Barriers and Breakthroughs: Navigating the Complexities of Civil Litigation in the Fight Against Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking civil cases can be a powerful tool for justice—but they’re also incredibly complex and challenging on the survivor. This session explores why, from proving harm and navigating deeply personal trauma to litigating against corporate defendants rather than the individual traffickers. At the same time, civil litigation can offer real value: validation, resources for healing, and pressure on institutions to change. This session highlights how the law has evolved to make these cases possible, and why more survivors are choosing to pursue them.