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Jonathan Rosenfeld - J.D

October 29, 2024

  • Over $450 Million worth of case results
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Sex trafficking is an unconscionable human rights violation involving the exploitation of human beings through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of committing a commercial sex act. If you’re facing the aftermath of sex trafficking, pursuing a civil case might offer a path to justice and compensation for the unthinkable experiences you’ve endured. 

A knowledgeable attorney specializing in such matters can be your advocate, guiding you through each step towards holding those responsible accountable in court. The expertise of the team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers assists with the legal process but also ensures that your voice is heard.

Understanding Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion to perform sexual acts for financial gain. 

It’s a form of modern slavery where victims are often lured with false promises of employment, stability, or love and then trapped in situations over which they have little control. The various forms it can take include street prostitution, online exploitation, escort services, and brothels, among others. 

Victims of human sex trafficking can include any age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, though traffickers often target vulnerable populations such as runaway youths, people struggling with economic hardship, or those who lack a strong support network.

Human Trafficking Techniques

Sex traffickers use a range of coercive techniques to recruit, exploit, and maintain control over their victims. 

Human traffickers often resort to coercion, fraud, and force to maintain their operations. Understanding these tactics is critical to addressing and combating human trafficking and ensuring justice for the victims.

Coercion involves threat and intimidation techniques used by traffickers to manipulate and dominate victims. Sex traffickers often threaten physical harm to victims or their families, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear. 

By isolating victims from their social networks and support systems, traffickers ensure control and compliance. This psychological manipulation forms a key aspect of sex trafficking cases, where victims are forced into performing sex acts under duress.

Fraudulent schemes are another prevalent method used by human traffickers. Victims, often in vulnerable situations, are lured by false promises of legitimate businesses and employment, education, or romantic relationships, typically facilitated through social media platforms or dating apps. 

Once deceived, victims find themselves trapped in situations vastly different from what they were promised. Human sex trafficking victims are frequently subjected to commercial sex acts under these pretenses, clear human rights violations. 

The use of physical force is the most visible method of control. Sex traffickers utilize violence and physical restraint to control their victims and make them comply with their demands. 

Innocent victims of human sex trafficking, including young girls and sexually abused individuals, are left with physical and emotional scars that require intervention from professional crisis counselors and other mental health professionals.

Vulnerable Populations to Human Trafficking

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to sex trafficking, often due to socio-economic factors, prior trauma, or lack of support systems. 

Vulnerable populations include minors, especially runaway and homeless youth, economically disadvantaged individuals, and those with prior histories of sexual assault or abuse or domestic violence. These groups are frequently targeted by sex traffickers who exploit their need for safety, stability, and affection.

Signs of Sex Trafficking

Identifying a potential human sex trafficking victim can be challenging, but there are numerous warning signs to consider:

  • Unexplained absences from school or work: Frequent and unexplained absences can indicate that the individual is being controlled or moved by a trafficker.
  • Sudden or dramatic changes in behavior: Noticeable shifts in the person’s behavior, mood, or personality, including increased secrecy or withdrawal, may be a sign of distress.
  • Signs of physical abuse, such as bruises or scars: Visible injuries without a reasonable explanation can be a strong indicator of physical violence or coercion.
  • Isolation from friends and family members: Sex traffickers often control their victims by isolating them from social networks and support systems, making them dependent on the trafficker.
  • Possession of expensive items without a clear source of income: Individuals who suddenly have access to luxuries such as new clothes, jewelry, or electronics without a legitimate explanation may be receiving these items from a trafficker as a means of control or coercion.
  • Inconsistent or scripted communication: If the individual’s responses seem rehearsed or are inconsistent, it could indicate that they are being controlled or monitored by someone else.
  • Displaying fear, anxiety, or submissive behavior: Victims of sex trafficking often exhibit signs of intense anxiety, apprehension, or submissiveness, particularly when interacting with authority figures or in situations that might expose their situation.

Recognizing these signs and reporting suspected abuse to the law enforcement and the national human trafficking hotline is crucial for intervention and support. Legal assistance from human trafficking lawyers can be instrumental in helping human trafficking victims seek justice and navigate the legal system.

Sex trafficking victims have various legal rights to help them break free from abuse, seek justice, and rebuild their lives. It is crucial for victims and those supporting them to be aware of these rights, which include the following:

Right to Report

Victims of human trafficking have the right to report their situation to authorities. This includes contacting the national human trafficking hotline or local law enforcement. Reporting can trigger the involvement of various support services, including social services and professional crisis counselors, to help the victim of human trafficking in escaping their circumstances.

Anyone who thinks someone else is being trafficked should report suspected abuse as well. 

Right to Seek Medical Care

Human trafficking victims have the right to receive medical care, including treatment for physical injuries, psychological trauma, and sexually transmitted infections. Accessing medical care is an essential step in ensuring the well-being of survivors and addressing any long-term health effects related to what happened.

