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Sex Trafficking
Sex Trafficking Litigation
Human trafficking occurs when a person is held and coerced into labor or commercial sex. NRS 200.467, further elaborates that human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals for work or sexual purposes. According to a 2021 Trafficking Institute Report, 92% of human trafficking reports filed in federal courts were for sex trafficking. Although sex trafficking can occur on an individual basis, it also can be the result of a business venture or commercial service.
If you or someone you know has been coerced into performing commercial sex as part of a business, you can seek damages against the company that employed you. Businesses, including massage parlors and hotels, are some of the largest offenders in this sector. The Polaris Project, a non-governmental organization that combats human trafficking in North America, reports over 9,000 illegal massage parlors in the US alone.
In 2017, a Forbes article reported that human trafficking is the fastest-growing form of criminal activity in the US. Among human trafficking victims, 71% are female, and minors also make up a significant portion of victims.
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Where to Find Commercial Sex Traffickers
There are several business types and hospitality companies that have been found to utilize trafficked victims. These businesses include:
- Pornography
- Illegal Massage/Spa Centers
- Hotels/Motels
- Strip Clubs
- Truck Stops
- Bars and Others
This list is by no means comprehensive. Plenty of private or online services provide commercial sex from trafficked victims.
Online Sex Trafficking
According to data from a study performed by Alexandra Gelber of the Working Group, around 40% of sex trafficking victims are recruited online. That makes the Internet one of the most significant tools in sex trafficking recruitment.
During the Pandemic, more people were forced to spend time indoors, resulting in an uptick in internet usage and online games. As a result, social media networks and online gaming platforms provided increased sexual exploitation, especially of minors. Even though extended stay-at-home mandates aren’t federally mandated in the US anymore, the numbers of online recruitment have stayed high.
Current Litigation
Survivors of Sex Trafficking can seek compensation according to recent bills. As of 2015, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act provides criminal liability to individuals who purchase sexual services from victims of human trafficking. This piece of legislation also established the US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, which is comprised of survivors of trafficking and advises the federal government on current and potential legislation with emphasis on a survivor’s perspective.
In the last few years, numerous lawsuits have been filed against the hospitality industry, particularly for their complicity in Sex Trafficking. Survivors in these cases have made claims that the industry in question operated in willful ignorance or didn’t take action when they had the opportunity against traffickers. They have also claimed that these companies have even aided and/or abetted traffickers by taking shares of their profits or providing a customer base.
The Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) of 2017
In 2017, legislation was passed that held a business or company liable if they knowingly aided, supported, or facilitated a violation of sex trafficking. This was a controversial piece of legislation as it applied boradly across both in-person operations, like massage parlors and spas, and online businesses, including major social media sites.
When it was passed, the bill was largely criticized for being too broad in scope, but as of July of 2023, a panel of three judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia upheld the 2017 legislation and ruled that it was not overbroad and did not violate any First Amendment rights. Because of this bill, online sites, including IBM and Oracle, can be held accountable for facilitating sex trafficking activity or ventures.
Lawsuits Against the “Troubled Teen” Industry
A class action lawsuit was filed in 2020 against two unaffiliated Wyoming programs who reported to help at-risk and troubled youths with mental health or behaviorial problems. The 25 plaintiffs allege physical abuse, forced labor, and human trafficking among other issues.
Also in 2020, the Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Boarding School was shut down due to allegations of sexual abuse and neglect. The previous owners were arrested in 2021 for these charges.
Even as far back as the 1990s, these sorts of programs for so-called “troubled teens” acted in abusive ways. One notable celebrity who continues to support active legislation against these programs is Paris Hilton, who as a teen herself, alleges sexual abuse and misconduct during her time in one program.
This industry is a hotbed for lawsuits that allege everything from neglect to sex trafficking, and lawsuits are ongoing. If you have a teenager or know one who may have experienced abuse at a program in the “troubled teen” industry, make sure to seek immediate help and consider hiring a lawyer.
Our Sex Trafficking Attorneys Can Help
If you or someone you know have suffered from commercial sex trafficking, contact the law offices of Van Law Firm. We’ve helped settle millions of dollars in sex abuse cases, including cases of human trafficking. Our consultations are always free and confidential, and we accept payment on contingency. That means we take our lawyers’ fees out of yur winnings only if you win a settlement.
In sensitive cases like these, we understand how critical it is that we maintain 100% confidentiality and professionalism in every job we do. We also know how scary it can be to step forward and say something. That’s why we take these cases seriously and provide a free consultation. Let us be your safe space, and let us fight for you and your rights to earn you a fair settlement.
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