A Fighting Chance: Legal Tools for Trafficking Survivors

Human trafficking is a shocking reality that exists for many people. It is not something normal to hear, but this does happen and affect many people worldwide. And yes, there are those who survived such a harrowing horror in life. These survivors are still facing challenges in rebuilding their lives through physical and emotional recovery. Those two kinds of recovery cannot be attained in an instant. It takes a lot of effort from themselves and from the active support of their loved ones for them to really take a step forward, one milestone at a time. Alongside the physical and emotional toll, they are also not spared from the legal and financial hardships while they are trying to slowly get back on their feet. It’s a good thing that they can always turn to legal help, like partnering with a Houston human trafficking lawyer, for a solid fighting chance to take control of their lives and pursue justice.

Understanding Survivors’ Legal Rights

Knowing that they have rights as survivors of trafficking is very crucial and this is the first bg step. In the United States, victims of human trafficking have the right to seek justice against their traffickers, allowing them to get compensation for everything they have suffered including the emotional harm, medical treatments, lost wages, and everything in between. They are protected under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) and they have every right to access legal avenues that hold the suspects accountable for every fault.

A Clean Start by Expunging Criminal Records

Many trafficking survivors have been urged and forced to do illegal tasks by their suspects such as involving them in drug trafficking cases and even prostitution. Even after escaping from their traffickers’  capture, they might already have criminal records that can be visible to those who will background investigations as part of different processes like employment, housing or education. With the help of lawyers, they can be assisted on how to petition for a clearance and help them move forward without a tainted record. It can open doors to new opportunities, unblock accesses and help them forward without a mark of their past convictions.

Securing Compensation

Survivors of human trafficking can be eligible for compensation and there are several options under this umbrella. They may be assisted by their human trafficking  lawyer to help them navigate each option. Victims compensation programs can help cover medical care, counseling and other immediate needs especially when the victim suffered grave physical harm. There are also restitution orders that form part of the trafficker’s criminal sentence and this requires them to directly provide monetary support to the victim.

Privacy and Protection

Survivors struggle to have a sense of security especially because they went through so much trauma. They may fear retaliation or being attacked again by their traffickers, or endure social stigma and stereotyping from the society or community they are in. Having their own sense of security and privacy is a very big deal for them in order to fully recover. There are legal tools available to protect their identity by granting anonymity and keeping sensitive information redacted or confidential during court proceedings.

Reclaiming Hope for the Future

Recovery is not a simple, linear process and a victim needs every help they can get to make sure they take big steps towards rebuilding their lives. These vulnerable individuals need the guidance of compassionate legal professionals who can help them earn renewed security, dignity, and a gleaming hope for what’s ahead.

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