Victims of human trafficking are entitled to legal assistance. Legal representation is vital for sex trafficking victims seeking to pursue a criminal case or civil lawsuit against their traffickers.

Criminal Charges

Sex traffickers and their associates can face severe penalties under both federal law and state laws. Criminal charges may include human trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation, assault, and even kidnapping. These charges can result in lengthy prison sentences—sometimes even life sentences—significant fines and other penalties.

Federal laws like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) provide strict penalties for traffickers, including life imprisonment for aggravated circumstances. State laws complement these federal statutes.

Civil Lawsuits

Sex trafficking victims may file civil lawsuits against their traffickers, pimps, and other entities involved in their exploitation. A civil lawsuit seeks to hold these parties accountable and provide financial compensation for the victim’s suffering and losses.

These lawsuits can target not only the direct perpetrators but also third parties who benefited from or were complicit in the trafficking operations, such as businesses that turned a blind eye to the exploitation happening within their premises. Successful civil cases can result in significant financial awards to victims and serve as a powerful deterrent against trafficking.

Damages

Potential damages in a civil suit can be extensive, reflecting the severe impact of trafficking on the victim’s life. These may include the following:

Victims of trafficking often suffer from physical injuries and health problems as a result of the abuse they endure. They may also require medical treatment for sexually transmitted infections or other conditions resulting from forced prostitution or labor. 

Human trafficking survivors may also require ongoing therapy and counseling to heal from the trauma they experienced. All of these costs can be included in civil lawsuits, helping victims access critical mental health services that are essential for their recovery.

Given the deeply traumatic nature of trafficking, victims may also seek damages for emotional distress. This compensation addresses the psychological and emotional suffering endured by the victims, recognizing the profound and lasting impact such experiences can have on their mental health.

If the victim’s ability to earn a living has been impaired due to the lasting effects of the trafficking, they may also seek compensation for future lost earnings.

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, which is almost always the case in a sex trafficking case. 

These damages are meant to serve as a punishment to the traffickers and as a deterrent to others who may consider engaging in similar activities. They can be substantial and are over and above the other damages.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for filing a sex trafficking claim varies by state and the specific circumstances of the case. Victims need to be aware of these time constraints to ensure their sex trafficking claims are filed within the allowable period. It is advisable to consult with human trafficking lawyers who can provide guidance on the timing and filing of legal claims.

Choosing a Sex Trafficking Lawyer

When dealing with a sex trafficking case, selecting the right lawyer is crucial to secure the compensation you’re rightfully entitled to. Below are some considerations to ensure you find a qualified professional to handle your civil claim.

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Experience

When seeking legal recourse in sex trafficking cases, the importance of specialized legal counsel cannot be overstated. These cases are uniquely complex, often involving multiple jurisdictions, various forms of evidence, and intricate legal statutes. 

Attorneys who specialize in sex trafficking need to be well-versed in the nuances of both federal and state laws that govern these heinous crimes, enabling them to navigate the situation more effectively. Human trafficking attorneys will be skilled at gathering and presenting compelling evidence, from forensic data and financial records to witness testimonies.

Compassion and Empathy

Good sex trafficking attorneys will exhibit compassion and empathy towards victims, understanding the profound trauma they have experienced. Dealing with innocent victims of human trafficking requires a sensitive approach. 

The human trafficking attorney should also collaborate with a professional crisis counselor and other parties to provide a supportive environment for the trafficking survivors.

Reputation

The reputation of the law firm or human trafficking attorneys is a significant factor. A well-regarded lawyer with a track record of success in human trafficking cases can provide assurance that they have the capability and dedication to achieve justice for the victim. Checking reviews can offer insights into the lawyer’s standing and credibility. 

Fee Arrangements

Understanding the legal fees is essential when selecting a lawyer. Different lawyers may offer varying fee structures, ranging from contingency fees to flat rates or hourly billing. Ensure that the lawyer is transparent about any additional costs that may arise throughout the legal process.

Most human trafficking attorneys, including Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything up front and only have to pay attorney fees if your case is successful.

By considering these factors, a sex trafficking victim and their families can secure the legal support necessary to navigate human trafficking cases and find justice. 

Contact Our Law Firm Today!

Jonathan Rosenfeld, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

In cases involving sex trafficking, obtaining legal assistance is essential to make sure that justice is served. As a victim of human trafficking, receiving compassionate and skilled representation can make a significant difference in your ability to reclaim your rights and secure the support and compensation you deserve. When you work with a sexual abuse attorney Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you can be confident that your case will be handled with sensitivity, care, and diligence.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss a human sex trafficking claim by calling (888) 424-5757 or completing our online contact form.

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“Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.”

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