Serving Trafficking Victims in Kentucky

Trafficking victims have multiple needs upon escaping their trafficking situation. It is important to first establish the victim’s safety, then determine other immediate needs. Language access needs should be assessed immediately, and adequately provided. An Emergency Response Plan may assist in determining how to best evaluate a victim’s needs and how to best meet those needs.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 provides for prevention, protection, and prosecution in trafficking cases. The protections provided to victims of human trafficking include, but are not limited to, the following:

• For foreign national victims: Applying for a T Visa, to provide temporary legal immigration status for up to three years, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency.
• For foreign national victims: Ability to receive certification from the Dept. of Health and Human Services upon receipt of T Visa, thereby allowing the victim to qualify for public benefits, such as those received by refugees.

Some rights given to Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking victims include:

1. They are not culpable for crimes committed as a direct result of their victimization
2. They should not be detained in facilities inappropriate to their status as crime victims
3. They must receive necessary medical care and other assistance
4. They will be provided protection if their safety is at risk or if there is danger of recapture by the trafficker