Human Trafficking Massachusetts

DID YOU KNOW? Experts estimate that 27 million people are trafficked internationally and domestically bringing in $32 billion dollars annually.$32 billion dollars annually Human Trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing black market.fastest growing black market Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that occurs in every state, including Massachusetts. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center works closely with service providers, law enforcement, and other professionals in Massachusetts to serve victims and survivors of trafficking, respond to human trafficking cases, and share information and resources.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN MASSACHUSETTS Human Trafficking Cases Reported Calls Per Year Calls From Victims & Survivors

WHAT’S BEING DONE.. On November 2, 2012, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley joined Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and a coalition of other Attorneys General in urging Congress to pass an act that would help adequately fund programs to combat human trafficking. A letter sent by the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), encourages Congress to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) by the end of the year.letter In 2011, along with a coalition of legislators, law enforcement, and advocates, including lead sponsors Senator Mark Montigny and House Judiciary Chairman Eugene O'Flaherty, Attorney General Coakley filed "An Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People" to address human trafficking in Massachusetts. Attorney General Coakley testified in support of "An Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People" before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on May 18, 2011.testified in support On November 21, 2011, Governor Patrick signed this legislation into law, H. 3808, “An Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People,” The law went into effect February 19 th, 2012.Governor Patrick signed this legislation into lawH. 3808, “An Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People,” Human Trafficking Task Force As part of this anti human trafficking law, the Legislature created an interagency task force to address all aspects of human trafficking through policy changes. The task force is charged with addressing Human Trafficking through service development, demand reduction, system change, public awareness, and training. The task force is chaired by Attorney General Martha Coakley and includes state and community agencies. Human Trafficking Task Force On Tuesday, October 19, 2010, thirteen witnesses representing law enforcement, victim/survivors, academia, and the tech/internet industry testifed before Attorney General Martha Coakley and a panel from the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.thirteen witnesses

MASSACHUSETTS HUMAN TRAFFICKING DIVISION A multidisciplinary team dedicated to prosecuting and preventing human trafficking through law enforcement efforts and policy development. Three assistant AGs, two victim witness advocates, a paralegal and four dedicated Massachusetts State Police troopers investigate and prosecute high impact human trafficking cases. All have received specialized training in human trafficking and sexual assault investigation. Staff members also conduct outreach and training for law enforcement and other community members statewide. The Division also has a staff member dedicated to policy and training development. This staff member, and others, works extensively with stakeholders on collaborative efforts towards prevention, service provision and data collection.

WHAT YOU CAN DO… If you need help, or think you may be aware of someone who needs assistance please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at: (888) The Polaris Project operates this toll-free number and they will route the call to the opriate resources in Massachusetts. The Polaris Project

RESOURCES & INFORMATION Boston Area Rape Crisis Center Boston Area Rape Crisis Center Brazilian Women's Group ext. 15 Brazilian Women's Group Demand Abolition Demand Abolition Lutheran Social Services of New England ext. 417 Lutheran Social Services of New England MassCOSH (Mass. Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health) ext. 16 MassCOSH (Mass. Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health) Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition ext. 212 Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition My Life My Choice Project My Life My Choice Project Nivasa Foundation Nivasa Foundation Polaris Project Polaris Project Support to End Exploitation Now (SEEN) Support to End Exploitation Now (SEEN)

SOURCES Human Trafficking (2016). (n.d.). Massachusetts | National Human Trafficking Resource Center. (2016). (n.d.).