Special Populations: Human Trafficking

Our Position and Catholic Social Teaching

In keeping with the teachings of the Church, Catholic Charities USA upholds the belief in the dignity of every person and the right of each human to a dignified life, free from violence and fear. We also uphold the right of every person to what is necessary for a dignified life—including food, clothing and shelter. Trafficking violates these fundamental beliefs.

Thus, we have joined our agencies in advocating for programs that identify and help victims of human trafficking. We seek to provide trafficking victims hope and a chance at a new life of their design. The policy positions of Catholic Charities USA concerning human trafficking are rooted in Catholic social teaching and the experience of nearly 140 local agencies that run programs in support of thousands of trafficking victims annually.

Current Issues and Challenges

The issue of human trafficking has gained increased and much needed attention in recent years. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, between 600,000 and 800,000 victims are trafficked throughout the world each year. They are women and men of all ages. The Department of State estimates that more than half of the 14,500 to 17,500 victims trafficked into the United States each year are children.

Victims of trafficking come from nations all over the world, but also from within our own borders. Strangers, family members, criminal networks, and other youth sexually exploit an estimated 125,000-300,000 American children each year. These children come from a wide variety of backgrounds and 75 percent are from middle-class families.

Victims of trafficking perform forced labor or sweatshop work in a variety of industries, or are coerced into prostitution or work in the sex entertainment industry. Though only some are physically locked up and prevented from escaping, they are in essence forced into a form of slavery. Traffickers manipulate victims by isolating them from family or society, confiscating identification and threatening to report victims to immigration authorities, telling victims they will go to prison or be deported if they contact anyone or try to leave, keep victims bound in a debt they can never seem to work off, and by threatening them or family members with physical or sexual abuse.

The impact on victims is harsh and long-term. Victims may suffer chronic pain or injuries from dangerous jobs, infection from contagious diseases, and the consequences of rape and sexual abuse. Additionally, many experience fear, depression, and shock and guilt so severe that their social and psychological development is severely damaged. International victims have the added stress of coping with a foreign culture and language.

Catholic Charities USA’s Position

In response to Catholic social teaching’s call to protecting human life and dignity, nearly 140 local agencies run programs in support of thousands of trafficking victims annually. Catholic Charities USA advocates and supports legislation that addresses the needs of victims of domestic trafficking. In addition, Catholic Charities USA works with Migration and Refugee services on addressing international trafficking issues.

Key Programs and Policies

The federal government has invested in programs and partnerships ($74 million in 2003) around the world to put an end to international human trafficking. A few such initiatives are summarized below:

» Rescue and Restore Campaign

The Department of Health and Human Services launched the Rescue and Restore Campaign in 2003 to identify the increased numbers of trafficking victims in the United States and provide them what they need to live safely in the country. Between 2004 and 2006, the campaign has trained law enforcement officers, community-based organizations like Catholic Charities agencies, educators, and health care providers on how to identify victims and raise awareness about trafficking. The Campaign also created a hotline to link victims of trafficking to local organizations that can provide them the help they might need. Catholic Charities USA supports this campaign, as it seeks to identify trafficking victims so they can have a chance at a renewed life.

» Trafficking in Persons Report

The Department of State produces a report ranking countries on the extent of trafficking within their borders. The results motivate nations to take action to improve their countries through passing anti-trafficking laws, outreach and education, and better training of law enforcement officials. The government invested $170 million in 70 nations worldwide in FY 2002 and FY 2003 to “strengthen anti-trafficking law enforcement, victim support, legislation, and regional cooperation” (Department of Health and Human Services). Catholic Charities USA supports the publishing of this report, a component of assisting human trafficking victims.

» Trafficking Victims Protection Act

Created in 2000 and reauthorized in 2003, the TVPA created the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to coordinate the work done by various agencies on trafficking. Under the Act, the Department of Health and Human Services takes responsibility for certifying victims and helping them access benefits; the Department of Justice investigates traffickers both here and abroad; the Department of Labor offers job training and referrals to approved victims and investigates labor law violations; the Department of State coordinates international anti-trafficking programs; and the Department of Homeland Security also investigates cases and provides international victims visas to stay in the country for help. Catholic Charities USA supports this act, as it helps trafficking victims to have a chance at a renewed life.