Human trafficking remains a grim reality across the United States, and West Virginia is no exception. Alarmingly, offenders are not limited to individual criminals; major businesses also contribute to perpetuating this atrocity. Industries such as airlines, truck stops, classified websites, and hotels often facilitate human trafficking, either knowingly or unknowingly. These entities must be held accountable for their role in perpetuating this modern form of slavery.
At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we are committed to representing survivors of human trafficking who have been subjected to sexual exploitation or other forms of coercion. Our Huntington criminal attorney is ready to fight relentlessly to help you achieve justice and restore your dignity.
Under both federal and state laws, survivors of human trafficking have the right to file lawsuits against businesses that profit from these horrifying crimes. Specifically, the 2008 amendment to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act allows survivors to bring a civil claim against organizations that knowingly assist or facilitate human trafficking. This includes businesses that “knew or should have known” about the criminal activities before providing any form of aid.
The human trafficking industry generates staggering profits, estimated at $150 billion annually, with sexual exploitation alone accounting for $99 billion of that profit. By severing the support networks that enable these crimes, businesses and other entities will begin to face the consequences of their choices, and perpetrators will find it increasingly difficult to operate unchecked.
Organizations such as the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and World Without Exploitation tirelessly advocate for survivors, aiming to dismantle networks that enable such crimes and prevent future victimization. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we share this mission. Our Huntington federal lawyer works diligently to hold every culpable entity accountable for their actions and ensure proper punishment for their involvement.
When survivors of human trafficking share their stories, it creates a ripple effect that inspires others to step forward. Breaking the silence surrounding these heinous crimes not only empowers victims to seek justice but also educates the public about the systemic issues that allow trafficking to persist. And this is where you need the assistance of a Huntington federal lawyer.
Your bravery in sharing your experience can play a vital role in exposing how businesses contribute to human trafficking. Taking this step ultimately creates a pathway toward a safer and more just future. Our Huntington criminal attorney is here to support survivors throughout this difficult process.
Human trafficking often draws attention for its association with sexual exploitation. While this is indeed a significant focus, trafficking also involves other forms of exploitation, such as:
Modern-day human trafficking is defined under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, signed into law by President William Clinton. According to this legislation, human trafficking involves “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person” for labor or sexual services through “force, fraud or coercion.”
Despite challenges in collecting accurate data, human trafficking ranks as one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, according to Forbes. The overlap between trafficking and crimes like domestic violence often complicates reporting and categorization.
The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, passed in 2015, took significant steps to hold not only traffickers but also clients accountable. This law ensures that those who exploit victims for sexual pleasure are held liable for their actions. Over the last two years, a number of lawsuits have been filed against businesses such as hotels, airlines, and online platforms, highlighting the widespread nature of complicity in trafficking.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of human trafficking, seeking compensation and justice is your right. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, our Huntington federal lawyer and criminal attorney are here to provide the support you need to take this courageous step.
Human trafficking is a devastating crime that uproots lives and fractures communities. But there is hope for justice when survivors stand firm and seek accountability from those who actively or passively facilitate this industry. Our criminal attorney is committed to helping survivors reclaim their lives while holding businesses accountable for their actions.
Contact us at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group today. Together, Huntington criminal attorneys can fight for justice and help build a future free of exploitation. Call us (304) 381-3656 today to schedule a free consultation.