Data-Driven Research
The Human Trafficking Legal Center has created comprehensive databases of civil and criminal trafficking cases filed in U.S. federal courts.
Impact
We analyze criminal and civil databases to identify trends and spot system failures. This research brings rigor to the anti-trafficking movement and aids pro bono lawyers in representing trafficking survivors.
Data Story
Number of Civil Trafficking Cases
In 2003, Congress passed a law allowing trafficking victims to recover civil damages for trafficking in federal courts. As of December 31, 2024, plaintiffs filed 1,212 cases under Section 1595 of the TVPRA. In the twenty-one years since the enactment of the civil remedy, filings have grown from just six cases in 2004 to 280 in 2024.
Data Story
Forced Labor and Civil Trafficking Cases
Since 2003, nearly 48% of all federal civil trafficking cases filed by survivors included allegations of forced labor.
Data Story
Federal Cases Filed by Location of Filing
As of December 31, 2024, plaintiffs had filed cases in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and two territories. No civil trafficking cases have been filed in Delaware, Guam, Montana, Puerto Rico, and Vermont.
Data Story
Method of Entry
Foreign-born plaintiffs filed 37 percent of all civil trafficking cases between 2003 and 2024, the majority of whom entered the United States with legal visas or legal status (where the method of entry could be ascertained).
