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Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain
844-943-7626

Human trafficking is a crisis that occurs around the world. In the U.S., it’s estimated there are as many as one million victims currently being trafficked. Sex trafficking, one of the two types of human trafficking, involves the use of force, coercion, or fraud to get someone to engage in commercial sex acts.

The impact of sex trafficking extends far beyond physical and sexual harm; it causes serious mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. It can have short- and long-term effects on all aspects of the victim’s life. Due to the initial grooming and ongoing manipulation, it’s difficult for victims of sex trafficking to escape and seek help, or to even recognize that they’re victims.

Unfortunately, prosecuting perpetrators of human trafficking is extremely difficult because of their ability to elude law enforcement. The digital age has brought new challenges, and in many cases, has made it easier to target and recruit vulnerable people.

What’s being done to stop sex trafficking involves coordinated, collaborative strategies between support organizations, government, businesses, law enforcement, and international agencies. It requires training not just police, but employees in industries where trafficking occurs and others who are positioned to identify victims and report sex trafficking. State and federal legislation have an integral role in stopping these crimes and providing the resources victims need to escape, heal, and move forward.

As attorneys for sex trafficking victims, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of civil human trafficking lawsuits. These cases have not only helped survivors through empowerment and compensation but also led to changes within industries to prevent it from happening to others.

From grassroots advocacy and support services to new legislation and lawsuits, ending sex trafficking is a complex process. A lot is being done in Louisiana and throughout the U.S. to prevent people from being trafficked, protect victims, and prosecute those responsible.

Human Sex Trafficking Initiatives in Louisiana

Hundreds of children and adults are trafficked each year in Louisiana. In 2023, 86% of the 1,743 human trafficking victims who were reported as receiving services in the state were identified as sex trafficking victims. To help combat these crimes, the Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center of Louisiana is an initiative that provides education and connects survivors and current victims to a wide range of services.

Their website allows victims to search for resources by region. This allows them to search for local support services, an important factor considering victims are so tightly controlled and rarely have their own money to escape.

Some resources through the Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center of Louisiana include emergency response, housing, foreign national services, and child protection organizations. Other partnerships, like domestic and sexual violence organizations, and advocacy groups, are accessible through the resource directory too.

National Human Trafficking Initiatives

The National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) is a country-wide initiative that’s available for victims 24/7. The NHTH can be contacted by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting 233733, or using the online chat. Reporting tools and how to stay safe are some of the hotline’s initiatives. It also aims to educate the public about the signs of human trafficking and how to help or get help.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors to emergency, transitional, and long-term support resources. Examples include education and job training, emergency housing, sexual assault programs, counseling, addiction treatment, and legal services.  

Local Sex Trafficking Advocacy and Resources

In addition to state and national initiatives, numerous organizations across the country are fighting to end human trafficking within their communities and regions. Many provide a safe haven for homeless children and youth, recognizing that this vulnerable population is targeted by perpetrators through promises of a better life.

Some of the goals of local anti-sex trafficking organizations include providing education for businesses about the signs, what to do if trafficking is suspected, and advocating for places like schools to incorporate staff training. These initiatives to stop human trafficking also address the need to reach parents and youth about the dangers and warning signs of grooming, especially when it comes to online platforms.

Why File a Civil Sex Trafficking Lawsuit

While there are countless initiatives, government programs, and state and federal legislation to help stop human trafficking, another effective strategy is for victims to file a civil lawsuit. At Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain, our Louisiana sex abuse attorneys have been helping survivors of these heinous crimes get the compensation they deserve for the extensive harm they’ve endured. But a human trafficking lawsuit can not only empower and give control to victims – it also helps prevent and stop it from happening by spurring change within businesses, like new employee training at hotels.

A sex abuse lawsuit can ensure survivors are financially secure as they heal and deal with the lifelong impact of human trafficking. Our compassionate attorneys understand there are extensive physical, emotional, and psychological injuries from sex trafficking. We offer a safe, and confidential space for victims to share their stories and leverage their right to justice.

Our firm is committed to fighting for the rights of human trafficking victims. Contact us online or call 1-844-943-7626 for a free consultation.

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