Trinidad and Tobago

Section 17 of the Sexual Offences Act of Trinidad and Tobago targets anyone who procures another person for prostitution or induces someone to frequent a brothel, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Sections 22–24 prolong these prohibitions to running brothels, profiting from someone’s prostitution, and facilitating prostitution-related activities. Each crime carries a maximum sentence of five years, with higher sentences possible under specific aggravated circumstances.

The Summary Offences Act includes provisions that protect the rights of children and women. Part 1 Section 5 states that assault or battery of a male child under 18 years of age, or of a woman, is an aggravated nature crime and can be punished by up to six months imprisonment rather than the three months proscribed for non-aggravated assault. Part 1 Section 45 states that the husband who refuses or neglects to provide support, by labor or other lawful means, to his wife or child may be deemed an idle and disorderly person and be liable for a fine and/or imprisonment of up to one month.

Any person who transports or conspires to transport another person, domestically or internationally, for the purpose of exploiting them for prostitution is liable for a fine and 12 years imprisonment. Such a person is liable for an additional 12 years imprisonment if that offense is aggravated by any of the following: transporting more than one person at the same time; permanent or life-threatening injury to the person transported; transporting of children; or transporting as part of an organized criminal group.

The Trafficking in Persons Act defines the trafficking offenses and outlines penalties. Sections 16 and 17 state that anyone who internationally exploits, recruits, transports, transfers, harbors, or receives persons by means of threat, force, abduction, fraud, abuse of power, or exchange of payment commits the offense of trafficking in persons. Such a conviction is punishable by a fine and imprisonment of no less than 15 years. Furthermore, inciting or organizing such trafficking offenses carries identical penalties.

In Sections 20 and 21, the Act outlines defenses and aggravated circumstances for trafficking crimes. Section 20 states that the alleged consent of the victim, or their age of consent for sex or marriage, is not a defense to the allegations. Further, it establishes that evidence of a victim’s past sexual behavior is inadmissible to prove that the victim engaged in other sexual behavior or their sexual predisposition.

The Act specifies the compensation and the State’s responsibility to the victims. The Act mandates offenders to offer compensation to the victims, drawn from any property seized under the statute. This compensation encompasses various domains, including medical expenses, temporary accommodation, childcare, lost wages, and legal charges. The Act also stipulates the State’s responsibilities in addressing trafficking crimes. It mandates the State to proactively identify and shield victims from potential threats or retaliation from traffickers.

The Trafficking in Persons Act establishes key bodies, including the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons and the Counter-Trafficking Unit to combat human trafficking. Sections 5 and 6 establish that the Task Force will be responsible for developing a national plan for preventing trafficking in persons and children, prosecuting offenders, and assisting victims. It is also responsible for coordinating and facilitating between different levels of government, international organizations, private sectors, and NGOs.