ABSTRACT
Human trafficking is a devastating human rights violation that remains largely invisible to the public eye. Until very recently, it has remained largely invisible to professionals, as well. The single leading cause of lack of access to services is lack of identification.* As we become more aware of the problem, more victims will be identified. Once identified, specialized short-term (emergency) and long-term services are needed to aid victims. There are many challenges first responders and other service providers must overcome to be effective in their work with human trafficking victims. The gravity of this problem has led the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to develop the Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States 2013-2017. States are now grappling with ways to effectively serve this population. This chapter provides an overview of the theoretical, practical, and ethical considerations.
