Human Trafficking and the Sexual Abuse of Boys
Human trafficking cases require specialized, flexible approaches—and when victims are boys, added hurdles like low disclosure and stigma often complicate the work. This session blends core trafficking practices with dynamics specific to boys, highlighting proactive identification, strong case development, tech-informed corroboration, and coordinated partnerships across physical and online contexts.
Suggested Audience: Law enforcement and prosecutors, with some value for other MDT members
Full Description: Human trafficking cases require specialized, adaptive methods. When victims are boys, additional challenges emerge, including lower disclosure rates, the stigma surrounding male victimization, and rising online-extortion schemes. This session integrates core trafficking practices with the dynamics specific to boys, emphasizing proactive identification, solid case development, and the strategic use of technology and corroboration. Participants will examine how traffickers recruit and control victims across physical and online spaces and how coordinated partnerships with allied professionals strengthen both case outcomes and victim support.
Learning Objectives:
Identify trafficking indicators, including dynamics specific to boys and other patterns relevant to case identification.
Apply proactive strategies to detect trafficking operations and online exploitation patterns, including sextortion and cross-platform grooming.
Strengthen case development through targeted evidence collection across multiple domains, such as digital footprints, financial records, and other forms of corroboration.
Recognize how stigma, trauma, and developmental factors shape disclosures from boys and adjust strategies across investigation and trial preparation phases.
Build effective partnerships with service providers and MDT professionals to support victims and advance case outcomes.
Speaker(s): Robert Peters