Beyond Physical Force Webinar (Part III): Proving Coercion in Human Trafficking Investigations
Beyond Physical Force Webinar (Part III): Proving Coercion in Human Trafficking Investigations
Beyond Physical Force Webinar (Part III): Proving Coercion in Human Trafficking Investigations
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET | REGISTER HERE
Join the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking for the third installment of its 2026 coercion webinar series. This specialized 90-minute webinar is designed for law enforcement officers and lawyers involved in investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases.
While force and fraud may be visible and readily documented, coercion can be more difficult to identify and prove because it often involves psychological control, manipulation, and implicit or intangible threats. In this session, an expert prosecutor, Special Agent, and Forensic Interview Specialist will share survivor-informed strategies for strengthening coercion-based cases.
Through expert insights and a compelling case study, participants will gain:
- An understanding of why coercion can be more challenging to prove than force or fraud in human trafficking prosecutions.
- Investigative and case-development strategies for identifying and documenting psychological control, manipulation, and threats.
- Practical lessons from an expert prosecutor and Special Agent on overcoming evidentiary obstacles in coercion-based cases.
- Interviewing techniques and listening skills from a Forensic Interview Specialist to support trauma-informed, effective case development.
- Knowledge of key indicators and evidence of coercion in victim statements, digital evidence, and other case materials.
- Strategies for strengthening coordination among investigators, prosecutors, and victim assistance professionals to support effective case outcomes.