Classification
Human trafficking involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person through force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation, including commercial sex acts or forced labor. In Arizona, the law specifically addresses sex trafficking and broader human trafficking offenses.
Sex Trafficking (§ ARS 13-1307 and 13-1308): It is a Class 2 felony (a very serious crime) to knowingly traffic a person for prostitution or sexually explicit performances by deception, force, or coercion. If the victim is under 15 years old, the offense is considered a dangerous crime against children, with even harsher penalties. For adult victims, penalties include prison terms ranging from a minimum of 3 years to over 12 years for first-time offenders.
Child Sex Trafficking (§ ARS 13-3212): Criminalizes the trafficking of minors for sex, often charged as a Class 2 felony. Sentences for trafficking children aged 15 to 17 can be 10 years or more in prison, increasing with prior felony convictions. Trafficking a child under 15 is punished more severely and carries mandatory long prison terms.
Labor Trafficking: Though less specifically detailed in Arizona law, labor trafficking involves forced labor or services obtained by coercion or threats and is treated as a felony offense with serious penalties.
Human trafficking offenses are among the most serious crimes in Arizona and often carry mandatory prison sentences without eligibility for probation or early release.
Protecting Victims: Human trafficking exploits vulnerable individuals, stripping them of freedom and subjecting them to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Protecting victims and helping them recover is a critical concern.
Public Safety and Justice: Trafficking fuels criminal networks, undermines community safety, and violates fundamental human rights. Laws serve to punish offenders and deter these crimes.
Legal and Social Impact: Convictions carry severe prison sentences and lifelong consequences for perpetrators. The law prioritizes safeguarding children and combating exploitation.
Community Awareness: Knowledge helps prevent exploitation and supports victim identification and assistance.
Why It Matters
Protecting Victims: Human trafficking exploits vulnerable individuals, stripping them of freedom and subjecting them to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Protecting victims and helping them recover is a critical concern.
Public Safety and Justice: Trafficking fuels criminal networks, undermines community safety, and violates fundamental human rights. Laws serve to punish offenders and deter these crimes.
Legal and Social Impact: Convictions carry severe prison sentences and lifelong consequences for perpetrators. The law prioritizes safeguarding children and combating exploitation.
Community Awareness: Knowledge helps prevent exploitation and supports victim identification and assistance.
Why It Matters
What You Can Do
Know the Facts: Understand what human trafficking is, including signs of exploitation, so you can recognize potential abuse.
Speak Up: If you suspect someone is a victim or witness suspicious behavior, report it to a trusted adult, school counselor, or law enforcement. Early intervention can save lives.
Educate Peers: Share awareness about how trafficking happens and encourage peers to avoid risky situations or relationships involving coercion or control.
Support Victims: Participate in or support community programs that help trafficking survivors rebuild their lives.
Promote Respect and Consent: Foster a culture of respect for others' autonomy and human rights in your school and community.
Avoid Risky Behaviors: Be cautious with strangers or online contacts who might exploit vulnerabilities.