Challenges in Sex Trafficking Cases: Views from Expert Prosecutors

Since the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (2000), significant efforts have been made to improve the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking. Yet numerous challenges remain in prosecuting those who perpetrate these crimes. To understand these challenges, we interviewed attorneys with expertise prosecuting trafficking cases. Thematic analyses of the expert prosecutors’ interview responses revealed five themes: recognition of adversity faced by victims, greater reliance on digital evidence, the need for proactive investigations, unique nature of trafficking, and the importance of educating both laypersons and professionals. Through highlighting the views of experienced prosecutors, this work contributes directly to improving the identification of trafficking victims as well as successful prosecution of perpetrators. The findings point to ways to improve investigations and identify where resources are most needed to facilitate successful prosecutions.