Being Trafficked: What Prosecutors Need to Know About “the Life”
Jun 01, 2023
Learn about on-ramps into sexual exploitation and the trauma, abuse, and violence experienced by victims and survivors.
Resource type
Strategies Newsletters
Author(s)
AEquitas; Wendy Barnes (JustExits Advisory Council Member); Keisha Head (JustExits Advisory Council Member); Toolsi Meisner (AEquitas Board Member)
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This article describes the pathways into exploitation and trafficking and the realities of the Life. It seeks to give context to the choices survivors make—or are unable to make—before and during their interactions with the criminal justice system. By examining survivors’ choices through the lens of their victimization, prosecutors will be better equipped to identify survivors, however they interact with the system; make informed prosecution decisions, and work with system partners to provide exit ramps from exploitation.