EXTERNAL Advanced Topics in Human Trafficking Session 1: The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 and its Evolution in Combatting Labor Trafficking

Training presented by Kristi House

Join us this July for a two-part advanced training series exploring emerging issues and underserved populations in the fight against human trafficking.

Session 1, Friday, July 18: The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 and its Evolution in Combatting Labor Trafficking

Session 2, Friday, July 25: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Male Youth: A Scoping Review of Risks and Trajectories

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Session 1: This presentation explores the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, the United States’ first comprehensive federal law aimed at combating human trafficking. The presentation highlights key advancements made through its subsequent reauthorizations, including increased support for survivors, expanded legal definitions, and stronger penalties for traffickers.

Special attention is given to labor trafficking; details on how the TVPA has progressively addressed labor exploitation by enhancing victim protections, mandating transparency in supply chains through government and corporate accountability, and empowering law enforcement to pursue cases involving forced labor, debt bondage, and coercion. Case studies and data show the evolving enforcement strategies and remaining challenges in identifying and supporting labor trafficking cases.

Presenter: Cristobal Perez, Director, Law Student Support Services, Consultant, Co-chair; St. Thomas University, FL; Statewide Coalition Combatting Labor Trafficking

Cristobal Perez is an Educational Psychologist who obtained his Bachelor's degree in Denver, Colorado and his Master's degree in Santiago, Chile. He has worked supervising social workers in non-profit settings, as well as conducting trainings to health providers, social service agencies, federal and local law enforcement agencies and community associations for over 18 years. He currently works as the Director Law Student Support Services for St. Thomas University, where he works with the University’s Division of Student Affairs and assists students in their educational/life goals. In addition to his role in St. Thomas, Cristobal is also a consultant, working on subjects related to vulnerable populations like minors and adults with disabilities, unaccompanied refugee minors, and victims of sex and labor trafficking. He is currently part of various national and statewide anti-trafficking coalitions, including the National Human Trafficking and Disabilities Working Group and is a co-chair of Florida’s Statewide Coalition Combatting Labor Trafficking, analyzing statewide labor trafficking data and statistics. A published author and academic guest lecturer, Cristobal has received local and nationwide recognitions for his work on human trafficking.