New York Human Trafficking Lawyers / NYC Sex Trafficking Lawyers
Most think that human trafficking and sex trafficking only exist overseas, far away from the United States. But human trafficking and sex trafficking are widespread in the United States, even in New York and in New York City which is considered a gateway for sex trafficking. In fact, there are human trafficking victims in every borough of New York City who are forced into sex work as a result of threats that include violence, deportation or harm to a family member. Human trafficking is also widespread throughout the northeast in states like Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Human trafficking perpetrators often use locations that lack oversight to pursue and control their victims such as hotels, motels and even short-term rental properties like those offered on Airbnb. Other common facilitators of human trafficking are truck stops, strip clubs, escort services, massage parlors, residential brothels, and online, where perpetrators are able to advertise commercial sex services on forums and websites with some degree of anonymity.
The majority of victims of human trafficking and sex trafficking are young girls and women, however, people of any age and gender identification are coerced into commercial sex work. More than 50% of human sex trafficking cases in the U.S. involve minors who are usually lured by offers of cash, gifts, shelter, food, clothing, education, or financial stability.
Sex trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and dignity. Victims of this heinous crime often suffer physical, emotional and psychological trauma. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for legal recourse for victims, leading to an increase in sex trafficking lawsuits. Victims of human trafficking and sex trafficking have the right to take legal action against any business that enabled his, her or their exploitation. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking in New York or the surrounding states, then hiring an experienced and compassionate lawyer who specializes in representing victims of human trafficking will make a world of difference in the pursuit of justice.
What Is Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking?
New York Human Trafficking Lawyers
Under federal law, human trafficking is defined broadly to include recruiting, harboring, transporting or soliciting a person for a sexual act where money or anything of value is exchanged.
Human trafficking or sex trafficking is defined under 22 U.S.C. § 7102(12) and “means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act.” Commercial sex is defined under 22 U.S.C. § 7102(4) and “means any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person.” In 2022, Congress passed the Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022, which eliminated the statute of limitations for over a dozen federal civil causes of action relating to child sex abuse, continuing the trend throughout the country to reform statutes of limitations relating to sexual abuse against minors. (The Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022 is not retroactive and applies only to claims that did not expire as of September 16, 2022, under the previous 10-year statute of limitations.)
Perpetrators who engage in human trafficking commonly recruit victims through social media. Common social media applications such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Discord offer give perpetrators worldwide access to victims and degree of anonymity. Human traffickers often prey on vulnerable people and offer false promises of money, gifts or something to induce a person into believing the perpetrator will improve her or his situation.
A common tactic used by human traffickers is to fake interest meeting a victim for a date. Once they meet in person a victim is often tricked into traveling with the human trafficker or abducted outright. Vulnerable populations often targeted by human traffickers include:
- Runaway and unhoused youth
- Undocumented individuals
- Children in foster case
- LGBTQ youth who are alienated from their families
- Teens and young adults with substance abuse issues
- Young adults and adults who have financial issues
Human traffickers often control their victims through a combination of types of abuse. Traffickers use a combination of violence, affection, manipulation and emotional abuse to achieve their goals. Victims often feel unable to leave their trafficker because they are trapped, isolated and dominated. In addition, human traffickers are shown to control their victims through sexual assault, financial means, threatening to report them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and providing drugs.
Your Human Trafficking Lawsuit
Common facilitators of human trafficking who are named in lawsuits are hotels, motels and truck stops. Although these businesses may not directly engage in human trafficking, they may knowingly participate in human trafficking by fostering complicit environments that encourage sex trafficking.
Any business open to the public is required to ensure that there is a safe environment for customers and visitors where human trafficking could occur such as security, video surveillance, lighting and signage. Businesses that fail to prevent human trafficking and perpetrators who exploit victims profit in commerce and create an atmosphere enticing to human traffickers. As a result, a business that ignored signs of human trafficking or allowed sex trafficking on its property or premises can be held legally liable for their negligence through filing a lawsuit for monetary damages.
A common lawsuit against a business that ignored or enabled human trafficking is for negligence. Businesses owe a duty of care to customers and guests to prevent harm such as the exploitation of victims by human trafficking. Businesses also have a responsibility to train and supervise employees to recognize signs of human trafficking and prevent it. Victims of human trafficking can hold businesses such as hotels, motels and truck stops liable for the mental and physical harm due to negligent conduct.
Why Hire Us For Your Sex Trafficking Lawsuit?
Human and Sex Trafficking Lawyers
Sex trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and dignity. Victims of this heinous crime often suffer physical, emotional and psychological trauma. Every story of a survivor of human trafficking is unique, and so should their legal strategy. We tailor our approach to suit your specific circumstances, ensuring that your voice is heard, and your rights are protected. We understand the sensitive nature of human trafficking and sex trafficking cases and the unique challenges faced by survivors. As lawyers specializing in representing victims of sex trafficking, we also understand the immense courage it takes for survivors to seek justice.
We provide a compassionate approach to representing victims of human and sex trafficking. We understand the emotional toll that such a case can take on a person. Our approach is not just about providing legal representation, but also about offering emotional support and understanding. Trust and confidentiality are the cornerstones of any attorney-client relationship. We strive to give every client the maximum comfort that the information that we learn during every case is kept strictly confidential. We advocate for you and your rights, and you can trust us to do so with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
We have extensive experience in handling such lawsuits and we are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of survivors. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case, gather evidence, and represent your interests.
If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual assault and considering filing a lawsuit, then we are here to help. We offer free and confidential initial consultations to discuss your case, assess your legal options, and provide you with the guidance you need. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation and take the first step toward seeking justice and healing.
Contact Us Now For A Confidential Human Trafficking Case Consultation
If you are considering pursuing a Human Trafficking or Sex Trafficking lawsuit it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced and compassionate attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases. A skilled and experienced attorney can provide you with guidance, support and advocacy throughout the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. A Human Trafficking lawsuit offers a survivor of sexual assault a powerful tool to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable.
If you are considering a Human Trafficking lawsuit, hiring knowledgeable and experienced lawyers is crucial to navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights. By choosing lawyers with the right expertise, compassion, and advocacy skills, you can enhance your chances of obtaining the best outcome and reclaiming your power as a survivor.
Contact The Law Firm of Andrew M. Stengel
Contact us via the live chat below, through our contact form here, or call us at (212) 634-9222. Case consultations are free and confidential, and you will speak with Andrew M. Stengel directly.
Our offices are located at 11 Broadway, Suite 715, New York, NY 10004, and we handle cases throughout New York City, Nassau, Westchester and throughout New York State.
