Human trafficking, a contemporary form of slavery that exploits individuals for sexual or labor purposes, poses a global challenge impacting millions across age, gender, race, and nationality.
Certain regions are more susceptible to human trafficking, influenced by factors like poverty, crime, immigration, and demand. New Jersey stands out as one such vulnerable area, ranking among the top 10 states in the United States for reported human trafficking cases to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 151 cases of human trafficking in New Jersey, impacting 466 victims. The predominant form of trafficking was sex trafficking, with 112 cases identified, while labor trafficking comprised 22 cases.
Illicit massage/spa businesses were the primary venues for sex trafficking, with 20 cases reported. Domestic work and construction sites were the most common venues for labor trafficking, with 7 and 4 cases respectively.
This article delves into the concerning prevalence of human trafficking in New Jersey, with a specific focus on one of the most affected cities in the state. It aims to investigate the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions surrounding this intricate and pressing issue.
Cities With the Highest Rate of Human Trafficking
The New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking cited Atlantic municipal, Newark, Trenton, Camden, and Paterson as some of the cities that have been identified as hotspots for human trafficking in the state. The Hotline does not offer data at the municipal level.
Certain cities are more susceptible to human trafficking than others because of things like their close proximity to major thoroughfares, ports, and airports; high rates of poverty and criminality; sizable immigrant populations; and the existence of casinos, strip clubs, and massage parlors.
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Official’s Efforts to Prevent Human Trafficking in New Jersey
New Jersey has implemented various measures to combat human trafficking and safeguard its victims. These initiatives include:
1. Establishment of the Human Trafficking Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice. This unit coordinates statewide efforts to identify and provide services to victims, while also training and assisting law enforcement in recognizing signs of trafficking.
2. Creation of the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking, tasked with evaluating existing laws and policies related to human trafficking and recommending improvements.
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3. Enactment of the Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection, and Treatment Act in 2013. This legislation increased penalties for human trafficking offenses, broadened the definition of human trafficking, introduced a civil cause of action for victims, and mandated training for law enforcement and other professionals.
4. Participation in the ARRIVE Together initiative, a collaborative effort involving the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Education. The initiative provides training and resources to school personnel for identifying and responding to human trafficking among students.
5. Implementation of the Statewide Veterans Diversion Program, diverting eligible veterans arrested for non-violent offenses to appropriate treatment and services instead of prosecution.
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To Conclude
The widespread incidence of human trafficking in New Jersey necessitates swift and decisive action, especially in susceptible cities like Trenton, Newark, and Atlantic City.
Understanding the underlying causes—poverty, crime, immigration dynamics, and exploitative industries—is important, but the emphasis has to change to practical remedies.
Millions of people worldwide are impacted by human trafficking, which is a grave crime and violation of their human rights. You can text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733) or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 if you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of human trafficking.
The Hotline is in more than 200 languages and is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. At humantraffickinghotline.org, you can also leave a tip or engage in online discussion.
