In 2009, governments faced several challenges in assessing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts. Key issues included:

1. Data Collection: Many governments lacked comprehensive data on trafficking incidents, making it difficult to measure the success of interventions. Inconsistent reporting and definitions of trafficking hindered the ability to gather accurate statistics.

2. Coordination Among Agencies: Anti-trafficking efforts often involved multiple agencies at local, national, and international levels. Lack of coordination and communication among these entities complicated the assessment of overall effectiveness.

3. Resource Allocation: Limited resources and funding for anti-trafficking programs affected their implementation and evaluation. Many initiatives struggled to maintain consistent support, leading to gaps in services for victims.

4. Victim Identification: Difficulties in identifying victims of trafficking, particularly those who were unwilling or unable to come forward, posed a challenge in evaluating the success of support systems and legal frameworks.

5. Legal Frameworks: Variations in legal definitions and the criminalization of trafficking contributed to inconsistent enforcement and challenges in measuring outcomes across different jurisdictions.

6. Political Will: The commitment of political leaders to prioritize anti-trafficking efforts varied significantly, impacting the effectiveness of initiatives and the reliability of assessments.

These challenges highlighted the need for improved data collection methods, better inter-agency collaboration, and sustained political commitment to enhance the effectiveness of anti-trafficking measures.

For further detailed information, you can refer to reports by organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the U.S. Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report from that period.