Human trafficking often morphs into witness intimidation once investigations and prosecutions are initiated. In collaboration with law enforcement and victim services, prosecutors can both support victim participation and identify evidence that can be used against traffickers to strengthen cases of sex and labor trafficking.
This presentation adheres to the core philosophy of jiu-jitsu which is to use the opponent’s force against themselves. When combatting witness intimidation in tandem with human trafficking, prosecutors and law enforcement can take one of the most pervasive tools used by traffickers to quiet their victims to instead, bring the victim’s voice into court via forfeiture by wrongdoing. The presenter will discuss strategies to protect victims and strategies to bring their voices into the courtroom when traffickers have relied on witness intimidation to prevent them from testifying.
At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be better able to:
- Support victim participation in sex and labor trafficking cases.
- Minimize and respond to witness intimidation.
- Litigate the admission of statements under forfeiture by wrongdoing.