Justice for Trafficking Victims

SOS: Save Our Sisters

October 7, 2008Chicago, Illinois

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000

Bolstered existing U.S. criminal statutes prohibiting trafficking in persons and created new crimes.

Mandated State Department reporting on anti-human trafficking efforts by countries around the world.

Created T-visas for victims of trafficking. Amended in 2003 to include a private right of action

for victims of trafficking. (18 U.S.C. § 1595)

Resulted in prosecutions of 449 defendants in the U.S., yielding 342 convictions. (FY 2001-FY 2007)

Trafficking Myths and Facts

TRUE OR FALSE:1. Trafficked persons are most frequently kidnapped.2. Trafficked persons do not earn any money.3. Trafficking is controlled by organized crime.4. Trafficking victims want their traffickers prosecuted.5. Trafficked persons just want to return home.6. Trafficked persons enter the country of destination illegally.7. Trafficked persons want to be rescued.8. Women who agree to work in the sex industry cannot be

trafficked.9. Only women and children can be trafficked.

What do trafficking survivors hope to accomplish?

•Hold the traffickers accountable;

•Collect damages and back wages;

•Send money home to family; and

•Reunite with family members.

Questions?

Martina E. Vandenberg

Jenner & Block LLP

1099 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20001

(202)-639-6046

mvandenberg@jenner.com