06-05-2025
New report details state's response to human trafficking through victims' eyes
HARTFORD Conn. (WTNH) — The Regionalized Human Trafficking Recovery Taskforce released a new report Tuesday that identifies seven key challenges in Connecticut's victim response.
The report is a first of its kind for the state because it is fully curated through the eyes of the human trafficking victims.
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The report was led by Connecticut Children's Alliance Executive Director Krystal Rich and Hartford State's Attorney Sharmese Walcott. Both Rich and Walcott serve as co-chairs on the taskforce. The report used data from 49 victim case studies. Each of the victims range in ages from 12 to 50 years old.
The taskforce was created in 2021 and since, the team has been working to spearhead human trafficking across Connecticut and ensure better recovery for the victims.
Rich told News 8, as part of the team's effort to build a survivor centered system, they orchestrated a journey mapping report, which 'is a visual tool used to understand and document the steps, experiences and interactions a person or group goes through within a system.'
This gives a first-hand perspective of the steps in place throughout each tier of the state's recovery system through the eyes of the victim.
The report revealed critical gaps that need additional attention and improvement moving forward.
The first key challenge identified is decentralized oversight.
'There's no one who looks at the whole statewide system and holds people accountable and makes sure there's a continuum of care,' Rich said.
The taskforce hopes to address the decentralized oversight by improving the current fragmented oversight and limited collaboration.
The final report outlines seven key challenges in Connecticut's trafficking response, including:
Decentralized Oversight: The absence of a clear statewide system or agency-led governance for human trafficking response results in fragmented oversight and limited collaboration.
Varied Systems & Processes: Significant inconsistencies in intake, screening, and referral processes across different agencies and organizations, including varying definitions of human trafficking.
Inconsistency in Data Collection & Sharing: The lack of standardized data collection and limited data-sharing impedes efficient service delivery and a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Policy & Legislative Gaps: Deficiencies in state human trafficking-specific laws, statutes, and policies, partly due to the lack of centralized response.
No Formal Adult Victim Response: While child victims have dedicated resources to use, there is no formal process to support adult trafficking.
Resource & Funding Constraints: The need for more resources, evidence-based training, and specialized services, particularly housing, often exceeds available funding.
Limited Focus on Labor Trafficking: Current efforts predominantly focus on sex trafficking, with limited attention to the unique needs of labor trafficking victims.
Read the full report here.
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