How The US Government Combats Domestic Human Trafficking
The fight against human trafficking must be approached from all sides - from nonprofit organizations like Dressember to national governments with unparalleled power. The federal U.S. government is no exception. With expansive resources, the U.S. government plays a pivotal role in creating and implementing domestic anti-trafficking policy.
In its efforts to combat human trafficking, both on a domestic and an international level, the U.S. government has introduced several offices and programs whose sole responsibility is to invent and implement policies that work towards the elimination of human trafficking.
Here are some of the most important domestic anti-trafficking policies in the US:
According to the United States Justice Department, child sex trafficking is considered a federal offense. Child pornography is also considered illegal contraband under federal law, as it is not protected under citizens’ First Amendment rights. Additionally, under Title 18 of the United States Code, the prostitution of children is criminalized.
Moreover, according to state law, prostitution is considered illegal, especially when those involved are minors as they are unable to consent to any sexual acts. However, the practice remains legal in 10 Nevada counties. The counties that fall under this exception must follow strict rules, such as only operating in licensed brothels and instituting weekly health checks, so as not to break state law.
With strict guidelines and regulations that must be followed, these Nevada counties remain the only exception to the criminalization of prostitution in the United States. In other states throughout the country, both the sex worker and the customer are punished for not abiding by the law. Penalties for those who engage in sex work remain a controversial topic. While most states tend to penalize both members of the party equally, it is not unusual for other states to enact harsher penalties for one member in particular. For example, in Delaware, the law favors the customer by imposing stricter punishments on the sex worker.
Though focused primarily on international human trafficking policy, the U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking in Persons, or the TIP Office, is essential in the formation of federal anti-trafficking policy. Under the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, the TIP Office convenes a board of survivors who serve as anti-trafficking advocates, communicating directly with the government in attempts to strengthen federal policy and governmental efforts through the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF).
By centering the voices of survivors and advocates who have experienced the ills of the human trafficking industry firsthand, the State Department provides a unique platform that uplifts survivors as they serve to directly give advice and recommendations on the anti-trafficking efforts and processes of the U.S. government. These survivors working towards justice for others display not only their strength but also their commitment to helping other advocates better understand how to engage in anti-trafficking efforts on a government level.
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention functions as another branch of the government’s fight against human trafficking. Under the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) program, the Department of Justice hones in on the traumatic and exploitative nature of child sexual abuse in American society. In turn, the implementation of the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention aims to reinforce the duty of the government to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of children, especially in terms of sexual violence and human trafficking.
While the U.S. government maintains active endeavors to combat human trafficking, there are still miles to go in terms of government efforts that actively work to prevent human trafficking on a domestic level, prosecute those who have done harm, and dedicate valuable resources and aid to survivors of human trafficking.
About the Author
Layla Nath is in her sophomore year at American University where she studies political science and journalism! Due to her love of advocacy and academia, she is involved in her college community as a teaching and research assistant. Her desire to help others through writing and research, alongside her passion for sustainable fashion and social justice has led her to this team as an Editorial Intern!