Sex trafficking is a crime that destroys lives and thrives in the shadows. To combat this crisis, lawmakers at both the national and Louisiana state levels have enacted legislation aimed at dismantling human trafficking networks and protecting survivors. In addition to these legal efforts, education and training programs are helping communities, businesses, and law enforcement to identify and prevent trafficking. 

Federal Sex Trafficking Legislation

The federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), which has been expanded and reauthorized several times since inception, was a significant milestone to help prosecute perpetrators, protect victims, and prevent trafficking in the United States.

The TVPRA increased protections for foreign sex trafficking victims. (In general, victims and their families cannot be deported). The legislation also allows victims to file civil sex trafficking lawsuits against parties who profited from, directly took part in, or enabled human trafficking. For example, a hotel that’s used for commercial sex acts may face a civil lawsuit if their negligence allowed it to occur; ignoring the warning signs and looking the other way can make the business liable. In fact, several major hotel chains, including Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Red Roof Inn, Studio 6, Motel 6, Choice Hotels, and Hilton Hotels and Resorts have all been named in civil human trafficking lawsuits in recent years. Many of these cases have settled for millions of dollars and were all made possible due to the TVPRA.

In addition, there is greater coordination with other countries and global agencies to stop human sex trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and other federal legislation have led to special taskforces and initiatives within the FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Justice Department, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Louisiana Sex Trafficking Legislation

a lawyer's desk with a wooden gavel, scales of justice and a laptop computer with soft light shining behindIn 2017, the Human Trafficking Prevention Commission and Advisory Board was created following the passing of a bill in the Louisiana Legislature. It’s responsible for coordinating and implementing services, support, and resources throughout the state to prevent and stop sex trafficking and provide survivors with the comprehensive support they need. The Board combats human trafficking through the widely accepted 4 P’s: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnerships.

It’s important to note that sex trafficking laws in Louisiana also state that the use of force, fraud, or coercion isn’t required to demonstrate if the victim is under 21 years of age. In addition, it’s not a crime for those under this age to engage in commercial sex acts, which ultimately protect children and youth. Instead, the focus is on support and resources to help them escape and access the help they need. 

Human Trafficking Training

Sex trafficking victims struggle to break free for numerous reasons. In many cases, perpetrators control access to money, housing, and basic needs, threaten and/or commit acts of violence, and emotionally abuse and manipulate victims to the extent that they feel there’s no way out. This is why education and training among key professionals are integral to stopping human sex trafficking.

In Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law a bill to increase training for human trafficking enforcement, which took effect on January 1, 2023. Ongoing assessment of these crimes and understanding where they happen and how they happen will continue to drive change within state government.

Like other public safety issues, training must extend beyond law enforcement. Ideally, many different professions should include sex trafficking training – employees at businesses where trafficking often occurs, the school system, and social service workers could all help to identify and protect victims. While some organizations and companies that provide this training are required by law to do so, an increasing number of resources have been made available for those who want to implement training voluntarily.

Since sex trafficking frequently occurs in the hospitality industry, including at hotels, bars, and escort services, many employees in these places are required to complete human trafficking training. This includes how to identify possible victims and how to report sex trafficking.

On top of training at major hotel chains, bars have implemented strategies to help victims, like adding signs in bathroom stalls about how to tell a staff member you’re in danger. With how elusive perpetrators of human sex trafficking are and the difficulty for victims to seek help without raising suspicions, this simple effort can have a big impact.

Decreasing Sex Worker Stigma

An important part of human trafficking training is recognizing and treating those trafficked as victims, not criminals; decades-long stigma created a barrier to effectively helping victims and still prevents many from seeking help today because being paid for sexual acts is a crime in most states.

Understanding the types of tactics used in sex trafficking – that victims were forced, coerced, or manipulated into engaging in commercial sex acts, that their basic needs, like access to money, food, and housing, are typically controlled, and that they frequently experience threats or acts of violence – is key to decrease the stigma.

In addition to legislation and education, civil sex trafficking lawsuits are making a powerful impact. They are not only raising awareness but also creating progress in the fight against sex trafficking, ensuring justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators. While laws and training programs provide the foundation for prevention and intervention, lawsuits play a critical role in holding traffickers and enablers accountable while giving survivors a voice. If you or someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking, the Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain Louisiana sex abuse attorneys can offer compassionate guidance and legal support. For more information or a confidential case consultation, contact us online or call 844-943-7626.

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