Research in Brief: Identifying and Interacting with Victims of Sex Trafficking

Although the exploitation of human beings is centuries old, the term “sex trafficking” has only recently received widespread attention. Scholars have probed the nature of these offenses in hopes of designing effective interventions. However, special attention needs to be paid to police officers because they are likely to be among the first to encounter trafficking victims. Accordingly, law enforcement can play a vital role in identifying victims and gaining their trust.