Picking Up the Pieces Protection and Progress for Sexually Trafficked Women

Abstract

The United States and Canada are big destinations for immigrants seeking a new life. Despite the glory of the pursuit of the ‘American Dream’, not all people arrive in North America to a better life. Human trafficking – modern-day slavery, is one of the most systematic and criminally organized forms of human rights abuses. It is estimated that anywhere from 700,000 to 4 million persons worldwide are trafficked across or within national borders every year. Sexual trafficking is one of the more injurious forms of human trafficking. Victims are left scarred and isolated by psychological, emotional, mental and physical abuse. It is estimated that each year over one million women and girls are surreptitious trafficked for sexual exploitation in sex industries. The United States and Canada, each deal and address trafficking with different methods. The United States approaches trafficking from through their Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and warrant protection to victims through this act. Canada warrants protection to trafficking victims through their refugee system. Both systems have their benefits and limitations. This thesis will examine and critique the protection schemes in the United States and Canada, and determine what strengths and weaknesses each system possess, and if the states can learn from one another to create a truly ideal practice when it comes to protecting women persecuted by sexual trafficking.