Human trafficking has been described as an epidemic in our nation. The hospitality industry provides the primary venues for these crimes. Victims of human trafficking are often checked into hotels, motels, and casinos for commercial sexual exploitation. The hospitality industry is reaping the benefits from this form of slavery while turning a blind eye to the crime. The open and obvious sex trafficking of vulnerable men, women, and children on their properties is a violation of fundamental human rights and dignity. These venues facilitate sex trafficking enterprises by providing a sense of anonymity and privacy for criminals to engage in force and coercion of their victims.
Federal Legislation Against Sex Trafficking
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act and its subsequent reauthorizations define sex trafficking as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for a commercial sex act.” Along with local, state, and other federal laws, legislation exists to combat sex trafficking and ensure the punishment of traffickers.
Hospitality venues are increasingly being held accountable for the plight of those held hostage to engage in commercial sex acts, as it is unlawful to profit from these crimes. A growing number of victims have filed civil lawsuits in federal district courts against national hotels, motels, and casino chains throughout the nation. The hospitality industry has routinely failed to enact and implement policies to prevent sex trafficking crimes on their premises. Furthermore, it is alleged that these venues have been aware of these illegal activities on their properties for many years.
Physical and Psychological Impacts
The physical violence and psychological trauma endured by victims of sex trafficking have life-long, devastating effects. Recovery often involves a multidisciplinary approach to address medical and mental health issues for re-integration into society and the prevention of revictimization. Victims may experience physical violence that results in bone fractures, bruising, burns, gynecological ailments, traumatic brain injuries, and other injuries consistent with an assault. Some of the common mental health issues experienced by sex trafficking victims include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, confusion, anxiety, sleep disorders, memory loss, mood lability, eating disorders, and substance or alcohol abuse.
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm Fights for Victim’s Rights
The hospitality industry has a pivotal role in the global human trafficking crisis. Hotels, motels, and casinos are prime territories for sex-trafficking crimes. The United Nations’ International Labor Organization estimated that in 2016, there were 3.8 million adults and one million children involved in sex trafficking rings around the world. In addition, the United States Department of State reports that our nation is one of the top countries for human trafficking victims.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual exploitation at a hospitality venue, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is a nationwide complex litigation team at the forefront of civil litigations for victims of sex trafficking. We are passionate about seeking justice for those that have been harmed due to the harmful acts of others.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm at 888-585-5970 for a no-obligation and confidential consultation to discuss your options. We strive to help those harmed by corporate greed and seek justice for victims.