An Examination of the Sex Trafficking Dilemma in Three States and the Prevalence of Task Force Involvement in the Prosecution of Human/Sex Trafficking Cases

Abstract

There is a problem investigating and eliminating sex trafficking. This problem has negatively impacted victims of sex trafficking, especially those who are trafficked into prostitution rings. A possible cause of this problem is the high male demand for commercial sex and the lack of education about the factors involved in sex trafficking. The purpose of this research study is to explore the prevalence of task force involvement in the prosecution of human/sex trafficking cases as well as the possible solutions that can be used to close the gap in the prosecution of human/sex trafficking cases (Brents, Jackson, Hausbeck, 2010) (Farley, 2007). There is a gap in the research specifically regarding the challenges that the legal system has in eradicating sex trafficking. By doing research into the different elements that contribute to sex trafficking, and conducting interviews with law enforcement, task forces, and researchers through a qualitative method, this study found in all the responses combined show patterns in the need to address the gap with law enforcement. Ways this can be done include training across the whole department, the use of victim advocates and trauma-bonding, setting up safety plans in school, creating more awareness, and having better prevention methods. All of these solutions start with law enforcement being a part of a task force.