Rob ran away from his foster home when he was ten years old. He became involved with a trafficker who began using him to move drugs. He needed money for his basic needs and was too young to work anywhere else.
“Rob had seen other people who moved drugs get hurt if they tried to leave, and he was afraid they would hurt his family if he tried to leave himself. Rob eventually fled the state to escape the situation,” said Julia Einbond, Chief Executive Officer CHNJ.
Rob’s experience is similar to other youth who are victims of labor trafficking, a form of human trafficking. Like Rob, many human trafficking survivors and those experiencing homelessness are also victims of what is called “forced criminality,” which happens when a person is coerced or threatened into doing something illegal.
Kaitlyn Zedalis, co-author and Associate Director of Research, Learning, & Advocacy for the Covenant House Action & Research Tank at Covenant House New Jersey explains: “Victims of labor trafficking go on to accrue a myriad of minor charges, which compound and can result in serious legal problems.”
Forced criminality is a complicated social problem. “Addressing the complex issue of forced criminality demands concerted efforts but there are things we can do to help,” said Kaitlyn. “Raising public awareness, enhancing the understanding among law enforcement and service providers, and creating pathways out of criminalization is pivotal.”
The State Department acknowledged forced criminality in its 2023 Trafficking in Persons report. CHNJ has been actively sharing research findings, including presentations at significant forums such as the National Human Trafficking Prevention Conference in Washington, D.C.
“Young people who are arrested for low-level crimes should be connected to supportive services instead of penalized,” says Rolidel Czekajlo, Senior Director of Services at CHNJ, who supervises the Anti-Human Trafficking Program.
“We need opportunities to change the trajectory for young people like Rob; the study sheds light on critical avenues for change—one being diversion programs for low level crimes that includes assessment for victimization and referrals to supportive services” said Julia. “The other is accessible legal representation; when provided with free, high-quality legal representation by CHNJ, clients had all charges dismissed or penalties substantially reduced.”
“By increasing awareness, establishing pathways out of criminalization, and enhancing legal support, we can take steps against forced criminality, providing crucial aid to those ensnared in its grasp,” said Kaitlyn.
