Month/Year of Graduation

5-2025

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Criminology and Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Kimberly Retzlaff

Abstract

Human Trafficking has been a concern in Nebraska for a long period of time, but there is a lack of publicly available information regarding the prevention methods being employed and their effectiveness. This study aimed to identify the human trafficking prevention methods in use in Nebraska and their effectiveness based on the opinions of human trafficking professionals in the state. The human trafficking professionals were interviewed, and the information gathered was organized into seven different themes. The themes that arose from the information gathered included educational efforts, victim intervention and resources, addressing demand, labor trafficking, measuring success, resources and funding, and innovation. The results suggest that the human trafficking prevention methods specific to youth sex trafficking in Nebraska are effective. Although information regarding the effectiveness of labor trafficking prevention was not able to be gathered, this is likely resulting from the youth-based focus of the professionals interviewed. It was found that housing for victims and at-risk youth, as well as efforts needed to address the demand of sex trafficking, are lacking. This research brings attention to the methods being used to combat sex trafficking in the Midwest and may inspire other areas to create an approach similar to Nebraska’s.

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