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resources, despite the labor they performed. In some cases, compensation for labor or services may be obtained through a successful court case. There are several additional financial resources available: Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) allows non-US citizens to utilize public assistance programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, and Social Security Income (SSI). Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program provides cash assistance for victims for up to eight months if they are found ineligible for TANF or SSI, but must participate in employment programs. Florida Crime Victim Compensation provides compensation for expenses related directly to crimes (including domestic violence and human trafficking) such as medical treatment, relocation assistance, wage loss, and some out-of-pocket expenses.19 Victims of trafficking may not have bank accounts or experience controlling their own finances. Advocates should be prepared to provide support and education related to financial literacy and economic justice as needed. 22 WORKING WITH SPECIFIC POPULATIONS This section provides advocates with information regarding working with human trafficking victims identified within specific populations or communities. While it separates people into individualistic categories, it is important to note that many victims of trafficking identify within two or more of these categories. This list is also not exhaustive, but focuses on the unique needs of some populations who may experience trafficking. Advocates should be prepared to work with any center participant as an individual with a unique identity, experience, personality, and background. VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING WHO ARE US CITIZENS Although much of the general public assumes that modern-day slavery only affects people who are not citizens of the US, it is important to note that US citizens can also be victims of both sex and labor trafficking in the US. A US citizen who has been the victim of trafficking may: Face stigma and prejudice from society Have no immediate access to identity documents or proof of residency Have underdeveloped life skills Have cognitive or physical disabilities Suffer from trauma Have chemical dependency Have criminal arrest records Be underage Have limited social support systems Victims who are citizens may be eligible for public assistance programs because they are victims of a federal or state crime US citizens who are victims of trafficking do not need to be certified by the US Department of Health and Human Services to receive any benefits. 22 23 A victim of trafficking who does not have legal documents could be eligible for immigration relief, including the T & U Visas, and the battered immigrant self-petitioning provision of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It is important that the advocate consults a qualified immigration attorney who can advise on the options available. VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING WHO ARE NON-US CITIZENS Individuals who have migrated from a foreign country may be particularly vulnerable to trafficking because they may have limited social networks, limited literacy and English proficiency, and/or may fear deportation. Similar to domestic violence batterers, traffickers may manipulate and distort beliefs held by the victims and may take advantage of cultural, linguistic, and immigration-related concerns as sources of power and control. Advocates should not make assumptions about the needs, backgrounds, and experiences of any victim and should facilitate open lines of communication in order to address concerns as they arise. Linguistic and cultural differences may pose additional challenges for the victim throughout the process. Victims of trafficking may not have supportive environments such as family, religious institutions, or community programs and may have difficulty adjusting to the unfamiliarity of available resources, such as the type of food. They may not have experience with various technologies and conveniences in shelter or in public. Victims of trafficking who were not born in the US require multi-faceted assistance, particularly if they choose to stay in the US. Victims may prefer to stay in the US for a number of reasons. They