of the Task Force are noted below.
Proactively pursuing human trafficking investigations and prosecutions is a top priority. State-level prosecutions can be problematic for a myriad of reasons. Unlike many crimes, victims of human trafficking rarely self-identify. In many cases, it takes the trained eye of state and local law enforcement personnel or service providers to discover a trafficking victim. Even when approached, victims may not identify as victims due to fear of reprisal by their trafficker. The shadowy nature of the crime is only one factor in the relatively low number of …show more content…
Unfortunately, we still have little information on how often it occurs, where it is most likely to occur, and who is most likely involved. The collection of reliable human trafficking data is essential for policy makers, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to fully understand the scope of the problem while more effectively and efficiently allocating resources to fight it.
There are numerous prevention strategies so that investigators, prosecutors, and service. Human trafficking was added to the list of common nuisances, allowing businesses involved in trafficking could be closed down. Expanding training and awareness initiatives to other non-traditional business professionals will increase the likelihood of detection in the community because, unlike law enforcement, observant civilians drive through their communities and visit local businesses without arousing suspicion or detection by the