One on One with Human Trafficking (HT) Lawyer Victor B. Williams

SOUTH FLORIDA “Trafficking in Florida continues to be a problem. Caribbean South Florida News met with world renowned and respected human trafficking (HT) advocate Victor B. Williams. He is the founder of Quest2freedom (Q2F), an anti-trafficking organization dedicated to combating the global challenges of human trafficking through a holistic approach to education, awareness and advocacy. Q2F addresses the cultural roots of human trafficking, which they believe is the root and perpetual source of the problem.

The organization provides support through training and identification of resources for all those affected. Q2F is also partnering with local communities, law enforcement, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to put an end to this nightmarish crime. Williams retired from law enforcement with over 34 years of experience at home and abroad.

We asked him some questions to help us understand what human trafficking is and how we can work as a community to end it.

Q: What is human trafficking (THB)?

A: The elements of HT are Strength, Fraud and Coercion. These elements are required for adults, but if you are under 18, these elements do not matter.

Q: What are the types of human trafficking?

A: Sex trafficking, labor trafficking, slavery/debt bondage and organ trafficking.

Q: How can we stop human trafficking?

A: Human trafficking must be stopped by addressing the culture and greed that goes along with it and perpetuating the problem today. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 gives us our HT laws.

Q: What are the three components of human trafficking?

A: The Three P’s: The State Department is finalizing the Trafficking in Persons Report, which ranks all countries on prevention, protection, and prosecution. There is a 4th P which is not part of the evaluation process, it is partnership because we all know that one organization solves this problem alone.

Q: Is misinformation about human trafficking a problem?

Answer: Disinformation is a serious problem. Yes, and that’s why we’re taking on cultural awareness and education on the subject. I grew up as a man in America, which has led to a lot of misinformation about women, relationships, and what it means to be a man. But as I learned about HT, it changed me a lot and made me want to eliminate my footprints in this space. If I can change based on the correct information I have received, everyone can change themselves and change the culture that perpetuates horrific crimes. Prevention of human trafficking forces all of us to care about the needs and rights of everyone in our communities.

For more information about Quest2Freedom visit:

If your state or city does not have a human trafficking hotline, report it to the national hotline operated by Polaris (Polaris Project) at 888 3737 888 or 233733 (Befree).

About Victor Williams

In 1991, Victor joined the US Customs Service, which later became the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In February 2011, Victor was appointed Special Agent of the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) in charge of the Anti-Trafficking Team in the Miami Office, and in 2012 he was appointed Coordinator of the South Florida Anti-Trafficking Task Force. until retirement on January 1, 2018. .

Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry, with more than 50 million victims worldwide. Victor believes that cultural awareness and education are the key to preventing and combating human trafficking. His organization’s platform includes training and empowering people through partnerships with civil society organizations, as well as presentations and workshops on human trafficking issues.

Victor’s passion stems from the belief that everyone can make a significant difference in the fight against HT by learning, spreading awareness about HT, advocating laws and policies, and supporting those affected.

After retiring, Victor was hired as a security consultant for the Atlanta Hawks basketball team and later appointed coordinator for the Georgia Anti-Trafficking Coalition, the state’s first law enforcement-based HT coalition to address all forms of HT in the state. .

He is President/Founder of VB Williams Consulting, LLC. and is Vice Chair of the Miami-Dade County Anti-Trafficking Coalition. As an instructor, facilitator and class coordinator, Victor has attended the International Law Enforcement Academies in Budapest, Hungary and Gaborone, Botswana. He has trained other international law enforcement officials on HT prevention, victim protection, prosecution of perpetrators, and partnerships with other anti-trafficking organizations.

Victor has also appeared before Bahamian, Jamaican and Vietnamese law enforcement and prosecutors. Trying to help build their HT programs. In addition, he has also represented police departments, universities, high schools, and other organizations throughout the United States.

He is an eight and a half year veteran of the US Coast Guard and received his bachelor’s degree from Barry University in Miami, Florida. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, watching good movies and spending time with his adult daughter.