Legal Options to Address Criminalization and Financial Exploitation of Survivors of Human Trafficking | Rm. 305
Legal Options to Address Criminalization and Financial Exploitation of Survivors of Human Trafficking
Session 2: 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM | Room 305
Survivors of human trafficking are often arrested and convicted for crimes related to their trafficking experience, and the resulting criminal records can prevent them from rebuilding their lives in safety. Many survivors also have significant debt from medical bills, bail bonds, or unfinished schooling, or are grappling with identity theft and tax controversies after financial exploitation by their trafficker. This panel will discuss the collateral consequences of both criminalization and financial exploitation on survivors, and outline civil legal remedies attorneys can employ to support trafficking survivors facing these challenges.
Panelists:
- Jessica Emerson, Human Trafficking Prevention Project
- Janice Shih, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
- Phillip Westry, FreeState Justice
Moderator:
- Shelly Brown, Neighbors & Brown