Disrupting Labor and Sex Trafficking in Illicit Massage Businesses Through Licensing, Regulation and Collaboration


Jennifer Harless | September 20 | 2:45-3:45 PM

Topic: Direct Service, Law Enforcement | Knowledge Level: Beginner, Intermediate | Location: Room 2592

Awareness of human trafficking in illicit massage businesses (IMBs) is on the rise. The National Human Trafficking Hotline reports IMBs were the number one venue for cases involving sex trafficking in 2018. In 2017, the Polaris Project estimated there were 9,000 IMBs in the United States accounting for an estimated $2.5 billion in annual revenue. This seminar will address how to identify IMBs, the intersection of labor and sex trafficking in IMBs and how routine inspections of IMBs, IMB regulation, and collaboration can help combat human trafficking in IMBs.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Discuss human trafficking in illicit massage businesses

·  Describe how to identify illicit massage businesses

·  Explain the intersection of sex and labor trafficking in illicit massage businesses

·  Discuss the necessity of collaboration for effective disruption of human trafficking in illicit massage businesses

About the Presenter