Abstract
This chapter focuses on sex trafficking in the USA, beginning by defining and distinguishing between key terms and types of sex trafficking as well as characterizing the populations affected and the consequences they experience in being trafficked. The geographic distribution, flows, and magnitude of this form of twenty-first century slavery are outlined, and important gaps and weaknesses in the available research literature are indicated. Finally, a comprehensive overview of the governmental response to sex trafficking, which has historically been grounded in a criminal justice approach, will be outlined. The growing recognition of the need for collaboration, coordination, capacity building, and crosswalks among departments and service delivery systems is reflected in The Federal Strategic Action Plan and the outflow of that plan. The sex trafficking focus of the US federal and state legislation has shaped the nature of survivor services and immigration remedies. Reporting about human trafficking and resourcing for federal, regional, tribal, and state jurisdictions and authorities for victim services and trafficking prevention remain a challenge. The chapter concludes with provisional recommendations which are built upon the findings outlined and project likely directions for those working on sex trafficking in the USA.
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Notes
- 1.
Though currently illegal, human trafficking or slavery of persons has not always been illegal, and has even been historically state sanctioned.
- 2.
This study was conducted prior to the DSM V adoption of “substance use disorder” terminology. The study found that 75 % of the study participants “abused” substances while “virtually all” “used” substances.
- 3.
End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes.
- 4.
VAWA protects partnered victims of all genders and sexual orientations.
- 5.
The Department of Labor recognizes forced labor as similar to trafficking but does not explicitly provide a legal differentiation in the Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2011–1—Addendum, Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division April 2, 2015 Under 8 C.F.R. § 214.14(a).
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Powell, C.L., Bennouna, C. (2017). Sex Trafficking in the USA. In: Chisolm-Straker, M., Stoklosa, H. (eds) Human Trafficking Is a Public Health Issue. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47824-1_4
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