Representing Victims of Human Trafficking in Massachusetts

A GUIDE FOR ATTORNEYS
Authored by
Dara Goodman, Stephanie Neely, and Michaela Sewall, WilmerHale
 
Edited by
Seth Orkand, WilmerHale

Julie Dahlstrom, Lutheran Social Services of New England

 

With assistance from
Deborah Bercovitch, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office

This Guide provides attorneys with a general overview of human trafficking law in Massachusetts in an effort to help attorneys identify victims of human trafficking and determine how to meet their legal and non-legal needs.  It provides attorneys with a foundation concerning federal and state law and refers them to more comprehensive resources, where appropriate.

 

In particular, the Guide discusses the following topics in detail:

 

  • Identifying victims and recognizing indicators of human trafficking

  • An introduction to international, federal, and Massachusetts human trafficking laws

  • Advice on working with vulnerable and diverse populations

  • Immigration remedies for victims of human trafficking victims, including how to apply for and obtain T visas and U visas

  • Issues specific to child victims of human trafficking, including the safe harbor under Massachusetts law for minor victims involved in criminal prosecution

  • Issues specific to victims of human trafficking who are also criminal defendants

  • Aiding prosecution of traffickers

  • Civil remedies available to victims of human trafficking under federal and Massachusetts law

  • Non-legal benefits and resources available to victims of human trafficking under federal and Massachusetts law

  • Massachusetts resources available to victims of human trafficking

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This material is for general informational purposes only and does not represent or communicate legal advice, including but not limited to legal advice relating to any particular set of facts or circumstances; nor does it represent any undertaking to keep recipients advised of legal developments.  You should not take or refrain from taking action based on its content. Use of this Guide does not create an attorney-client relationship.  The authors make no representations or warranty concerning the accuracy or validity of the contents and disclaim any ongoing responsibility for updating the contents.  This manual represents the opinions and legal conclusions of its author(s) and not necessarily those of the Office of the Attorney General. Opinions of the Attorney General are formal documents rendered pursuant to specific statutory authority.