Journal of Crime and Justice
Volume 38, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 351-360

Arrest as a way out: Understanding the needs of women sex trafficking victims identified by law enforcement (Article)

Connell N.M.* , Jennings W.G. , Barbieri N. , Reingle Gonzalez J.M.
  • a School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, GR 31, Richardson, TX 75080, United States
  • b Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., SOC 308, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
  • c Department of Criminology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., SOC 308, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
  • d University of Texas School of Public Health, 6011 Harry Hines Blvd, V.8.112, Dallas, TX 75390, United States

Abstract

Human trafficking has traditionally been examined from an international perspective, leaving a gap in our knowledge regarding the service needs of the tens of thousands of known sex trafficking victims currently living in the United States. Of special concern is that many of these victims are only identified once they have come into contact with law enforcement, usually in the form of an arrest. As a result, these individuals stand the risk of being victimized by both the sex trafficking industry and the criminal justice system. In order to determine ways in which the gap between needs and services can be addressed, police and community responses need to be re-evaluated in light of a paradigm that recognizes that these women may be victims that have not consented to their participation in the sex trade. In this research note, we suggest modes of police and community service provision in light of the available research evidence on human trafficking. © 2015 © 2015 Midwestern Criminal Justice Association.

Author Keywords

sex trafficking SEXUAL EXPLOITATION Community services Victimization police services

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84938216257&doi=10.1080%2f0735648X.2015.1007614&partnerID=40&md5=7d038ecd08adb00c88b2711c7cf1c39e
DOI: 10.1080/0735648X.2015.1007614
ISSN: 0735648X
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English