Human Trafficking includes the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor and/or services by use of force, promises, and coercion.

This crime often begins with the promise of a high paying job, housing, and a better life. Human trafficking methods can include: physical assaults, including beatings, rape, debt bondage, slavery, prostitution, and starvation. Further, victims are often forced to perform various sexual acts on demand or forced to work in inhumane conditions for hours on end.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office will rigorously investigate cases involving persons accused of Human Trafficking and will prosecute appropriately.

To report trafficking of persons call: 1-888-373-7888

Victims of human trafficking receive protections under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). Under this law victims and their families may apply for temporary T-VISAs through the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. Eligibility requirements include: the victim's willingness to cooperate with law enforcement efforts in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators, along with the victim showing that he or she would suffer extreme hardship by returning to their country of origin.

Once a victim receives certification, he or she may apply for U.S. residency following a three-year waiting period.

Victims may also receive medical attention, crisis counseling and intervention services, short-term shelter or housing assistance, translation services, and pro-bono or low cost legal services that include help in filing for T-VISA certification regardless of immigration status.

Contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy at 973-621-4687 for additional information. You may also learn more about Human Trafficking through our Frequently Asked Questions page.