Human Trafficking Lawsuits

Human Trafficking Lawsuits in Summit County

Human trafficking is a pressing issue that continues to impact communities across the United States, including Summit County. Shockingly, it isn’t just criminals operating in the shadows; many legitimate businesses unwittingly or knowingly contribute to this modern-day form of slavery. Industries such as airlines, truck stops, classified ad websites, and hotels can play a role in facilitating these crimes. These connections need to be thoroughly examined in human trafficking cases to hold all complicit parties accountable.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we are committed to standing up for victims of human trafficking who have endured sexual exploitation or other forms of abuse. Whether you need guidance or legal representation, our Akron federal attorney is here to fight your case, ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.

Key Facts About Human Trafficking Lawsuits

Both state and federal laws allow survivors of human trafficking to take legal action against businesses that profit from or enable these crimes. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, amended in 2008, empowers survivors to pursue civil claims against companies that knowingly support human trafficking operations. This law aims to ensure businesses are held accountable if they provide assistance to traffickers, either knowingly or when they should have reasonably recognized the criminal intent behind their actions.

Human trafficking generates staggering profits, totaling up to $150 billion annually. Out of this, an estimated $99 billion comes from sexual exploitation alone. By systematically cutting off the aid and support these businesses offer to traffickers, we disrupt their operations and make it increasingly difficult for them to evade justice.

Organizations Fighting Human Trafficking

Organizations such as the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and World Without Exploitation tirelessly address these crimes. Their efforts focus on rescuing survivors and reducing the factors that lead individuals to commit such heinous acts.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we are equally dedicated to pursuing justice for victims and holding every entity accountable for its role in perpetuating human trafficking. We understand that when survivors find the courage to share their stories, it can inspire others to come forward, driving significant progress in combating this devastating crime.

If you or someone you know has experienced human trafficking and is seeking justice, reaching out to an Akron federal lawyer can be a powerful first step.

What Is Human Trafficking

Human trafficking often brings to mind cases of sexual exploitation, and while this is one significant aspect, trafficking encompasses various forms of exploitation. These include forced labor in private homes, sweatshop factories, construction sites, restaurants, and hotels, as well as coerced marriages involving sexual abuse.

The legal framework for combating this crime began with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act signed by President William Clinton in 2000. It was the United States’ first federal law specifically addressing modern-day human trafficking. The law defines human trafficking as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person” for labor or sexual services through “force, fraud, or coercion.”

While accurately measuring the full scope of human trafficking remains challenging, experts agree it is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. Forbes has highlighted how intricately linked these crimes can be to domestic violence, further complicating victim identification and categorization.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 introduced additional accountability by holding individuals responsible for seeking or deriving pleasure from human trafficking victims. Additionally, over the last two years, legal actions have been initiated against various websites, hotels, and airlines found to be complicit in trafficking operations.

Taking Action in Summit County

Survivors of human trafficking deserve justice and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. If you or a loved one in Summit County has suffered from these crimes, don’t face it alone. Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group to work with an Akron federal attorney dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation and peace of mind you need.

Call us today at (330) 992-3036 to start your path toward justice.