Human Trafficking: Reframing Expectations

Human trafficking is an issue of great seriousness and unfortunately increasing frequency both domestically and abroad. While significant progress has been made in relation to the issue in recent decades, greater conceptual shifts will have to be made for this progress to continue in a climate of increasing polarization surrounding issues related to sex and women’s rights. This paper endeavors to a) identify the current trends of characterization of human trafficking victims b) make an argument as to why this current conceptualization is problematic, and c) present an alternate framework focused on a public health approach, using efforts in Atlanta to crystallize potential future pragmatic efforts in policy and legislation.