Successful prosecutions depend on thorough investigations. Successful investigations start with a proactive approach. Preparing a community for a human trafficking response that is victim-centered, adaptable, and resourceful is crucial to recover victims and prosecute traffickers. This workshop will discuss how a community can prepare for a human trafficking response, law enforcement can corroborate the trafficking offense, and prosecutors can determine culpability. In addition, the importance of taking on the demand for sex trafficking and methods to attack demand, including legislative and law enforcement responses will be discussed. Anticipating the case allows for the development of trafficking prosecutions that can be built without reliance on the victim’s presence or cooperation during the trial. Evaluating the system in place to recover at-risk youth and initiating the resources needed for a successful recovery can allow for prosecutions without the need for a victim to testify. Participants will learn how to prepare a community response for a victim-centered approach to human trafficking cases.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Brooke Grona-Robb is Deputy Chief in the Human Trafficking and Transnational/Organized Crime Division for the Texas Attorney General. Ms. Grona-Robb was previously an ADA in Dallas County and was Deputy Chief of the Crimes Against Children Division. She has been prosecuting human trafficking cases for the past 15 years.