Human trafficking is a devastating reality that impacts individuals and communities across the United States, including here in West Virginia. Alarmingly, it isn’t just individuals committing such heinous acts; numerous businesses are also contributing to the perpetuation of this crime. Industries such as airlines, truck stops, classified advertisement websites, and even well-known hotel chains often unintentionally or deliberately aid human trafficking activities. It is essential to thoroughly investigate these entities when human trafficking cases are reported, as they play a role in supporting this modern form of slavery.
At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, our commitment is to stand with victims of human trafficking who have been subjected to exploitation, including sexual exploitation. Whether in Kingwood, or beyond, our Kingwood criminal lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
Both state and federal laws empower survivors of human trafficking to take legal action against businesses and individuals who knowingly benefit from this reprehensible crime. Under the 2008 amendment to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), survivors can file civil claims against businesses that knowingly, or should reasonably have known, were aiding and abetting human trafficking. This legislation establishes a pathway for victims to seek compensation and justice not only from direct perpetrators but also from enablers.
The human trafficking industry is vast, generating an estimated $150 billion annually. Shockingly, $99 billion of this amount stems from sexual exploitation alone. By reducing enabling factors, such as businesses that turn a blind eye to trafficking, significant progress can be made in dismantling these operations. Cutting off these sources of support can disrupt the networks traffickers rely on and send a strong message that their activities will face firm legal consequences.
Organizations such as the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and World Without Exploitation are playing pivotal roles in addressing human trafficking. These groups work to rescue survivors, raise awareness, and reduce the prevalence of trafficking crimes. While these organizations continue their vital work, the Kingwood criminal lawyer at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group stands ready to ensure that individuals and entities involved in human trafficking are brought to justice.
When survivors of human trafficking step forward and share their experiences, they not only take a step toward personal healing but also inspire others to seek justice. These brave stories can shine a light on the businesses and industries that facilitate trafficking, applying pressure for systemic change. Kingwood DUI attorney at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group strongly encourages survivors to tell their stories, helping to pave the way toward a safer, more just future.
While sexual exploitation often receives much of the attention surrounding human trafficking, it is not the only form of this crime. Human trafficking encompasses forced labor, domestic servitude, exploitation at sweatshops, work at construction sites and restaurants, and even coerced marriages.
The legal definition of human trafficking originates from the Trafficking Victims Protection Act signed in 2000 by President William Clinton. This act defines human trafficking as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person” for forced labor or sex through “force, fraud, or coercion.”
Although finding precise data on human trafficking remains a challenge, Forbes has identified this as one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. At times, trafficking cases may also bear similarities to domestic violence, further complicating the categorization of these crimes. With the growing prevalence of this issue, the need for decisive action has never been clearer.
The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, signed in 2015, strengthens efforts to combat human trafficking. Notably, this legislation holds liable any individual who knowingly benefits from the forced labor or sexual services of trafficking victims. Over the past few years, numerous lawsuits have been filed against businesses across industries, including hotels, online classified websites, and airlines, for their roles in facilitating trafficking.
If you or a loved one has survived human trafficking and is now seeking justice or compensation, Mountaineer Criminal Law Group is here to support you. Whether you’re in Kingwood, our Kingwood DUI attorneys are experienced in handling sensitive cases and are committed to providing compassionate, effective representation.
Take the first step toward justice today. Contact Mountaineer Criminal Law Group by calling at (304) 381-3656 to learn more about how we can help. Together, Kingwood criminal lawyers can hold traffickers and their enablers accountable while fostering a safer, more equitable society.