In 2020, there were 579 human trafficking cases in US federal courts. Among these were a total of 1,007 active criminal defendants, with 104 of those charged with attempting to or purchasing commercial sex. This only proves that sex trafficking is an issue that continues to occur in the country. Fortunately, there are some careers that are dedicated to combating this ongoing problem.
If you want to contribute to anti-sex trafficking, below are some professions to consider:
Lawyer
Victims of sex-trafficking need help to get justice for the crimes and acts done against them. In court cases, a lawyer defends their client against their perpetrator. A defense attorney identifies people who might be treated as offenders rather than as victims. Pro bono attorneys can represent victims in cases.
A wide range of pre-law degrees is available at present, such as political science, criminal justice, economics, psychology, and gender studies. After this, law school is the next step for people who want to be a lawyer. You would also need to pass the bar examination before starting your career. Key skills needed in this field are persuasive communication skills, attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.
Criminal Investigator
Sex-trafficking cases can take a long time to build. A criminal investigator works to solve cases by collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, and arresting suspects. Given the nature of their job, they are able to work at all levels of law enforcement such as local, state, and federal. They are vital in providing information for a case to be completed, and therefore get sex-trafficking victims their justice.
To become a criminal investigator, a degree in criminal justice or criminology are the most suitable. Throughout these programs, you will be exposed to criminal law, criminal procedures, and criminal theory. These degrees will also help you understand the process of research, analysis, and presenting findings. Vital skills for this job are physical fitness, communication skills, sound judgment, and ethical values.
Social Worker
Sex-trafficking victims need support after what they have been through. As such, social workers play a huge role in the prevention and intervention of victims. They provide them with ways to access help such as clinical support for their mental and psychological health. They are also able to educate larger communities about warning signs in terms of sex trafficking, so people can identify these situations when they arise.
As a social worker, a degree in social work is the first step to take. Students will learn how to manage cases, run organizations, and efficiently utilize resources. They will also acquire the skills needed to do the tasks of a social worker such as crisis response and client advocacy. Some states, like California, require a master’s degree in social work before you can pursue a social working license.
As sex trafficking continues to be a problem, careers that help combat it through prevention and intervention are crucial. If you’re looking to contribute to the anti-sex trafficking movement, getting a job in these fields is a great start. For more career advice do read our post on job searching.
Rosetta Julia is a freelance career development mentor and life coach, who is passionate about helping people achieve happiness and contentment in their careers. She believes that everyone has a purpose in life, and that people just need help in finding the right path. In her free time, she loves to write and share about self-improvement and holistic personal development. She lives with her husband, two wonderful daughters, and Goldie, their cute pug!