Human trafficking remains a global issue, often overlooked due to misconceptions and biases. Among the marginalized victims, male trafficking victims and survivors face unique challenges, including legal and police biases and societal stigmatization. This presentation aims to shed light on the legal and law enforcement biases against male victims of human trafficking, propose strategies for building an intersectional legal and police response, and discuss best practices, challenges, and lessons learned in working with law enforcement and the legal system. Addressing legal and law enforcement biases against male victims of human trafficking in order to build an intersectional response require concerted efforts from policymakers, legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and civil society. By adopting inclusive approaches, fostering collaborative partnerships, and prioritizing survivor-centered practices, we can enhance the legal protection and the frontline support available to male trafficking victims and survivors, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Ena Lucia Mariaca Pacheco is the Global Ambassador for the U.S. Council on Violence against Men and Boys. She has worked with Governments, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, law enforcement, and lived experience experts on research, policy writing, human rights advocacy work, and global projects focused on supporting victims and survivors.
Holly Wood is an anti-human trafficking researcher and educator. She is the Vice Chair of the Ottawa Coalition to End Human Trafficking. Her passions include the intersections of anti-human trafficking, law, policy, and human rights. Holly has been featured in the Journal of Human Trafficking and has 4 pending publications.