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If you are a victim of sexual exploitation, the thought of engaging with law enforcement or court proceedings can be overwhelming. How can you possibly start the journey to find justice and begin the process of healing?
The world’s fastest-growing criminal enterprise, sex trafficking, known as modern-day slavery, is a brutal and dehumanizing crime. Human trafficking victims suffer unimaginable psychological trauma from cruel exploitation and abuse of sex trafficking, making their return to normal life difficult. While they must confront both physical and emotional scars, they also may need assistance navigating the legal system and their legal options.
A sex trafficking lawyer is an invaluable part of moving forward in search of justice for survivors of sex trafficking and proper recovery for these victims. Experienced professionals know how to navigate complex statutes related to this abhorrent crime.
In this article, we will discuss their roles in helping victims recover and move forward with their lives.
Secondary Forms of Trauma and Abuse
Victims of trafficking can deal with terrific emotional scars and trauma as a result of the sexual abuse and the horrific acts of violence and psychological manipulation they have to go through. They often experience these problems during the forms of exploitation, and after they escape or are rescued from their situation.
Some of the problems most sex trafficking victims deal with include:
- Physical injuries and health problems
- Psychological trauma
- Social isolation
- Legal issues
- Financial instability
- Stigma and discrimination
- Reintegration challenges
Dealing with these challenges requires a coordinated response that addresses the unique need of each survivor. This may involve providing medical and psychological care, social support, education or job training, and legal help from a sex trafficking lawyer who is ready to fight for justice.
Healing after escaping the system
After escaping the system, human trafficking survivors shut themselves out, fearful and ashamed of the horrible situations they had to go through. Some others became addicted to drugs or substances that keep them away from reality. Sex trafficking victims have been through a harrowing journey to freedom, and if one thing is certain, all deserve help.
Healing after escaping the system can be a challenging and complex process. Each survivor’s healing journey is unique and may involve different needs and goals, but for them to heal and recover their lives, it is important to seek the justice they need to take care of themselves, focus on their health, safety, and mental health to be a different person and heal their scars.
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What is the Role of a Sex Trafficking Lawyer?
A sex trafficking lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have been victimized by sex trafficking. The role of a sex trafficking lawyer is to protect the rights of their clients and to help them navigate the complex legal system.
For victims of sex trafficking, a sex trafficking lawyer can help them understand their legal rights, obtain protective orders or other legal remedies, and seek compensation for damages they may have suffered.
They can also assist with immigration issues if the victim is a foreign national who has been brought into the country illegally in the hands of human traffickers. They also work closely with law enforcement, social services, and other organizations to ensure that victims of sex trafficking receive the support and services they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
A sex trafficking lawyer plays a critical role in advocating for their clients and ensuring that their rights are protected.
How Can a Sex Trafficking Lawyer Help you Heal and Move Forward?
1. Appoint a therapist who specializes in trauma and abuse, such as those caused by sex trafficking.
2. Assist with filing for compensation from the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, Victims of Crime Act, or civil suit when applicable.
3. Assist victims in obtaining immigration relief and protections that can ensure an environment where victims can heal and rebuild their lives.
4. Advocate for individualized care for medical expenses associated with the effects of sex trafficking and traumatic experiences related to it.
5. Represent survivors in the criminal justice system and provide emotional support during the entire process of testifying against their accused trafficker/s or any other perpetrator/s of abuse involved in the case.
6. Connect sex trafficking survivors with support networks, including hotline numbers and survivor networks available in their areas or virtually, that can meet their emotional needs while allowing them to move forward with healing at their own pace without fear of judgment or contact from perpetrators/unwelcome individuals.
7. Negotiate with employers on behalf of survivors, so they may re-enter the workforce without stigma or discrimination while attending to any military, public benefits, housing assistance, etc., they might need to sustain themselves going forward into independent living with dignity intact.
Getting Legal Support to Fight Back
As a victim of sex trafficking, legal support can be crucial in protecting your rights, seeking justice, and accessing resources and services.
If you have made the hard decision to seek legal help to fight against those who have hurt you, you can follow these steps to find out if you have found the right sex trafficking lawyer:
1. Research online for experienced lawyers who specialize in sex trafficking cases.
2. Check with the state bar to make sure the lawyer has a valid license and no complaints against them.
3. Look for online reviews and ratings for each of your potential choices to get an understanding of how successful they have been with past cases similar to yours, and how likely they are to win for you as well.
4. Schedule an initial consultation to evaluate the fit and comfort level between you and the lawyer.
5. Set clear expectations before entering into a legal agreement.
Take Control of Your Future with the Women’s Rights Group
The Women’s Rights Group, a leading voice in the field of women’s rights in California, works tirelessly to provide support and empowerment to victims of sex trafficking.
Through our outreach and advocacy initiatives, our non-government organization aims to facilitate survivors in their quest for justice and compensation in accordance with the Trafficking Victim Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA).
The Women’s Rights Group hopes that movements like these will help survivors reclaim their dignity, begin healing from their ordeals, and ultimately achieve justice.
We offer free consultations with experienced attorneys who guarantee discretion and confidentiality when dealing with all communications concerning this sensitive issue. You are in a safe space. If you believe that someone should be held accountable for ignoring your case of sex trafficking, contact us today for a no-obligation and confidential case review.
