Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
UNLOCKING A FRESH START FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING
SURVIVORS
Marianna KosharovskyFounder & Executive DirectorALIGHT www.alightnet.org
ALIGHT Alliance to Lead Impact in Global Human Trafficking
ABOUT ALIGHT
ALIGHT exists to unlock a fresh start for human trafficking survivors. We rapidly match survivor legal needs
with untapped expertise.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Exploitation of vulnerabilities …
● Poverty, lack of safety net● Discrimination● Undocumented status● Victims of other forms of violence● Disconnected youth● Racial and ethnic minorities
IMPACT OF CRIMINALIZATION
National Survivor Network Member Survey Report on On the Impact of Criminal Arrest and Detention on Survivors of Human Trafficking, 2016
IMPACT OF CRIMINALIZATION
The majority of survivors reported that they had suffered long-term impacts from the arrests and convictions they faced as a trafficking victim.
● 80% reported this had created a barrier when seeking employment and over 50% reported it as a barrier to housing. ○ Lack of housing and employment are often cited as significant factors in
creating vulnerability to trafficking or other forms of exploitation. ○ One respondent asked “How can people who have been victimized get their
lives together if… society does not let them work?” ● Other impacts reported included credit, being able to keep their children,
and issues with family members and relationships.● 70% of respondents reported that they have not been able to vacate
their convictions. ○ Many indicated that is too expensive or they do not know how.
National Survivor Network Member Survey Report on On the Impact of Criminal Arrest and Detention on Survivors of Human Trafficking, 2016
DIVERSE LEGAL NEEDS
housing eviction
arrest warrant
debt collection
child custody
false documents / identity theft
starting own business / employment
ALIGHT IS THE BRIDGE
applying for public housing
clearing criminal records
negotiating debt issues
fighting for child custody
resolving false documents / identity theft
filing wage theft claim
Trafficking Survivors Have Diverse Legal Needs
Connect survivors to mobilized
legal network
Legal Community Is Ready and Willing to Provide Pro
Bono Services
Disability Benefits Law
Criminal Law (restitution, criminal records, warrants)
Bankruptcy Law
Family Law (custody, divorce, family reunification)
Employment Discrimination Law
Civil Litigation
HOW IT WORKS
Access to free legal assistance from Family, Criminal and Civil Law
● Community service provider identifies someone as a trafficking survivor, posts request for legal counsel/representation for specific issue
● Immediate needs-matching and targeted alerts notify lawyers with relevant expertise
● Lawyers willing and able to assist respond through app
MEASURABLE RESULTS AND REAL IMPACT
Connected 17 human trafficking legal needs to free legal services
through platform since 2017
Many lawyers respond within 1 hour to
provide pro bono legal services
Family Law: child custody, divorce
Criminal Law: seal criminal records
Civil Law: debt/identity theft, harassment and defamation suits
Most common legal needs:
CASE STUDY
Timeline
2008-2012 ……... Trafficked, forced to commit crimes
2012-2017 ……... Clearing 10 criminal records across different jurisdictions
2017 ……... Works 3+ months with attorney in ALIGHT network to seal last criminal record in CO
RESOURCES IN COLORADO
CoNEHT (Colorado Network to End Human Trafficking)24/7 statewide hotline: 866-455-5075
COVA (Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance) www.coloradocrimevictims.org ; 303-861-1160
Colorado Human Trafficking CouncilRequest training by contacting Maria Trujillo at 303-239-4454
CCASA (Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault)www.ccasa.org ; 303-839-9999
ALIGHT PARTNERS & COMMUNITY
GET INVOLVED
● HT community organizations● youth, LGBTQI and immigrant
community-based services● nonprofit legal providers● victim’s assistance
organizations● DV and SA organizations
● Family Law● Criminal Law● Civil Litigation● Tax Law● General, Commercial and
Contract Law
PRO BONOLAWYERS
SERVICE PROVIDERS
