Human trafficking is a heinous crime in which victims are trapped into work against their will, sexual or other, by means of coercion, fraud, or force. There are constant offenders throughout the United States, and Polaris has created a tier system in which the level of the enforcement of state laws is rated. The top seven offenders are notorious for not enforcing laws, or for having laws that do not cover the full bracket of ways to stop offenders. Below are the top seven offenders, according to the Polaris Project—and if your state is included below and you’re angered, there are steps you can take in a legislative manner to pressure your state government into correcting these mistakes.
1. South Dakota
South Dakota is literally the only state in the “Tier 4” category, or most critical category, in regards to its laws against human trafficking. There are few legal provisions, due to the legislature meeting infrequently, and therefore whenever educators enter into a situation, they’re unable to reach a broad audience as so few individuals are in session.
2. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a “Tier 3” state, who has just 3 points in regards to working against human trafficking within the state. Their anti-trafficking measures are basic, and their most basic provisions are the only efforts made by the state legislature.
3. Delaware
Though Delaware has trafficking laws in place and has moderately effective laws in regards to convicting those who have trafficked underage victims, they lack any further legislation against trafficking.
4. Colorado
Colorado doesn’t lift prostitution charges from sex trafficking victims, so when talking about trafficking, that’s a good place to start. Their legislation also does not protect trafficking victims as they attempt to receive rehabilitation and assistance, and tends to criminalize rather than protect, further complicating already intricate psychological and legal situations.
5. Utah
Oh, Utah. Utah lacks a hotline, protection for minors who are under prosecution, lowered burdens of proof for victimized minors, victim assistance, damages compensation, and doesn’t lift the label of “prostitutes” from those being prosecuted for sex trafficking. There’s a deficiency of support for victims, and doesn’t have protections for immigrants who are trafficked into labor.
6. Arizona
Arizona is disappointing, and earned a third of the points it should have. However, in 2014 there was talk of a trafficking task force being created in the state, which means that the overturn is occurring which could provide support for those being victimized in the Western state.
7. North Dakota
Damn North Dakota, back at it again not providing assistance or compensation! There’s no task force or hotline, and there’s a massive gap in the treatment of exploited children. Child victims of trafficking are often treated as prostitutes.
