Your Rights and Legal Options as a Victim of Human Trafficking

If you are a survivor of sex trafficking, know this first: what happened to you was not your fault. No matter how it began, or who was involved, you deserve compassion, safety, and the chance to heal on your terms. We believe every survivor deserves access to the full range of support that they need. This includes understanding your rights, exploring your legal options, and knowing you are not alone.

Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or have been working through it for years, this guide will help you understand what legal protections and options are available to you.

Understanding Your Rights as a Survivor

Human trafficking is a serious violation of your basic human rights. Survivors of sex trafficking are protected under both federal and state law. These laws recognize you as a victim of a crime, not a criminal.

You have the right to:

Be safe and protected from further harm
Receive medical, psychological, and emotional support
File criminal charges against traffickers and anyone who helped them
Pursue civil legal action to seek compensation for the harm you’ve endured
Live free from intimidation or threats from your traffickers
Have an advocate or sex trafficking attorney help you understand and exercise your rights

These rights apply regardless of your immigration status, criminal history, or how long ago the trafficking occurred.

Pursuing Criminal Charges

If you report what happened to law enforcement, your case could lead to criminal charges being filed against those who exploited or harmed you.

You do not have to go through this alone. Many survivors find support through everything from local human trafficking task forces to victim advocacy organizations, special victim units within law enforcement, and even survivor-informed attorneys and legal aid clinics.

If you are considering reporting the crime, it may help you to first speak confidentially with a victim advocate who can help you understand the process and what to expect. Advocates can also go with you to meetings with law enforcement and help protect your safety.

Keep in mind: you are never required to press charges. Some survivors choose not to for personal or safety reasons, and that is completely valid.

Civil Lawsuits are Also a Pathway to Justice

In addition to, or instead of, a criminal case, you may also have the option to file a civil lawsuit against the people, businesses, or institutions that facilitated or profited from your abuse.

This could include:

Individuals who trafficked or exploited you
Hotels, clubs, or other businesses that have turned a blind eye
Websites that facilitated your trafficking
Organizations or institutions that failed to protect you

Civil lawsuits are different from criminal prosecutions. You don’t need to prove someone committed a crime, only that they are legally responsible for what happened to you. The burden of proof is significantly lower to prove civil liability (which is a preponderance of the evidence) than criminal guilt (which is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt). These types of cases can help you recover financial compensation for:

Medical and therapy costs
Lost income or job opportunities
Emotional suffering
Physical pain or permanent injury
Housing or relocation expenses
Long-term support needs

Civil suits are filed by survivors, not the government. That means you control the process, including whether or not to settle or move forward. More importantly, many sex trafficking lawyers who work with survivors do not charge fees upfront. They work on contingency fees, which means they only get paid if you win or settle your case.

What If Your Trafficking Happened a Long Time Ago?

Many survivors wait years to speak about what happened. That is okay. Healing does not follow a timeline. Some states have extended the statute of limitations for trafficking and sexual abuse cases, meaning you may still be able to pursue a lawsuit even if the abuse occurred many years ago. Additionally, there are special “lookback windows” in some states that temporarily allow survivors to file claims for past abuse, no matter how long ago it happened.

Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, speaking confidentially with a legal professional can help you understand your options.

Why Pursuing Legal Action Can Be Empowering

For many survivors, taking legal action is not just about money, it’s about being heard, holding abusers accountable, and reclaiming your voice.

Some survivors have found a sense of control after years of being silenced. Others are looking for public acknowledgment of the harm they endured. Some just want to prevent others from being harmed, or they are looking for the resources needed to rebuild their lives. This is all possible through the right legal processes. Remember that you have the right to decide if, when, and how you want to pursue justice.

How to Take the First Step

If you’re considering your legal options, the first step is to speak with someone who understands what you’ve been through; someone who listens without judgment and puts your safety and privacy first.

At Constant Legal Group, we know that making sense of what happened and deciding what to do about it is never easy. But you do not have to figure it out alone. When you’re ready, we’re here. If you’d like to talk to someone about your legal rights as a survivor of trafficking, you can start by reaching out confidentially for a case consultation. No pressure. No judgment. Just support.

Explore Your Legal Options by speaking privately with one of our attorneys today.