ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
Philadelphia Human & Sex Trafficking Lawyer
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: May 8, 2025
On This Page
- What Is Sex and Human Trafficking?
- Choose Andreozzi + Foote As Your Philadelphia Sex and Human Trafficking Lawyer
- How Does Sex Trafficking Occur In Philadelphia?
- Legal Protections For Victims of Sex and Human Trafficking
- How Long Do You Have To File A Sex Trafficking Claim In Philadelphia?
- You Don’t Have To Face Trafficking Alone – Contact Our Experienced Lawyers Today
Human and sex trafficking are horrific crimes that leave victims traumatized, physically harmed, and often feeling hopeless. These are valid responses to experiencing such severe trauma. However, there is hope for trafficking survivors—by taking legal action against the traffickers, you can feel some justice and closure, as well as recover monetary compensation for your suffering and other impacts on your life. Holding human and sex traffickers accountable is crucial not only to give past victims justice but also to prevent future harm to other vulnerable people.
What Is Sex and Human Trafficking?
Pennsylvania law defines human trafficking as the recruitment, enticement, harboring, transportation, or maintaining of another person to provide labor or services, or engage in commercial sex acts. Usually, trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion. However, exploitation of minors for commercial sex is considered human trafficking in Pennsylvania, regardless of whether the perpetrator used force, fraud, or coercion.
In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 606 tips on potential trafficking from Pennsylvania, 141 of which were calls directly from survivors of trafficking. Most of the victims identified in Pennsylvania were adult women.
Choose Andreozzi + Foote As Your Philadelphia Sex and Human Trafficking Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been the victim of human or sex trafficking, you have rights and options to obtain justice. However, it’s critical to have an experienced lawyer by your side who understands the complexities of trafficking cases. In these cases, an attorney’s role is to guide victims through the legal process to ensure they receive justice.
As one of the nation’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking, Andreozzi + Foote is led by trauma-informed attorneys committed to creating life-changing results for victims and their families. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for victims’ rights and justice with sensitivity, respect, and confidentiality, always prioritizing clients’ well-being. With 50 years of combined experience, our firm offers a safe, supportive environment for survivors, and our clients don’t pay us anything unless we win their case.
How Andreozzi + Foote Can Help With Your Philadelphia Human Trafficking Case
In Pennsylvania, many victims of human and sex trafficking can pursue justice and compensation for their suffering by filing civil lawsuits against traffickers, organizations, or entities that have facilitated trafficking, such as hotels or businesses. One way for survivors to strengthen their cases and increase their odds of success is by hiring an experienced human trafficking attorney to guide them through the legal process.
Andreozzi + Foote’s experienced attorneys combine knowledge, innovation, and a personal touch to deliver results and support trafficking victims throughout the legal process. We have extensive experience advocating for survivors, seeking justice and accountability, and offering legal advocacy and guidance. Additionally, our lawyers will work with local law enforcement, victim advocates, and social services to prioritize your safety and recovery.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we are committed to a holistic approach to justice that gives survivors the legal resources and tools they need to improve their lives. When appropriate, we strive to connect our clients with programs, advocates, and therapists to ensure they are in the hands of trusted professionals with adequate trauma-informed practices proven to help.
“They have been great. The communication is prompt and answers questions for a normal person to understand, not in lawyer terms.”
- Tammy D.
“They were extremely professional and kept me up to date at every point in my legal situation. I would highly recommend them.”
- Greg C.
“All aspects of the case were handled well and professionally, with an excellent outcome.”
- Patrick M.
How Does Sex Trafficking Occur In Philadelphia?
Trafficking often occurs through manipulation, false promises, coercion, or abduction. Many traffickers exploit their victims through isolation, threats, and violence. Anyone can be a trafficker—family members, romantic partners, acquaintances, or strangers.
In Philadelphia, the people who are often the most vulnerable to human trafficking include the following:
- People with unstable living situations
- People who have experienced prior sexual abuse
- People living below the poverty line
- People with substance abuse issues
- Undocumented immigrants
- People who grew up in juvenile detention or the foster care system
Legal Protections For Victims of Sex and Human Trafficking
Trafficking victims have extensive legal protections under both state and federal law. The federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act, or TPVA, enacted in 2000, equipped the government with tools to mount a comprehensive campaign against modern slavery and human trafficking. For undocumented immigrants, the law increased protections for trafficking victims by creating immigration protections and offering victims health benefits regardless of immigration status.
The TVPA also strengthened the U.S. government’s trafficking prevention efforts by working to improve economic opportunities for potential victims. The law established the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, as well as an Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking. Additionally, the TVPA enhanced federal prosecutors’ ability to bring traffickers to justice by adding new criminal provisions prohibiting trafficking, criminalizing trafficking attempts, and strengthening penalties for existing trafficking crimes.
In addition to the TPVA, Pennsylvania trafficking victims have protections under state laws enforced by state agencies. The Pennsylvania State Police have a dedicated tip line for suspicions of human trafficking, which can be reached at 1-888-292-1919.
How Long Do You Have To File A Sex Trafficking Claim In Philadelphia?
Under Pennsylvania law, victims of human and sex trafficking have the right to file a civil lawsuit against any person who participated in their trafficking. Through these lawsuits, victims can recover compensatory and punitive damages. However, there is a deadline for victims to file a suit.
Pennsylvania’s civil statute of limitations for human trafficking is five years for adult victims and until age 30 for minor victims, meaning you only have a certain amount of time to file a case before you lose the right to recover compensation. Regardless of the deadline, it’s critical to act quickly to ensure your safety, secure key evidence, and preserve your legal options.
Pennsylvania also has a criminal statute of limitations for human trafficking. For minor victims, there is no time limit for criminal cases, but adult victims only have ten years from the last trafficking incident to have their case criminally prosecuted.
You Don’t Have To Face Trafficking Alone - Contact Our Experienced Lawyers Today
Survivors of human and sex trafficking in Philadelphia deserve justice, and Andreozzi + Foote is committed to providing experienced, compassionate legal representation to help victims achieve justice. We have spent decades thoroughly researching and actively engaging state laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures in Pennsylvania and nationwide to help you and your family determine if you have a case against the perpetrators at fault.
With a proven track record of successfully handling complex, high-stakes sexual abuse cases, Andreozzi + Foote will leave no stone unturned as we uncover evidence to support your story. Our Pennsylvania attorneys are dedicated to uncovering the truth and relentlessly pursuing justice.
If you or a loved one experienced human or sex trafficking in Philadelphia, contact Andreozzi + Foote today online or by calling 866-311-8640 to learn more about your legal rights and options for seeking justice.
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Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
