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Date: April 29, 2024 Mon
Time: 8:28 pm
Time: 8:28 pm
Results for victim identification
1 results foundAuthor: Simich, Laura Title: Improving Human Trafficking Victim Identification - Validation and Dissemination of a Screening Tool Summary: Statement of problem Human trafficking occurs on an enormous scale in the United States, but only a fraction of victims are identified, hindering provision of victim services and prosecution of traffickers. Purpose of the study To provide a solution, the Vera Institute of Justice (Vera) designed, field-tested and validated a comprehensive screening tool to improve victim identification, victim services and law enforcement efforts on a nation-wide scale. Working with 11 victim service providers, Vera collected original data on more than 230 cases from interviews with potential trafficking victims and case file reviews to determine if the screening tool could reliably identify victims-including adults and minors, and domestic and foreign-born-of sex and labor trafficking. Vera also facilitated participatory evaluation by conducting focus groups and 36 in-depth interviews with service providers, trafficking survivors and law enforcement personnel to identify best practices in implementation of the screening tool. Summary of results The study achieved its validation and evaluation objectives and identified good practices in victim identification. Analysis demonstrated that the screening tool accurately measures several dimensions of human trafficking and is highly reliable in predicting victimization for both sex and labor trafficking across diverse sub-groups, including those divided by age, gender and country of origin. The majority of questions asked in the three domains-migration, work, and working/living conditions-in which indicators were measured, were significant predictors of trafficking after controlling for demographics: - 87% of the questions significantly predicted trafficking victimization in general; - 71% were significant predictors of labor trafficking specifically; and - 81% were significant predictors of sex trafficking. Statistical validation determined that a short version of the tool consisting of 16 questions (approximately half of the questions tested) accurately predicts victimization for both sex and labor trafficking cases. The tool can be further shortened if an interviewer suspects a specific type of trafficking victimization (sex or labor) based on circumstances. Of the 180 individuals in the sample who responded to the screening questions, 53% (N=96) were trafficking victims and 47% (N=84) were non-trafficking victims, i.e. victims of other crimes such as domestic violence, smuggling, prostitution or labor exploitation. Of the trafficking victims, 40% (N=38) were sex trafficking victims and 60% (N=58), labor trafficking victims. Few studies have described characteristics of trafficking victims and factors associated with trafficking among diverse sub-groups. While this study sample is not representative of trafficking victims in general, data analysis revealed, for example, that trafficking victims in this sample were more likely than non-trafficking victims to report that they spoke ―good‖ or ―excellent‖ English and to have more education compared to non-trafficking victims. Females were more likely to have been subjected to some form of sexual exploitation and isolation, while males were more likely to have experienced labor exploitation. Evaluation demonstrated that the efficacy of the screening tool depends upon its appropriate use. Because of the trauma and fear that trafficking victims endure, a sensitive approach is paramount. Building trust, ensuring safety and meeting victims' legal, social and health needs are fundamental considerations in victim identification. More resources, training and collaboration are essential in this process. Details: New York: Vera Institute of Justice, 2014. 454p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 12, 2014 at: http://www.vera.org/sites/default/files/resources/downloads/human-trafficking-identification-tool-technical-report.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: http://www.vera.org/sites/default/files/resources/downloads/human-trafficking-identification-tool-technical-report.pdf Shelf Number: 132999 Keywords: Forced LaborHuman Trafficking (U.S.)ProstitutionSex TraffickingVictim IdentificationVictim ServicesVictims of Crime |