January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, a professor of criminal justice and associate dean at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is highlighting her work to address human trafficking in Arkansas. As a member of the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council, she plays a vital role in shaping statewide efforts to combat this issue.
“I am honored to represent UA Little Rock on the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council,” said ten Bensel. “This initiative is critically important to our community, and I am committed to contributing to the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Arkansas. It is a meaningful opportunity to make a difference and support this vital cause.”
She was appointed to the council in 2023 for a five-year term. She is the only UA Little Rock faculty member serving on the council, whose mission includes developing victim-centered approaches to identify human trafficking victims, investigating and prosecuting sex and labor trafficking cases at all jurisdictional levels, and providing resources and services tailored to the needs of survivors.
“Human trafficking involves the illegal transportation or coercion of individuals to exploit their labor or services, often through forced labor or sexual exploitation. It is, in essence, modern-day slavery,” ten Bensel explained. “Through this council, our goals are to reduce trafficking across the state, enhance training for professionals who work with victims, and ensure improved protection and resources for survivors.”
Her extensive research background in violence, particularly violence against women and children, informs her work on the council.
“My research has always focused on understanding the challenges faced by victims and the support they need,” she said. “Serving on the council allows me to apply that knowledge to real-world solutions and help make a tangible difference in the lives of trafficking survivors.”
Ten Bensel co-chairs the council’s Training Subcommittee alongside Annie Smith, a professor of law and director of the Civil Litigation & Advocacy Clinic and Human Trafficking Clinic at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Together, they lead efforts to create standardized training across various fields, including law enforcement, victim services, survivor advocacy, legal assistance, and mental health services.
“Our subcommittee is also tasked with reviewing existing training resources to ensure accuracy and relevance, as well as providing updated training to groups in diverse sectors,” ten Bensel said.
With Arkansas’s location along the I-30 corridor, the state sees a significant amount of human trafficking activity. Ten Bensel emphasizes the importance of awareness as a key step in addressing the issue.
“Human trafficking is a significant issue in Arkansas, and the Arkansas State Police and other agencies are working tirelessly to identify and assist victims,” she said. “Raising awareness is one of the most effective steps we can take to combat human trafficking victimization. While crime will never disappear entirely, we can work to reduce it, but until then, we must continue to have these conversations and bring attention to this critical issue.”
