Significant efforts are underway in the United States to confront the crime of human trafficking, including the enactment of legislation providing resources to both law enforcement and victim service agencies working to identify and assist trafficking victims and prosecute traffickers. The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act 2000 (TVPA) was the first comprehensive federal law to protect victims of trafficking and prosecute offenders.
Additionally, the 2003 and 2005 reauthorizations further directed federal government agencies to gain a better understanding of the scope and sufficiency of our current response to trafficking in persons. The 2005 reauthorization additionally directs the Department of Justice to carry out biennial comprehensive research and statistical review and analysis of severe forms of trafficking in persons and unlawful commercial sex acts in the U.S.
In addition to federal efforts to combat trafficking, 33 states have passed legislation criminalizing human trafficking and directing law enforcement agencies to adopt training programs to enhance identification and interdiction efforts.
The Institute on Race and Justice at Northeastern University
The Institute on Race and Justice has strived to fulfill its mission of utilizing strategic social science research methodologies and community, practitioner, and government collaboration to assist in the development of policy changes that advance the cause of social justice. The Institute's affiliated faculty members help broaden the scope of interdisciplinary race and justice scholarship around the Northeastern campus. The Institute is also incredibly grateful for its internal and external sponsors, who provide the support necessary to help the Institute achieve its race and justice research goals.
The Urban Institute was established in 1968 to promote sound social policy and public debate on national priorities. The Institute's 10 policy centers carry out independent, nonpartisan research, gather and analyze data, evaluate programs and services, and educate policymakers and the public on critical issues and trends. The Justice Policy Center (JPC) studies crime, justice, and community safety. JPC researchers collaborate with practitioners, public officials, and community groups to make the Center's research useful to decision makers and agencies in the justice system, and also to the neighborhoods and communities harmed by crime and disorder.
BJS' mission is to collect, analyze, publish, and disseminate information on crime, criminal offenders, victims of crime, and the operation of justice systems at all levels of government. These data are critical to Federal, State, and local policymakers in combating crime and ensuring that justice is both efficient and evenhanded.
