Human Trafficking Victim Services

The Human Trafficking Victim Services program at the International Institute of Buffalo is dedicated to providing culturally competent services to victims of human trafficking in any of the 8 counties in Western New York.  Since the program's inception in 2007, our staff has provided services to over 70 victims.

Western New York has numerous risk factors for human trafficking, including many border crossings, a combination of large urban centers and vast rural areas, and significant transient populations. In light of these factors, the International Institute of Buffalo has received a significant grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime, to provide protection and support for trafficking victims and comprehensive, practical information to all professionals who may come into contact with victims. We work as as part of the Western New York Human Trafficking Task Force, and in cooperation with the Erie County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Western New York.

In addition to providing direct services to victims, our staff works to:

• Strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and victim service providers
• Enhance successful prosecution of trafficking cases
• Train service providers to recognize and report signs of potential human trafficking and to provide appropriate assistance to victims
• Educate the community at large to recognize and report signs of potential human trafficking
• Prevent trafficking in our rural and urban communities

If you suspect people are being trafficked in your area, please click here for contact information to report suspected cases.

Click to the following pages for more information about our services, training and additional resources.

• About Human Trafficking
• What We Do
• What You Can Do
• FAQ

For more information on Human Trafficking Victim Services at the International Institute, email victimservices1@iibuff.org or call the program coordinator at (716) 883-1900, ext. 304.