Legal Options for Human Trafficking Victims and Organizations for Survivors

by Frank E. Lamothe, III

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), more than 24 million people are affected by human trafficking globally, with the United States accounting for more than 10% of trafficking cases worldwide. While human trafficking affects people of all ages, genders, and races, it disproportionately affects women, children, and marginalized populations.

Unfortunately, this billion-dollar industry continues to grow, but there are ways the victims of human trafficking can receive assistance and compensation for their suffering. If you or someone close to you has been a victim of human trafficking, there is a range of legal options you can pursue and organizations that can help.

Louisiana has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the country, with 3 out of every 100,000 people trafficked for labor, sex, or domestic services.

Organizations for Survivors of Human Trafficking

For support getting back on your feet after suffering in the human trafficking industry, there are a wide range of organizations that offer essential services and counseling for victims.

The Polaris Project
The Polaris Project‘s National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) is funded by Health and Human Services.  This hotline is operated by Polaris and funded by Health and Human Services.  Trafficking victims can make a confidential report and speak with trained counselors who are available to listen to you without judgment and offer advice on how to remove yourself from your situation safely. They will also advise you on how to pursue legal action, connect you with law enforcement, and help you find resources to rebuild your life.

Covenant House
Covenant House in New Orleans has been helping the homeless youth of the city for decades. It offers a Direct Care program for trafficking victims that uses a trauma-informed approach to case management and to support mental health. They also have a safe house program and provide personal care kits to survivors under their care.

Eden House
Eden House in New Orleans is an organization that uses education and youth prevention programs to eradicate human trafficking nationwide. They have recovery and reentry services for victims, including long-term housing and job readiness training.

Baptist Friendship House
Baptist Friendship House in New Orleans is an organization that is dedicated to providing trafficking victims with the means to support themselves by providing access to shelter, food, clothing, transport, and counseling. They also have an advocacy program that connects victims to human rights organizations and legal assistance.

The Takeaway

Human trafficking is an inexcusable crime that impacts a broad range of victims. People who have suffered at the hands of traffickers need assistance to get back on their feet and start their life over. Compensation from a civil suit will not wipe out the past, but it can help give you a new future.

The attorneys at Lamothe Law Firm fight tirelessly to pursue justice for sex trafficking victims by criminally prosecuting the individuals and businesses that perpetuate this industry. We can also help you make a civil claim against employers and traffickers to recover compensation that can go toward resources such as housing and employment support services that can help you.  If you or anyone you know has been affected by human sexual trafficking, Lamothe Law Firm can listen to your story in complete confidence and offer legal advice.  Please contact us today.

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