EXPERT TESTIMONY

EXPERT TESTIMONY IN TRAFFICKING CASES

Overview

Expert testimony plays a critical role in ensuring that courts, juries, and legal decision-makers fully understand the realities of human trafficking. Survivors’ experiences are often shaped by complex psychological, social, cultural, and systemic factors that may not be immediately visible or easily understood within traditional legal frameworks.

SJI is developing a new program and training to expand access to qualified expert witnesses in human trafficking cases. This effort aims to strengthen access to justice by ensuring survivors and their legal advocates have access to informed, credible, and trauma-informed expert testimony.

By building a network of experts across disciplines, we seek to support more equitable legal outcomes and promote greater understanding of trafficking dynamics in court proceedings.

Why Expert Testimony Matters

Expert witnesses provide essential context that can help courts understand:

• The dynamics of coercion, manipulation, and control used by traffickers
• The psychological and emotional impact of trafficking on survivors
• Barriers survivors face in seeking help or leaving exploitative situations
• The intersection of trafficking with immigration status, economic vulnerability, and systemic inequities
• Trauma responses that may affect memory, disclosure, or behavior
• Broader patterns and indicators of trafficking and exploitation

Expert testimony can help dispel common misconceptions, reduce reliance on harmful stereotypes, and ensure survivor experiences are evaluated accurately and fairly.

Training and Support

Through this initiative, we are developing training and support to help experts:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of expert witnesses
• Provide clear, effective, and trauma-informed testimony
• Navigate court processes and legal expectations
• Communicate complex concepts in accessible ways
• Support survivor-centered and ethical legal practices

This network will serve as a resource for survivor advocates, attorneys, and courts seeking qualified expert testimony.

Who Should Participate

We welcome participation from professionals across a wide range of relevant fields, including but not limited to:

• Survivor leaders and lived-experience experts
• Social workers and case managers
• Psychologists, therapists, and mental health professionals
• Medical providers
• Researchers and academics
• Attorneys and legal professionals
• Law enforcement professionals
• Service providers working with trafficking survivors
• Policy experts and advocates

Both experienced expert witnesses and individuals interested in serving as experts for the first time are encouraged to participate.

Join the Expert Witness Network

We invite interested professionals to complete our brief survey to help us better understand your background, areas of expertise, and training needs.

Complete Interest Form

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