Human Trafficking in Maine: Protection, Prevention, and Prosecution: The Need for a Stand-Alone Statute

Author

Laura M. Cyr, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service

Date of Award

5-8-2014

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Public Policy and Management (PPM)

Department

Public Policy and Management

First Advisor

Professor Lisa Morris

Keywords

legislative support, prostitution, sex trade, Muskie School of Public Service

Abstract

The United States enacted the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 to combat the crime of organized firms engaging in the trafficking of humans. The TVPA has resulted in competing definitions and competing agendas which contribute of a public misunderstanding of the nature and scope of human trafficking as a domestic policy issue. Early goals of protection of victims, prevention of future trafficking crimes, and prosecution of traffickers have not been met with empirically driven success. This paper outlines obstacles facing evidence-based legislation in the state of Maine which currently has no stand- alone law protecting victims of sex trafficking and seeks to provide a simple guideline for increasing legislative support.

Recommended Citation

Cyr, Laura M., "Human Trafficking in Maine: Protection, Prevention, and Prosecution: The Need for a Stand-Alone Statute" (2014). Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations. 72.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/muskie_capstones/72