Q&A: University of Michigan Law School's Jason Burns to give talk in Saline on human trafficking

The U-M's Human Trafficking Clinic, launched in 2009, is the first clinical law program solely dedicated to the issue of human trafficking. The program offers students the opportunity to work on both domestic and international human trafficking issues and cases.

The clinic provides a range of services, including direct representation of both domestic trafficking victims and foreign nationals trafficked into the United States, advocacy for trafficking victims, and community education and training, according to the program website.

Burns agreed to answer a few questions on human trafficking for AnnArbor.com via e-mail.

Q: What is human trafficking?

A: Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery by which victims are exploited for purposes of commercial sex or labor. Sex trafficking refers to a commercial sex act induced by force, fraud or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform the act is under the age of 18. Labor trafficking refers to the use of force, fraud or coercion to recruit, harbor, transport, obtain or employ a person for labor or services in involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage or slavery.

Q: What are some common misconceptions related to human trafficking?

A: Not all trafficking victims in this country are trafficked from outside of the United States. Many domestic trafficking victims are U.S. citizens or were already present here prior to being trafficked. Similarly, under federal law a victim does not have to be physically transported from one geographic area to another to be considered "trafficked.”

Q: What can area residents do to help stop human trafficking?

A: We can educate ourselves as consumers to ensure that the restaurants and hotels we patronize, and the companies whose goods we purchase, are not exploiting trafficked labor. There are some excellent online resources that monitor the labor practices of national chains and brands. You should also feel comfortable inquiring with local businesses about their labor practices.

More generally, raising community awareness is key in the fight against human trafficking. As communities and local law enforcement agencies come to recognize human trafficking as a local issue, they will be better equipped to identify and protect potentially vulnerable groups — for example minors or non-U.S. citizens — living in their area. If you think you have come into contact with a trafficking victim, call the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline at (888) 373-7888. The hotline will help you to determine if you have encountered a victim of human trafficking and to identify local community resources that protect and serve victims. As in any such situation, if you believe someone is at risk for imminent harm, first call the local police. More information about human trafficking can be found here.

Q: What will you be talking about during your presentation?

A: The presentation will address the issue of human trafficking generally, the work of the University of Michigan Law School Human Trafficking Clinic, and steps that local communities can take to end human trafficking.

Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.