HUMAN TRAFFICKING SERVICE PROVIDERS 

DEVELOPING A LOCAL NETWORK 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview 

Service providers offer critical support to victims of human trafficking. By engaging with one another, 

human trafficking service provider (HTSP) networks broaden and elevate the services available to 

victims of all forms of human trafficking. HTSP networks— 

• Increase efficiencies to provide complementary victim services. 

• Build capacity by linking clients to services not available from the host organization. 

• Provide a source of referrals from other victim service providers. 

• Offer opportunities for collaboration in training, advocacy, and fundraising. 

Networks come in all sizes, ranging greatly in their operations and level of participation. Building a 

local network can increase information sharing and offer the most complete set of services to all 

victims of human trafficking. 

National, State, Tribal, and Community Networks 

National networks, such as Freedom Network USA and the National Center for Victims of Crime, 

connect state coalitions and direct service organizations. These nationwide connections facilitate 

ongoing information about human trafficking victims, services, trends, challenges, and issues. State, 

regional, and tribal networks complement national networks. State and tribal networks often provide 

advocacy and training, share information, make client referrals, and advocate on policy issues. 

Community HTSP networks often provide general information on an organization like location and 

primary service population. HTSP networks may also include a description of an organization’s service 

offerings or contact information for answering intake criteria and requirement questions. HTSP 

networks can facilitate member collaboration and coordination of services to encourage access to 

needed services, provide advocacy and training, and engage in activities to support local networks. 

Office for Victims of Crime – Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center 
 

 

Developing a Local Network 

The Victims Assistance Network in Washington, D.C. 

The Victims Assistance Network in Washington, D.C. is a local collaboration of victim service 

providers and includes multi-disciplinary membership and victimization specific services. 

Networked members include mental health providers, legal services, medical health 

providers, and specialist in the delivery of specific victim services such as human trafficking. 

The Victim Assistance Network ensures efficient, victim-centered, and best-practices 

informed continuum of victim services in the District of Columbia. 

Building a Local Network 

To build a local HTSP network, contact community, state, regional, and national organizations. Below 

are suggestions of where and how to get started— 

• Join a national HTSP network to stay current on service trends and best practices. 

• Search online for state-specific or regional task forces, victim assistance networks, councils, 

coalitions, or organizations to access state resources and local networks. 

• Contact local providers that may be identified from national and state HTSP listings. 

• Use data from local law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, and the state Attorney 

General’s Office to identify service providers and service offerings. 

• Conduct outreach to start information sharing and create network member guidelines, 

management structure, and operations. 

Additional Information 

Contact the Center at contact@ovc-htcbc.org or 1-844-682-0411. 

Office for Victims of Crime – Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center