Representing Victims of Human Trafficking in Massachusetts
This Guide provides attorneys with a general overview of human trafficking law in Massachusetts in an effort to help attorneys identify victims of human trafficking and determine how to meet their legal and non-legal needs. It provides attorneys with a foundation concerning federal and state law and refers them to more comprehensive resources, where appropriate.
In particular, the Guide discusses the following topics in detail:
- Identifying victims and recognizing indicators of human trafficking
- An introduction to international, federal, and Massachusetts human trafficking laws
- Advice on working with vulnerable and diverse populations
- Immigration remedies for victims of human trafficking victims, including how to apply for and obtain T visas and U visas
- Issues specific to child victims of human trafficking, including the safe harbor under Massachusetts law for minor victims involved in criminal prosecution
- Issues specific to victims of human trafficking who are also criminal defendants
- Aiding prosecution of traffickers
- Civil remedies available to victims of human trafficking under federal and Massachusetts law
- Non-legal benefits and resources available to victims of human trafficking under federal and Massachusetts law
- Massachusetts resources available to victims of human trafficking
2020 Edition Revised and Edited by
- Rachel Bier, James Bor-Zale, Elizabeth Mooney*, and Stephanie Neely | Wilmerhale
- Betsy Byra and Julie Dahlstrom | Boston University School of Law Immigrants’ Rights and Human Trafficking Program
2013 Edition Authored by
- Dara Goodman*, Stephanie Neely, and Michaela Sewall, WilmerHale
2013 Edition Edited by
- Seth Orkand*, WilmerHale
- Julie Dahlstrom, Boston University School of Law Immigrants’ Rights and Human Trafficking Program
- With assistance from Deborah Bercovitch*, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
* Professional affiliation listed reflects affiliation as of 2013