Opinion ID: 4511551
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The TVPA

Text: The TVPA prohibits knowingly “obtain[ing] the labor or services of a person” by any one of, or combination of, the following means: (1) by means of force, threats of force, physical restraint, or threats of physical restraint to that person or another person; (2) by means of serious harm or threats of serious harm to that person or another person; (3) by means of the abuse or threatened abuse of law or legal process; or (4) by means of any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause the person to believe that, if that person did not perform such labor or services, that person or another person would suffer serious harm or physical restraint. 18 U.S.C. § 1589(a) (collectively, the “illegal coercive means”). Section 1589(a) applies to “[w]hoever” knowingly provides or obtains such forced labor or services from a “person.” Id. 4 Case: 18-15081 Date Filed: 02/28/2020 Page: 5 of 24 In turn, § 1595(a) provides a private cause of action for any victim of a violation of § 1589. 18 U.S.C. § 1595(a). Under § 1595(a), “[a]n individual who is a victim of a violation” of the TVPA “may bring a civil action against the perpetrator,” as well as against anyone who “knowingly benefits, financially or by receiving anything of value,” from any such violation. Id.