Human trafficking remains a serious problem even in developed countries. Currently, there are at least 40 million slaves in the world, a quarter of whom are children, and 77% of cases involving sexual abuse (SOS International, 2020, para. 4). In Arkansas, 60 cases of underage sex trafficking have been reported during the first half of the current year (Sissom, 2021, para. 7). Both federal and local authorities are working for identifying the offenders as well as helping the victims.
One of the recent high-profile cases happened in January 2020, when special agents arrested 13 traffickers and rescued their victims. The operation was outstanding due to the number of institutions that participated in it, as collaboration at all levels is the only way to fight effectively against crime. According to one of the agents, “strong partnerships help to not only identify and assist victims, but to prosecute offenders and prevent additional trafficking” (Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 2020, para. 3). The participants were not solely law enforcement authorities and human rights groups, but health organizations as well to provide the victims with professional support.
The Arkansas State Crimes against Children Division also took part in the operation. This police department, whose mission is to prevent child maltreatment, is always open to reports of it (“Crimes against children,” n.d.). In the process of investigation, biological evidence is frequently the most reliable, especially in the cases of sexual violence; evaluating it is the job of a forensic examiner (“FBI laboratory positions, n.d.). Quick response and dedication allow for catching the abusers and as soon as possible.
A person who has become a victim of a violent crime has a right to restitution or financial compensation. Applying for it requires filling out the questionnaire that is available on the official website of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety (n.d.). The information to provide includes personal data, the type and detail of the crime, the request, if any, for treatment or medical counseling, and the categories of expenses for compensation.
To summarize, although the rates of child sex trafficking in Arkansas remain high, the authorities at all levels are concentrated on solving this problem. Close cooperation has positive results; notably, it is possible to identify and arrest traffickers on condition of the participation of various police departments. Furthermore, the victims have the possibility to receive psychological supervision, medical treatment, and financial restitution that they may need.
References
Application for crime victim compensation. (n.d.). Arkansas Department of Public Safety. Web.
Crimes against children. (n.d.). Arkansas Department of Public Safety. Web.
FBI laboratory positions. (n.d.). Web.
Sissom, T. (2021). FBI task force targets child sex crimes in Northwest Arkansas, River Valley. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Web.
SOS International. (2020). Human trafficking statistics. Web.
U.S. Immigration and Customer Enforcement. (2020). 13 arrested during Arkansas HSI sex trafficking operation. Web.