Hotels Are Primary Centers for Human Sex Trafficking

Human sex trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is the recruitment and harboring of persons against their will for sexual purposes. Many women and children have become victims of sex trafficking, but establishments like hotels can assist in both preventing and greatly reducing these crimes. 

First, we, as a society, must become more aware. It only takes a few seconds to become a sex trafficking victim. Over 24 million people are sex trafficking victims in the United States alone. 

Many people believe it will never happen to them, but our experienced personal injury attorneys recognize how real this issue is. 

Where does Sex Trafficking Occur?

The idea is often that sex trafficking only happens at night and in discrete areas. However, many people are abducted in public places such as hotels because hotels provide just enough access for traffickers to target and abduct patrons. This is because hotel patrons are often unaware that such threats exist. 

However, establishments have a duty to provide a safe space for patrons and by failing to do so, may create a claim for injury. Hotels can be primary targets for sex traffickers, as they are frequented by young women and solo travelers. Owners of these establishments are often aware of these risks yet choose to ignore them, putting you at risk for the sake of their own profits.

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Are Hotel Chains Responsible for Sex Trafficking Crimes?

Hotels often fail to warn patrons of the high risks of sex trafficking and therefore fail in exercising due care in keeping their premises safe from such threats. At Van Law Firm, we have experienced personal injury attorneys on staff who are committed to helping you and who are prepared to help if you or a loved one have been harmed or injured. Many of these claims are brought under the U.S. Code Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, which aims to prosecute those who traffic victims criminally. 

There are allegations that hotels are not only aware of the risks but assist in the abductions. Therefore, they may be prosecuted under this Act.

Our personal injury attorneys are here to help you. We are suing some of the top hotel chains for these abductions, including but not limited to Wyndham, Marriott, and Best Western, who can be held liable both criminally and civilly. These establishments have simply turned a blind eye to the present risks and failed to provide safe stays at their locations; as such, they can be held responsible.

What Steps Can Hotels Take to Prevent Sex Trafficking?

First, hotel patrons must be sure to keep their rooms locked at all times and must be sure not to open their doors to unknown parties. Employees must be sure to keep an eye out for those who constantly enter and exit their establishments. Signs of human sex trafficking in victims include but are not limited to:

• Starvation
• Lack of identification
• Poor health
• Checking into hotels with older males
• Skin branding

Employees can remain aware of these signs and report them to law enforcement along with the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Simple steps, such as locking and securing doors as deemed safe by the fire code along with confirming and ensuring guest lists within hotels will assist in preventing sex trafficking.

Be Aware of Disguises

Sex traffickers have also, reportedly, disguised themselves in order to trick guests into gaining room entry. To safely provide stays, there should be visible indicators present so that patrons can quickly and easily identify employees. All employees within hotels should be easily identifiable by uniform and always have their badges visible to patrons. 

Further, hotels within high sex trafficking zones must warn patrons of the risks during their stays. This will ensure that patrons are aware and on alert upon entry. When investigating your case, our Van Law Firm attorneys will examine whether the hotel took precautions and explained the proper preventative measures to you.

The bottom line is: hotel chains have a duty to keep you safe. By not doing so, you may have a claim for injury, and our top personal injury attorneys in Nevada and Washington are prepared to hold them accountable. Contact us today if you or a loved one have been the victim of sex trafficking.