Newsroom

Our collection of articles on HTI Labs’ story, technology, and impact.

Sex trafficking widespread in Nebraska; no ZIP code is immune

To gauge the scope of sex trafficking across Nebraska and identify effective policy solutions, the Human Trafficking Initiative (HTI), supported by the Women’s Fund of Omaha and funded by The Sherwood Foundation, conducted focused research through Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

Nebraska Legislators’ Approval of Harsher Human Trafficking Penalties Sheds Light on Extent of Crime

The days of fines and probation for crimes linked to sex trafficking are coming to an end in Nebraska. State lawmakers last week passed a bill that dramatically increases penalties for those who create the supply and demand for human trafficking. A minimum of one year in prison is likely for panderers and solicitors in such transactions. If children are exploited, both the pimps and johns could spend the rest of their lives in prison.

International human trafficking investigation used “Omaha Model”

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office concludes a lengthy and significant investigation involving International Human Trafficking suspects operating in and throughout the Midwest. Special gratitude is extended to Creighton University and the members of the team participating in the Creighton Study on Human Trafficking.

Bill Would Expunge Criminal Records of Human Trafficking Victims

Sex trafficking victims could have their criminal records set aside under a bill under consideration by the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. Legislative Bill 1132, introduced by Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, would provide a system for victims to be absolved of criminal records including charges like prostitution, petty theft and drug abuse. Meghan Malik testified on behalf of the Women’s Fund of Omaha in support of LB1132. Malik cited a study from Creighton University that

Out of the Darkness

Most people don’t think that slavery exists today in the United States, let alone in Nebraska. The sad truth is that human trafficking in the commercial sex industry — those sold involuntarily for sex — occurs every day across the country. Creighton researchers are determining how many victims are affected by this crime — and what can be done about it.

Commercial Sex Industry “Deeply Embedded” In Reno, Says Report

A new report from the Human Sex Trafficking Initiative shows that the commercial sex industry is thriving in Reno, which impacts communities from Lake Tahoe to Fernley. Reno Public Radio’s Noah Glick spoke with Crysta Price, one of the researchers on the study, to learn more.

Longer Prison Sentences for Nebraska Traffickers Advances

About 900 people are sold for sex each month in Nebraska, according to a report from the Human Trafficking Initiative. Creighton University researchers who analyzed postings on a Craigslist-like website used to sell sex found advertisements for every community along Interstate 80 in the state.

Light of Awareness Shines in Shadows of the Crowd

The Human Trafficking Initiative (HTI) conducted the research through the Heider College of Business at Creighton University. HTI uses data science to collect, analyze and evaluate the scope of sex trafficking across the United States to identify effective policy solutions. HTI is supported by the Women’s Fund of Omaha and funded by The Sherwood Foundation.

Report: Lake Tahoe a Hot Spot for Sex Trafficking

Released in late 2016, the 4-page “Mapping Commercial Sex Advertising Around Reno, NV” study, was compiled by the Creighton University’s Human Trafficking Initiative and includes statistics gathered between April and September 2016 from listings in the Reno section of Backpage.com, a classified advertising website similar to Craigslist.

Report on Trafficking has “Shock Factor”

Findings of the “Nebraska’s Commercial Sex Market” report will be presented at a hearing Thursday on Legislative Bill 289, a measure introduced by Sen. Patty Pansing Bro

New Research Provides Important Information on Nebraska’s Commercial Sex Industry and Trafficking

Law enforcement and service agencies have known sex trafficking is a significant problem in Nebraska. But detailed research and information has been lacking, until now. Mike Tobias shares what Creighton University researchers have learned about the scope of the crime. It’s part of our special reporting project, “Sold for Sex.” Please note this story deals with subject matter of an adult nature.

Nonprofits, law enforcement and government fight sex trafficking in East Texas

Kirsta Melton, deputy criminal chief of the human trafficking and transnational organized crime unit at the Texas Attorney General’s Office, said sex trafficking is a problem statewide and is not confined to certain cities and areas.[…]Ms. Melton said a Creighton University study found that in a five-month period from November 2015 to March 2016, there were 10,000 unique sellers on one online website offering sex in Houston.