Northern Kentucky University
Human Trafficking in Northern Kentucky
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Belle Zembrodt
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to collect data on the prevalence of human trafficking in Northern Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant counties). Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person through force, fraud or coercion to perform labor or commercial sex acts. Prior studies have shown that key indicators such as interstate access, presence of commercial sex industries, poverty, and immigrant populations are predictors of areas where human trafficking exists. These indicators are present in northern KY. There have only been 91 cases of human trafficking identified in KY. Of these, there have only been 15 state indictments and 0 convictions. This research seeks to understand the disconnect between the perception and the reality of the crime. Our hypothesis stated that more human trafficking exists in northern KY but is often mislabeled. First responders are not aware of the signs and symptoms of human trafficking in the people that they see. Prosecutors and judges are not aware of the force, fraud, and coercion used by the perpetrators. Legislators are not aware of the need for a more extensive law against human trafficking. Through a series of surveys distributed to police departments, social service organizations, and medical providers in the northern KY region, we gathered information about the location and needs of trafficking victims as well as training needs of first responders. Data collection will be completed by the end of the fall semester, 2012. Quantitative data analysis will be completed by the end of January, 2013. Ultimately the goal of this study is to address the “three Ps” of fighting human trafficking: Prevention of trafficking, Protection of victims and Prosecution of traffickers.
Human Trafficking in Northern Kentucky
The aim of the current study was to collect data on the prevalence of human trafficking in Northern Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant counties). Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person through force, fraud or coercion to perform labor or commercial sex acts. Prior studies have shown that key indicators such as interstate access, presence of commercial sex industries, poverty, and immigrant populations are predictors of areas where human trafficking exists. These indicators are present in northern KY. There have only been 91 cases of human trafficking identified in KY. Of these, there have only been 15 state indictments and 0 convictions. This research seeks to understand the disconnect between the perception and the reality of the crime. Our hypothesis stated that more human trafficking exists in northern KY but is often mislabeled. First responders are not aware of the signs and symptoms of human trafficking in the people that they see. Prosecutors and judges are not aware of the force, fraud, and coercion used by the perpetrators. Legislators are not aware of the need for a more extensive law against human trafficking. Through a series of surveys distributed to police departments, social service organizations, and medical providers in the northern KY region, we gathered information about the location and needs of trafficking victims as well as training needs of first responders. Data collection will be completed by the end of the fall semester, 2012. Quantitative data analysis will be completed by the end of January, 2013. Ultimately the goal of this study is to address the “three Ps” of fighting human trafficking: Prevention of trafficking, Protection of victims and Prosecution of traffickers.