Anniversary of the TVPA (Trafficking Victims Protection Act)

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), has now been a law since 2000. For 15 years, this key piece of legislation has increased U.S. ability to protect victims and prosecute traffickers.

The TVPRA stands for the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.  The TVPA is the centerpiece of all U.S. laws against human trafficking and created the first comprehensive federal law to address human trafficking and modern-day slavery.  It was first introduced in 2000 and signed by Bill Clinton

The TVPA was designed to combat trafficking in the U.S. by increasing the charges of trafficking from a misdemeanor to a felony crime.  It also provides assistance for survivors and visa protection for victims that have been trafficked across international borders. 

It also established a global minimum standard for confronting trafficking and slavery as published in The Trafficking in Persons report.  This report examines the status of 188 countries for both human trafficking violations and efforts to stop human trafficking. Those efforts include passing prohibitive legislation, arrests of perpetrators, and convictions following arrests.

TIP Report 2015 Summary

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center, which is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a critical piece of the government’s effort against human trafficking, with over 21,000 trafficking cases reported to the NHTRC Hotline since 2007. The hotline has been established to provide a safe number for victims and survivors seeking assistance, a confidential crisis and tip line, and a national resource and referral center.