Screening for Human Trafficking: Guidelines for Administering the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT)

• NCJ Number: 246713
• Date Published: June 2014
• Length: 37 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2011-MU-MU-0066
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Award: Improving Trafficking Victim Identification: Evaluation and Dissemination of a Screening Tool

Annotation

Intended primarily for victim services staff and other social service staff likely to have contact with victims of human trafficking, this manual provides guidance and instruction in the use of the Vera Institute of Justice's Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT), which has proven to be a valid and reliable instrument for identifying male or female victims of labor and sex trafficking among both foreign-born and U.S.-born victims.

Abstract

The manual first reviews the purpose and limitations of screening with the TVIT, followed by a section entitled "Tips for Conducting Interviews." These tips address how to set up the interview with the person to be screened, the development of trust and show of respect during interviews, maintaining confidentiality, the importance of understanding the effects of trauma and victimization, additional considerations for law enforcement, and some considerations when asking questions from the TVIT. Another section of the manual contains "frequently asked questions" about the TVIT and its administration. Copies of both the long and short version of the TVIT are then provided. Next, resources for training and knowledge on human trafficking are listed. The manual concludes with definitions of human trafficking in the United States under Federal law.