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Recovery From Human Trafficking

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Human trafficking is a crime that involves forcing or pressuring a person to work or to take part in paid sex acts. This can happen through violence, threats, or lies. The pressure can be clear or hidden, physical or mental.

  • Labor Trafficking happens when someone uses force, lies, or threats to make a person work.
  • Sex Trafficking happens when someone uses force, lies, or threats to make a person take part in sex acts for money. If a minor is involved, it is considered human trafficking, even if no force, lies or threats are used.

How CalVCB can help

Human trafficking victims can get up to $10,000 per year, for up to two years to cover income lost when a trafficker kept them from their freedom. This form of payment is available to new applications filed by victims on or after January 1, 2020.

CalVCB may also help with other costs related to human trafficking, such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Dental bills
  • Mental health treatment
  • Home security
  • Relocation and more

Victims must apply within seven years of the date of the crime. Minor victims must apply by their 28th birthday. If approved, CalVCB will send funds to minor victims after their 18th birthday.

Substantiating the Crime

Victims will need to give CalVCB proof that the crime happened. An application cannot be denied only because the victim did not make a police report.

CalVCB accepts other types of proof, including but not limited to:

  • A letter from law enforcement
  • A signed statement from a human trafficking caseworker
  • Documents from a government agency for a special visa
  • Medical records

Verifying Income Loss

Victims may suffer income loss as a direct result of human trafficking. Proof of this loss can include a law enforcement report. It can also include a sworn statement under penalty of perjury from:  

  • The applicant
  • A caseworker
  • A licensed attorney
  • A witness

The acceptable proof must list:

  • The dates the acts of trafficking started and ended;
  • The approximate number of hours per week that acts of trafficking were performed; and,
  • If payment was or will be received from any other sources.

Human Trafficking Wage Compensation Verification Form (English)

Human Trafficking Wage Compensation Verification Form (Spanish)

How to Apply

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