Human and sex trafficking are horrific crimes. The scars from the emotional and physical trauma run deep for people who experience human trafficking. Our team of compassionate and knowledgeable attorneys will handle your case with all the understanding it deserves so that you can get justice, hold those responsible accountable, and help you move forward with your life.
Helping Survivors of Human Trafficking Get Justice in Texas
Human and sex trafficking are horrific crimes. It is a modern form of slavery, with victims forced into labor, prostitution, or sexual abuse against their will. Alarmingly, in 2020, Texas ranked second in the United States for states with the highest number of reported human trafficking cases, according to the latest report from the nonprofit National Human Trafficking Hotline. This is no surprise given that Texas shares a long border with Mexico has a large, diverse population, and is connected by a system of major highways. The organization also found that minors, children who are under the age of 18, make up approximately 28% of victims.
With those statistics, it is understandable how the scars from the emotional and physical trauma run deep for people who experience human trafficking. If you are a survivor of human trafficking, remember that you are not to blame for what you experienced. Call our compassionate and knowledgeable human trafficking survivor attorneys at The Button Law Firm at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form. You can focus on healing while our team handles your case, giving you a voice so that you can get justice and move forward.
Warning Signs of Human Trafficking and How It Happens
Human trafficking victims are often preyed upon and coerced without realizing it. Traffickers first gain the trust of victims and then force them into the sex trade, where they have no access to basic necessities or means of escape. They no longer have an identification card, money, or a phone to call family members or friends. Victims can feel trapped and experience physical and sexual abuse to comply with a trafficker’s demands.
Situations when someone could be tricked include when the victim is:
- Seeking a new job opportunity as a nanny or model
- Going on a date with someone they met on a dating app, through social media or a messaging app
- Meeting up with someone previously met at an event or other social situation
- Receiving gifts, excessive attention, or other forms of grooming used on young victims
This is a crime that impacts people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses. Women and young girls are targeted most.
Often, people are most vulnerable to trafficking when:
- Facing economic need
- Have an unstable living situation or lack of family support
- In foster care
- Are addicted to alcohol or other substances
- Are undocumented immigrants
Signs that someone might be a victim of human trafficking include:
- Does not speak for themselves
- Is closely accompanied by another person who appears to control their actions and responds in conversations for them
- Avoids eye contact
- Has bruises or shows other signs of physical abuse
Holding Hotels, Businesses, and Social Media Companies Accountable
The horrific trade of human trafficking is able to thrive because so many businesses and people turn a blind eye to the warning signs, favoring profits over protecting innocent victims.
Businesses that survivors of human trafficking may be eligible to bring claims against and hold accountable for inaction include:
- Hotels, motels, and apartment management companies
- Truck stops
- Spas
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Airlines
- Bus and transportation companies
- Social media companies
- Farms
- Other organizations that support overseas trafficking
Human trafficking survivors in Texas can seek damages for experiencing:
- Psychological abuse such as:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Physical abuse such as:
- Injuries sustained
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexually transmitted diseases
While it may sound intimidating to file a claim, our compassionate and experienced Texas human trafficking attorneys will listen and give you a voice to help you get justice.
How We Help Human Trafficking Survivors
At The Button Law Firm, our team of compassionate and experienced Texas human trafficking attorneys knows that it can be scary and traumatic to file a human trafficking claim. It is important to remember that you are not to blame for what you experienced. We are here to give you a voice and help you get justice so that you can focus on healing and moving forward. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form.
Resources to Help Survivors of Human Trafficking in Texas
There are some excellent programs and resources for women, men, and nonbinary individuals who are victims of human trafficking that focus on emotional healing and creating stability. A couple to explore include:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support to get help and stay safe. Victims can get help by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733.
- Refuge for Women is a nonprofit that offers long-term care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helping You File a Human Trafficking Claim
Is there a time limit to file a claim?
Survivors of human trafficking have two years to file a claim. Contact our team of compassionate lawyers today at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form, and we can determine how the legal statutes impact your case.
How much does it cost to file a claim?
At The Button Law Firm, we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. We work on contingency. This way, you can focus on healing while we focus on advocating and fighting for you. Call us at 214-699-4409 or fill out a contact form to get started.
Who do you represent?
We help you and other survivors of human trafficking get justice against traffickers and compliant businesses. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we are ready to fight and advocate for you anywhere in The Lone Star State so that you can move forward.
How can I file a claim?
Simply contact our team of human trafficking victim lawyers by calling 214-699-4409 or filling out a contact form, and we can determine the best way to help you.
Why should I work with The Button Law Firm?
We are dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking get justice. Our lawyers are ready to listen to you, advocate for you, and help you hold traffickers and compliant businesses accountable. See what our past clients have to say about working with us to handle their legal matters.
