Uncovering the "Hidden Crime" of Human Trafficking by Empowering Individuals to Respond

Author: Shoop, Laura

Abstract: This Article will examine current state law promoting awareness of human trafficking and identification of trafficking survivors in the United States and make recommendations as to what further measures, if any, state legislators should take to increase awareness, identification, and reporting of human trafficking. Part I explains the history and development of human trafficking legislation at the federal and state levels. Part II analyzes the methods that states currently use to promote public awareness and identification. Part III discusses a proposal for amending current state law to better encourage and facilitate awareness of human trafficking and the identification and reporting of trafficking survivors.

Keywords: human trafficking, awareness, identification, reporting, state law