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“Human trafficking is a heinous crime with devastating consequences. Traffickers prey upon the most vulnerable members of our society. They exploit and control their victims, often through force, violence, or abuse. And victims experience unimaginable harm, trauma, and stigma – all of which can prevent them from receiving the support they need and deserve.” -Attorney General Merrick B Garland
“Prosecutors in our Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit work closely with AUSAs and law enforcement agencies to streamline investigations, ensure consistent application of trafficking statutes, and identify multijurisdictional trafficking networks.” -Attorney General Merrick B Garland
“From the time of OVC’s formation, the division has worked hand-in-hand with OVC and other key partners to seek justice for human trafficking victims. Our work alongside OVC on behalf of trafficking victims and survivors is a natural extension of the division’s core mission of abolishing the legacy of slavery and servitude; upholding the Constitution; and vindicating the rights of the most vulnerable.” -Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke
“Victims of human trafficking often face challenges in accessing trauma-informed and culturally responsive assistance and support and may encounter numerous obstacles when accessing justice or services...the Justice Department’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking reflects the department’s whole-of-agency approach to ensuring that victims of human trafficking are properly identified and receive the necessary support and services to heal and ultimately, to thrive.” -Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta
“The Department of Justice, through its components, has built a multi-layered and robust response to the crime of human trafficking....Our aim was to raise awareness, identify survivors and connect them to much-needed services...As far as we’ve come...it’s clear, we have miles to go and work yet to do to end trafficking and provide pathways towards healing.” -OVC Director Kristina Rose
In recognition of January’s National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime hosted the 20th Anniversary Commemoration of OVC’s Anti-Trafficking Programs at the Great Hall on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. The event theme was “Collaboration, Transformation, Impact: 20 Years of OVC’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts”, which highlighted grantees’ impact on the lives of thousands of trafficking survivors over two decades of OVC funding, assistance, and support, while also looking to the future as the Department’s response to human trafficking continues to evolve.