Human trafficking in the CSRA: ‘It is happening here’
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Human trafficking is a problem that reaches every corner of the globe — even right here at home.
In Grovetown last week, police say a victim ran into the police department pleading for help.
Many neighbors told us they didn’t know what was going on until we told them about it.
HAPPENING TODAY:
- Tuesday is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The FBI will be releasing its latest report on the impact of Human Trafficking and the statistics involved.
Experts say many have this idea of human trafficking as someone getting taken by a stranger.
And while they say that is a concern, most victims are trafficked by someone they know.
“It happens across the board. And I think it is something that people are really not aware of – that it is happening here,” said Executive Director of Child Enrichment Kari Viola-Brooke.
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Experts say human trafficking touches every corner of the globe.
“We really need people to have these relationships with kids. So, if they do feel unsafe, they can talk about it,” said Viola-Brooke.
In Georgia, the average victim is a sixth- to eighth-grade girl, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Numbers from the National Human Trafficking Hotline show in 2021, 281 cases of human trafficking were identified in Georgia, and 1,065 victims were involved in these cases.
Child Enrichment says recently it’s seeing more gang trafficking and family trafficking.
“When I’m talking about gang-related trafficking, mostly, I’m talking about teenagers who run away, and they might get involved in gang life and then get involved in sex trafficking,” said Viola-Brooke. “Family trafficking would be more of where a parent is oftentimes selling their child for in exchange for drugs or money.”
In South Carolina, numbers show human trafficking is also a problem.
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Two grants are part of $2.8 million in money through the Drug-Free Communities Programs to empower communities to promote drug-free environments for Georgia’s youths.
In 2023, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reported opening 357 cases that included nearly 500 potential victims. Most they say were minors.
Among the counties with the highest cases, Aiken County is ranked number four with 24 cases in 2023.
“It’s everybody’s responsibility to protect kids and teenagers. So, it’s educating yourself and then taking action when we have concerns,” said Viola-Brooke.
Child Enrichment hosts training to educate people on the issue, and you can sign up if you’d like.
You can either visit their website or call to sign up.
If you are a victim or if you see someone else who might be, you can call 1-888-373-7888. You can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can get help in 200 languages.
You can also submit an online tip at humantraffickingonline.org.
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